Airtel Africa and Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture under SpaceX, have struck a deal to deliver affordable internet services across 14 African markets, including Uganda.
The development follows a recent announcement by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who said he had a “productive meeting” with representatives from Starlink. The company is preparing to launch operations in Uganda, signaling a potential shift in the country’s telecom landscape.
Ugandan internet users have long expressed frustration over high costs and unreliable service—issues often attributed to limited market competition. Although Starlink has not yet confirmed regulatory approval from the Uganda Communications Commission, its growing regional presence suggests a competitive disruption may be imminent.
Through the partnership, Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency internet will be integrated into Airtel Africa’s service offerings. Starlink has already secured regulatory licenses in nine of the countries where Airtel Africa operates, with applications still pending in the remaining five.
The deal underscores the growing importance of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks in expanding connectivity to underserved regions where traditional infrastructure is either prohibitively expensive or technically challenging.
“Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity—even in the most remote parts of Africa,” said Sunil Taldar, Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Africa.
