DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  — Airtel Africa and SpaceX have announced a strategic agreement to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to Airtel Africa’s customers across the continent, the companies said Monday. The deal will see Airtel Africa leverage Starlink’s satellite technology to enhance connectivity for businesses, enterprises, and underserved communities in its 14 operating countries.

SpaceX has already secured the necessary licenses in nine of these markets, with regulatory approvals pending in the remaining five. The partnership aims to augment Airtel Africa’s existing next-generation satellite offerings and explore the use of Starlink for expanding rural mobile network coverage through cellular backhauling.

Sunil Taldar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, highlighted the significance of the agreement. “This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships,” Taldar said. “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.”

Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, also expressed enthusiasm. “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways,” Gibbs said. “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 collaboration will also explore further opportunities for digital inclusion across Africa, including potential integration of SpaceX’s technology with Airtel’s existing ground network infrastructure.

This agreement marks a significant move by Airtel Africa to strengthen its connectivity solutions and by SpaceX to expand its reach across the African continent through a key partnership with a major regional telecommunications provider.