In a move to address persistent internet gaps across rural communities in Africa, Airtel Africa and SpaceX Starlink forged a new partnership to make high-speed internet services accessible to their customers by expanding satellite internet to rural and semi-urban communities across the continent, thereby transforming how startups, SMEs, and communities connect and grow.

The Airtel Africa Starlink partnership deployment will initially roll out in nine of the fourteen Airtel’s operating countries where Starlink has its license. The countries are; Nigeria, Kenya, Niger, Chad, Madagascar, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The collaboration is intended to allow Airtel Africa to integrate Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology into its service offerings, expanding coverage across the continent while opening up opportunities for SpaceX to utilise Airtel’s existing ground infrastructure, including its terrestrial networks and technical capabilities across the continent, making it a win-win for both parties involved.

Large parts of Africa have always lacked reliable internet due to the high cost of infrastructure and poor telecom networks, especially in rural areas. As of the end of 2024, only 38% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa had access to the internet, compared to a global average of 60%. For startups and SMEs in major cities, expanding their businesses beyond city limits has always been challenged by internet issues. However, the Airtel Africa Starlink partnership offers a promising solution, enabling businesses to extend their digital reach and tap into new markets.

Starlink, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet to users all over the world. Starlink, since its inception, has been reshaping the way we connect and communicate.

Unlike traditional telecoms that rely on fibre cables or mobile towers, Starlink’s satellite internet supplies high-speed connectivity directly to remote areas—places considered too expensive or difficult to serve. This partnership signals that mobile operators would no longer see satellite players as rivals but as an opportunity to collaborate and expand coverage.

The Airtel Africa Starlink partnership could unlock access to new customers, tools and revenue streams for startups regardless of their location. For Nigerian founders, it may finally reduce the pressure to relocate to Lagos, a city often seen as overcrowded, overpriced, and burdened with high business costs and relentless traffic.

Currently, Starlink remains expensive for most small SMEs, costing roughly $100 monthly plus a one-time hardware cost of about $658, way more than the traditional internet options, which would make most SMEs go for the cheaper alternatives. But with the Airtel Africa Starlink partnership, they may soon enjoy the best of both worlds—affordability and high-speed connectivity.

Airtel Africa MD and chief executive officer Sunil Taldar said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This Airtel Africa Starlink partnership is a significant step in demonstrating our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships. 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 underserved parts of Africa.”

With reliable internet, fintech companies can expand their network to reach small businesses and individuals in rural communities, taking a cue from M-Pesa. Agritech innovators can connect directly to their customer base right from their farms, aiding a faster B2B and B2C network, and health techs can better serve communities by offering remote services to under-connected regions.

This Airtel Africa Starlink partnership is a bold step toward universal internet access in Africa. If executed well, it could revolutionise internet connectivity and the digital economy as a whole by helping our African SMEs scale operations and serve millions who were previously unreached.