Airtel Africa’s collaboration with SpaceX marks a major milestone in expanding digital access across the continent, as the telecommunications company partners with the satellite provider to extend Starlink’s reach to underserved regions.
Announced on April 6, the partnership will bring Starlink’s low-Earth orbit satellite internet services to communities, businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities across Airtel Africa’s 14-country network.
By integrating Starlink’s satellite technology, Airtel seeks to strengthen its broadband services and close the digital gap, especially in remote and rural areas where traditional connectivity infrastructure remains insufficient or nonexistent.
“We are committed to driving Africa’s digital economy forward, and our partnership with SpaceX is a key step in that direction,” stated Sunil Taldar, Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Africa.
“With cutting-edge satellite connectivity, we can ensure that individuals, businesses, and communities—even in the most isolated parts of Africa—have access to affordable and reliable voice and data services.”
The agreement enables Airtel Africa to utilize Starlink’s network to expand services, with a particular focus on enterprise solutions, education, and healthcare. Additionally, the partnership will explore satellite-based backhaul solutions, reinforcing Airtel’s capacity to provide connectivity in areas where conventional telecom infrastructure has faced challenges.
Starlink is already licensed in nine of Airtel’s 14 markets, while regulatory approvals are pending in the remaining five countries. This initiative is expected to enhance Airtel’s digital service offerings, equipping the company to meet a wide spectrum of consumer and business needs, including cloud-based applications, digital education, and telemedicine.
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, commented, “This partnership with Airtel complements our direct-to-consumer services in Africa and demonstrates our commitment to working with industry leaders to maximize the reach of satellite connectivity once fully licensed.”
The agreement builds on Airtel’s broader efforts to expand internet access across Africa and follows its 2022 distribution partnership with OneWeb, another satellite provider. Bharti Airtel, Airtel Africa’s parent company, is also an investor in OneWeb, having played a pivotal role in rescuing the satellite constellation from bankruptcy in 2020.
Airtel Africa operates in Uganda, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Zambia, positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation.a
