Airtel Africa has signed a partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s satellite internet services across its African markets, aiming to boost connectivity in remote and underserved areas.
The agreement will see Airtel integrate Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology into its service offerings, providing broader coverage and improved internet resilience.
SpaceX has already secured operational licences in nine of the 14 countries where Airtel operates, with regulatory processes ongoing in the remaining five.
According to Airtel, the partnership will support enterprises, small businesses, schools, and health centres, especially in regions with limited access to traditional internet infrastructure.
It will also allow Airtel to expand rural coverage by using satellite links for cellular backhaul.
The companies also plan to explore further collaboration opportunities, including leveraging Airtel’s existing ground infrastructure and technical capabilities to support Starlink’s operations across the continent.
This move is part of a growing trend in Africa where telecom operators are teaming up with satellite providers to improve internet access.
MTN South Africa recently partnered with Lynk Global to test satellite-to-mobile connectivity, while other operators like Vodafone and Safaricom are exploring similar partnerships.
Starlink is currently active in 22 African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo as its latest addition.
However, its expansion has drawn criticism from local operators who argue that Starlink bypasses investments in local infrastructure, creating an uneven playing field.
Despite concerns, the Airtel-SpaceX partnership highlights increasing momentum toward expanding digital inclusion in Africa through strategic satellite connectivity initiatives.
