• Airtel Africa and SpaceX are partnering to bring Starlink's high-speed internet to underserved African communities.
• SpaceX has secured licenses in 9 of Airtel Africa's 14 operating countries, with the remaining licenses pending.
• The partnership aims to improve digital inclusion and explore leveraging Airtel Africa's infrastructure for further expansion.

Airtel Africa and SpaceX have announced a strategic partnership to deliver Starlink's high-speed satellite internet services to customers throughout Africa. This collaboration is designed to enhance digital connectivity for individuals, businesses, and particularly underserved communities in remote and rural regions. The partnership will allow Airtel Africa to expand its next-generation satellite internet offerings and explore network coverage through cellular backhauling. Both companies are also exploring opportunities to leverage Airtel Africa's infrastructure for wider internet access.

• What: Airtel Africa and SpaceX are partnering to provide Starlink high-speed internet services to customers across Africa, focusing on improving digital connectivity for underserved communities.
• Who: Airtel Africa, SpaceX, Sunil Taldar (Airtel Africa MD and CEO), Chad Gibbs (SpaceX VP of Starlink Business Operations).
• When: Partnership announced recently; SpaceX has operating licenses in 9 of 14 Airtel Africa countries.
• Where: Africa, specifically the 14 countries where Airtel Africa operates.

The partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX is a significant step towards improving digital inclusion in Africa. By leveraging Starlink's satellite internet technology, Airtel Africa can reach remote and underserved communities that have traditionally been difficult to connect. The collaboration also presents opportunities for both companies to expand their reach and explore innovative solutions for delivering internet access. The fact that SpaceX already has licenses in more than 20 African markets shows their commitment to the continent.

We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate 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 under-served parts of Africa.

We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways. Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets, and 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 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.

The partnership between Airtel Africa and SpaceX to deliver Starlink internet services represents a significant effort to bridge the digital divide in Africa. With SpaceX securing operating licenses in several key countries and plans to leverage Airtel Africa's existing infrastructure, the collaboration has the potential to bring reliable and affordable internet access to underserved communities across the continent. This initiative is a crucial step towards advancing Africa's digital economy and promoting broader digital inclusion.