Airtel Partners with Starlink for Connectivity Solutions in African Countries, Including Kenya

• Airtel Africa and Starlink announced a partnership to ease connectivity across Africa's remote areas
• The partnership is expected to give the Elon Musk-owned satellite internet market access to 14 African countries
• Airtel said the partnership is part of its commitment to ensure its customers are served with high-speed internet

Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX have announced a partnership to provide high-speed satellite internet across the continent.

Airtel, which offers connectivity in 14 African countries, including Kenya, becomes the first telecommunications company in the region to integrate satellite internet services.

The other countries where Airtel operates are Chad, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabon, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

In 2024, Kenya’s leading telco, Safaricom, raised concerns about the Elon Musk-owned satellite service, seeking regulatory protection from the government following Starlink’s disruptive market entry.

Starlink gained a 1.1% market share in Kenya.

Now, through its agreement with Airtel—the second-largest telecom provider in Kenya—Starlink aims to expand its reach, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Starlink is already operational in nine of the 14 countries covered by Airtel’s network.

Why Starlink partnered with Airtel

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership with SpaceX, highlighting the company’s mission to advance digital access across the continent.

“Our collaboration with SpaceX is an important milestone in our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships,” said Taldar in statement published on Monday, May 5.

Taldar noted that next-generation satellite connectivity will help provide reliable and affordable internet access to individuals, businesses, and communities, especially in remote regions.

He also mentioned that Airtel plans to explore expanded rural coverage through cellular backhauling.

The agreement also enables SpaceX to leverage Airtel’s terrestrial network infrastructure and operational capabilities throughout Africa.

Is Starlink open to more Telco partnerships?

Starlink’s Vice President of Business Operations, Chad Gibbs, welcomed the partnership, signalling openness to further collaborations with other major industry players in Africa.

“The Airtel team has played a vital role in the history of telecommunications in Africa. Collaborating with them to complement our direct offerings on the continent makes perfect sense for our company," said Gibbs.

“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets, and this agreement with Airtel illustrates how, once licensed, we look forward to partnering with key industry leaders to bring our services to as many people as possible,” he added.

Starlink Expands to the DRC

Meanwhile, Starlink secured a license to operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding another country to its growing African footprint.

This came months after Somalia approved Starlink’s operations.

The SpaceX subsidiary is also targeting expansion in Uganda—following a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni—and in Tanzania.

Currently, Starlink operates in several East African countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke