Dubai, May 6 (UNI) Telecom major Airtel Africa on Tuesday announced a strategic agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services to its customers across Africa.

The partnership aims to boost digital inclusion and expand connectivity to enterprises, institutions, and rural communities, with Starlink services to be offered in areas currently underserved by traditional networks.

According to Airtel Africa, SpaceX has secured operating licences in nine of the 14 countries in which Airtel operates, while regulatory approvals for the remaining five nations are underway.

"This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships," said Airtel Africa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar. He said the collaboration would enable reliable and affordable voice and data services in even the remotest regions.

Airtel Africa also plans to utilise Starlink’s satellite connectivity for cellular backhauling to extend rural coverage. The two companies will further explore joint opportunities to enhance digital infrastructure across the continent.

Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Business Operations at SpaceX, said the agreement would support efforts to connect more Africans to the internet through cooperation with an established telecom operator. "The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business," he noted.

Starlink is already available in more than 20 African markets and operates the world’s largest low-Earth orbit satellite broadband system, capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.

Airtel Africa provides telecommunications and mobile money services to over 156 million users across 14 sub-Saharan African countries.

UNI BDN CS