SpaceX deepens ties with Airtel Africa in nine countries after May deal

Airtel’s satellite push with Starlink is gathering pace. SpaceX now has licences in nine out of 14 countries across Airtel Africa’s footprint, with the rest awaiting final approvals. The rollout follows their May 2025 partnership aimed at extending high-speed satellite internet to underserved and rural areas—places mobile networks often struggle to reach.

By combining Starlink’s low-orbit satellites with Airtel’s existing ground infrastructure, the duo is building out a hybrid network that could deliver internet to schools, health centres, and small businesses across the continent. The licensing progress signals how quickly the rollout is moving, and positions Airtel to tackle last-mile connectivity challenges head-on—an increasingly critical differentiator in the region’s telecom race.

South Africa, though, may take longer to get on board. The country’s telecom laws require 30% local ownership, a condition SpaceX is hoping to sidestep through training programs and local partnerships. Government is open to tweaks, but critics argue the approach risks weakening core transformation goals. Scientists are also raising red flags about possible interference with South Africa’s massive SKA radio telescope, calling for licensing safeguards to protect research frequencies.

Even with that complexity, Airtel is having a strong quarter. As of June 30, the group grew its customer base to 169.4 million and saw a 24.9% year-on-year revenue jump (in constant currency), hitting $1.4 billion. Mobile money use is also climbing fast, with a 35% increase in transaction value to $162 billion and user numbers reaching 45.8 million. With data consumption up over 47%, the Starlink rollout arrives at a time of accelerating demand in peri-urban and rural zones.

Airtel is also sharpening its internal operations. Following its July AGM, CFO Jaideep Paul stepped down, replaced by Kamal Dua. The board welcomed Cynthia Gordon as an independent director. These governance changes, alongside investment in 2,300 new sites and 2,700 km of fibre, reflect Airtel’s wider push to lock in its lead through scale, reach, and resilience.

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