To deploy Starlink in rural areas, Airtel Africa, SpaceX in deal
Airtel Nigeria
To deploy Starlink in rural areas, Airtel Africa, SpaceX in deal
Airtel Africa has sealed a deal with SpaceX to roll out Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet across nine of its 14 African markets.
The move is to supercharge connectivity in rural areas, the operator said in a statement on Monday.
The partnership will see Airtel Africa integrate Starlink’s satellite tech to enhance its offerings, targeting enterprises, health centres, and underserved regions.
SpaceX has secured operating licences in nine countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, with applications pending for the remaining five.
Airtel Africa will leverage Starlink’s low-earth-orbit satellite technology alongside its ground infrastructure to bridge the continent’s digital divide.
“This collaboration is a game-changer for digital inclusion,” Airtel Africa said, signalling plans to explore further synergies with SpaceX.
The duo will look at ways Starlink can tap Airtel’s local infrastructure to streamline its African expansion.
Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar said, “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa.
“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 has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently underserved parts of Africa.”
SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations, Chad Gibbs, said, “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.
“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets, and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence.
“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 initiative targets Airtel’s 163 million customers across markets like Nigeria, where Starlink first launched, and others like Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Cape Verde, where demand for reliable internet in education, healthcare, and commerce is surging.
