diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 716b487..fc5f56d 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ jobs:
         run: rebar3 eunit
 
       - name: ct
-        run: rebar3 ct
+        run: epmd -daemon && rebar3 ct
 
       - name: dialyzer
         run: rebar3 dialyzer
diff --git a/test/split_dc_SUITE.erl b/test/split_dc_SUITE.erl
index 774cf47..72148a0 100644
--- a/test/split_dc_SUITE.erl
+++ b/test/split_dc_SUITE.erl
@@ -38,7 +38,9 @@ init_per_suite(Cfg) ->
     {ok, _} = application:ensure_all_started(inets),
     {ok, _} = application:ensure_all_started(ranch),
     %% peer:start_link requires the current node to be distributed.
-    %% Start distribution if rebar3 ct didn't already do so.
+    %% Start EPMD daemon first (no-op if already running), then enable
+    %% distribution if rebar3 ct didn't already do so.
+    os:cmd("epmd -daemon"),
     Distributed =
         case net_kernel:start([split_dc_test, shortnames]) of
             {ok, _}                       -> true;