Safaricom Stakeholder Vodacom Strikes Starlink Deal to Expand African Connectivity
Vodacom Group has announced a strategic partnership with Starlink aimed at delivering high-speed, low-latency internet to underserved regions across Africa.
According to Vodacom, the collaboration is a critical step in bridging the digital divide and unlocking opportunities for economic growth, education, and innovation across the continent.
Under the agreement, Vodacom will leverage Starlink’s satellite backhaul to extend its mobile network and enhance connectivity in remote areas, targeting schools, health centers, and communities long plagued by poor internet access.
The partnership also allows Vodacom to sell Starlink equipment and services to businesses of all sizes across Africa, with offerings tailored to local needs and affordability.
The move forms part of Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to reach 260 million customers and 120 million financial-services users within the next five years.
By combining satellite technology with its existing 4G, 5G, fiber, MPLS, microwave, and GEO satellite networks, Vodacom says it will create a reliable hybrid system with broader coverage. Starlink’s high-performance internet is expected to complement the company’s existing suite of services.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet,” said Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub. “Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, unlocking new possibilities for the unconnected.”
Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Operations at SpaceX, added: “Starlink already serves people, businesses, and organizations in 25 African countries. By partnering with Vodacom, we can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent.”
The agreement could also pave the way for a similar collaboration between Vodacom-owned Safaricom and Starlink in Kenya — a development long rumored since Starlink entered the market. For now, the details remain to be seen.
