Vodacom Group partners with Starlink to expand high-speed connectivity

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

Vodacom Group has announced a landmark partnership with Starlink, the world’s largest satellite broadband provider, to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet across Africa, marking a major step toward closing the continent’s digital divide. The agreement will enable millions of people and businesses, particularly in rural and underserved regions, to access reliable broadband services.

The partnership will integrate Starlink’s satellite backhaul into Vodacom’s mobile network, improving network performance and extending coverage to remote schools, healthcare facilities, and communities. The initiative is expected to significantly boost access to digital services, education, and innovation across Africa.

Under the agreement, Vodacom will also be authorized to resell Starlink equipment and services to enterprise and small business customers, offering customized packages that reflect the affordability and needs of the African market. The partnership will serve key sectors such as mining, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, retail, and financial services, with solutions like backup internet, device-as-a-service, and branch network pooling.

Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub described the collaboration as a critical step in advancing the company’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand its customer base to 260 million and its financial services users to 120 million within five years. “We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet,” Joosub said. “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, highlighted the potential of the collaboration to expand the reach of satellite internet across the continent. “Starlink is already serving people, businesses, and organizations in 25 African countries,” he said. “By collaborating with Vodacom, we can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent.”

The partnership reinforces Vodacom’s position as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation and marks a milestone in the integration of space-based technology to advance universal connectivity.