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Airtel Africa has announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to deliver Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet across multiple countries in Africa.
The collaboration aims to bridge the continent’s deep digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities where traditional infrastructure has failed to deliver reliable internet access.
The rollout will initially target nine countries—Nigeria, Chad, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Madagascar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—where internet connectivity remains sparse or inconsistent. These nations represent a significant portion of the continent’s unconnected population, with nearly 600 million Africans still lacking internet access as of 2025.
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Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is currently licensed to operate in nine of the 14 countries where Airtel Africa operates.
The move significantly enhances Airtel’s ability to deliver internet services to its 163.1 million subscribers, especially in remote regions. Starlink, which currently serves around 237,000 African users, will expand its footprint through Airtel’s extensive presence and customer base.
The partnership leverages the strengths of both companies: Airtel’s robust market reach and ground infrastructure and Starlink’s constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, known for delivering fast, low-latency internet. For millions who have long struggled with weak or non-existent connectivity, this union promises a step change in access to digital services.
A key aspect of the deal is the use of Starlink technology for backhauling Airtel’s mobile network, allowing the company to expand coverage in regions previously inaccessible due to terrain or cost limitations. The service will also bolster Airtel’s enterprise offerings, connecting schools, hospitals, agricultural centres, and small businesses with reliable internet essential for modern services and innovation.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar described the agreement as a breakthrough for digital inclusion, saying, “Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently underserved parts of Africa.”
The collaboration signals a shift toward more integrated models of connectivity in Africa, combining satellite, cellular, and broadband services to reach even the most isolated regions. It also escalates competition among major telecom players, as companies like MTN and Orange may now face pressure to adopt similar satellite partnerships to expand their reach.
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, noted that the partnership was a natural fit: “The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”
The deal not only expands access to the internet but also paves the way for further collaboration between Airtel and SpaceX, potentially transforming how digital services are delivered across the continent.
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