Airtel Africa supports next generation advancement, with SpaceX

Airtel Africa, on Monday, May 5, 2025, announced their partnership with SpaceX to support the advancement of next-generation satellite connectivity across Africa.

This collaboration is supposedly designed to augment high speed connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and underserved socio-economic communities.

This partnership is said to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to customers across Africa.

According to media sources, this collaboration aims to expand digital access, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach regions, bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion.

Currently, Space X has acquired requisite licenses in Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Niger, Madagascar, DRC and Chad, with licensing processes underway in five additional countries within our footprint.

While making the announcement public, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar commented:

“We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa.

“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 and currently under-served parts of Africa.”

On his part, SpaceX Vice President of Starlink business operations Chad Gibbs said:

“We’re very excited to work with Airtel Africa 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 Africa 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.”

Airtel Africa and SpaceX plan to work together to integrate Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology into Airtel’s service offerings, enhancing connectivity for enterprises, small businesses, and socio-economic institutions like schools and health centres.

Airtel Africa says it aims to leverage this collaboration to explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhaul supported by satellite links, while SpaceX will utilize Airtel’s existing ground infrastructure to streamline its African expansion.

Analysts say this partnership reflects the evolving landscape of Satelliet connectivity in Africa, where publica and private actors are forming strategic alliances to accelerate universal access and integrate space-enabled technologies into national development priorities.

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