Safaricom, Starlink sign deal to boost internet access across Africa

Vodacom and Starlink executives during the signing of deal to expand broadband access across Africa/HANDOUT

American businessman Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, has signed a deal with Safaricom’s parent company, Vodacom Group, to expand high-speed broadband access and strengthen rural network coverage across Africa.

The deal, announced on November 12, aims to accelerate digital inclusion and support economic growth on the continent.

The partnership will integrate Starlink’s satellite backhaul into Vodacom’s mobile network. It is expected to improve performance in underserved regions and extend connectivity to remote schools, health centres and communities.

The companies say the move will help millions access digital services that remain out of reach due to weak or nonexistent infrastructure.

Vodacom will also become an authorised reseller of Starlink equipment and services for enterprise and small-business clients.

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub welcomed the partnership, saying the collaboration will accelerate efforts to connect every African to the internet.

"We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet. Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities for the unconnected," he said.

The company plans to tailor its packages to suit the affordability needs of different African markets.

The partnership will support a wide range of industries. Vodacom says it has developed products informed by client needs in mining, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, retail and financial services. These include pay-as-you-use backup internet, “unbreakable” internet options, device-as-a-service models and branch network pooling.

The company expects Starlink to complement its existing 4G, 5G, fibre, microwave and satellite infrastructure. It describes the new collaboration as a key addition to its portfolio of customer-centric solutions.

The agreement fits into Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy. The operator hopes to grow its customer base to 260 million within five years and increase financial services users to 120 million. The deal brings Vodacom closer to universal coverage across its markets.

Chad Gibbs, Starlink’s vice president for operations, said the company already serves customers in 25 African countries. He said working with Vodacom will bring reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more people and businesses.

"Starlink is already serving people, businesses and organizations in 25 African countries. By collaborating with Vodacom, Starlink can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent," he said.

The deal is expected to reshape broadband access, especially in rural and remote areas.

The signing comes months after Safaricom initially opposed Starlink’s entry into the Kenyan market. The telecommunications company wrote to the Communications Authority of Kenya’s director-general in July 2024 to express concerns about granting independent licences to satellite internet providers.

It called on the Communications Authority to consider requiring satellite providers to operate as infrastructure providers to mobile network operators like Safaricom.

The company would later announce that it was open to a partnership with Starlink and that discussions were ongoing.

"From a satellite perspective, we have to partner with Starlink or other satellite providers in the future to make sure that the technology plays right through," Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said in an interview with Bloomberg in New York.

"We have had some discussions, and we will continue to have those discussions to the extent that they complement what we are offering."

Starlink was introduced into the Kenyan market in July 2023. It offers high-speed connectivity and coverage in remote areas where local internet service providers may not reach.

Powered by SpaceX, Starlink uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver high-speed internet with low latency, making it ideal for rural and underserved regions.