Safaricom’s parent company, Vodacom Group, has partnered with Elon Musk’s Starlink to expand high-speed broadband access and enhance rural network coverage across Africa. The deal, announced on November 12, aims to improve digital inclusion and drive economic growth across the continent.
Under the agreement, Starlink’s satellite backhaul will integrate with Vodacom’s mobile network, boosting connectivity in underserved areas. The collaboration will extend internet access to remote schools, health centers, and communities, helping millions access digital services previously out of reach due to limited infrastructure.
Vodacom will also become an authorized reseller of Starlink equipment and services for enterprise and small-business clients. This move will offer flexible solutions, including pay-as-you-use backup internet, “unbreakable” connectivity options, device-as-a-service models, and branch network pooling. The partnership is expected to complement Vodacom’s existing 4G, 5G, fiber, microwave, and satellite infrastructure.
Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, described the collaboration as a key step toward connecting every African to the internet. “Low Earth orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible,” he said, emphasizing that the company plans to offer packages tailored to the affordability needs of different African markets.
Starlink’s VP of operations, Chad Gibbs, noted that the company already serves customers in 25 African countries and expects the partnership with Vodacom to extend reliable, high-speed connectivity to more people and businesses, transforming communities across the continent.
The deal follows initial resistance from Safaricom toward Starlink’s entry into Kenya. The company previously urged the Communications Authority of Kenya to require satellite providers to work with mobile operators. Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa later confirmed that partnerships with Starlink are now ongoing to complement the company’s existing services.
Launched in Kenya in July 2023, Starlink delivers high-speed internet via low Earth orbit satellites, offering low-latency connectivity ideal for rural and underserved regions. This new partnership is set to reshape broadband access across Africa, particularly in remote areas, while supporting Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand its customer base to 260 million and grow financial services users to 120 million.
