In a strategic move to boost digital inclusion, telecoms giant Airtel Africa has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services across the continent, 9am News reports.
Airtel confirmed that SpaceX has already secured operating licenses in 9 of the 14 African countries where Airtel operates, while licensing processes for the remaining five countries are currently underway.
The collaboration is set to integrate Starlink’s satellite technology with Airtel Africa’s existing infrastructure, extending internet access to rural and underserved communities. This includes providing reliable connectivity to schools, health centres, and small businesses that have long been left behind in the digital economy.
The partnership will also leverage satellite backhaul technology to strengthen mobile network coverage in remote and hard-to-reach locations, enhancing Airtel’s service delivery.
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:
“This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity—even in the most remote parts of Africa.”
Chad Gibbs, SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, added:
“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.”
For SpaceX, this partnership provides access to Airtel’s expansive ground infrastructure, enabling Starlink to scale faster and support Africa’s broader digital transformation goals.
Starlink is already operational in over 20 African markets, and this deal deepens collaboration between the two companies to accelerate digital inclusion and economic empowerment across the continent.
Industry watchers note that mobile network operators, once seen as direct competitors to satellite internet providers, are increasingly turning to strategic partnerships. In markets like Nigeria, where Starlink’s growing popularity has disrupted traditional ISPs and MNOs, these collaborations are viewed as a way to stay competitive and expand reach.
Notably, MTN Group last year announced ongoing talks with several satellite service providers, including Starlink, for enterprise-grade trials in Rwanda and Nigeria. MTN is also planning direct-to-cell trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana, while advancing discussions with AST SpaceMobile and Eutelsat OneWeb for further pilots across its markets.
The Airtel-SpaceX partnership marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s connectivity drive, promising reliable, high-speed internet access for millions of people and businesses who have traditionally been left offline.
As more operators seek partnerships with satellite providers, Africa’s digital transformation is poised to accelerate closing the connectivity gap and driving new opportunities across the continent.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
