Vodacom Group and Starlink Partners to Transform Connectivity Across Africa

Vodacom Group has announced an agreement with Starlink, the world’s largest satellite broadband provider, to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet services to millions of businesses and communities across Africa. The partnership represents a major stride toward bridging the continent’s digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth, education, and innovation.

Transformative Impact

1. Connecting the Unconnected: By integrating Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite backhaul into Vodacom’s terrestrial mobile network, the collaboration will significantly expand rural coverage and enhance network reliability. This initiative will extend robust connectivity to underserved schools, health centres, and remote communities, empowering millions with access to critical digital services and information.
2. Enterprise Solutions: Under the agreement, Vodacom will be authorised to resell Starlink equipment and broadband services to enterprise and small-business customers across Africa. This structure allows Vodacom to design localised service packages tailored to regional needs and affordability levels, enhancing access for organisations in both urban and rural markets.
3. Industry-Focused Offerings: Building on insights from clients in mining, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, retail, and financial services, Vodacom has developed a suite of integrated products leveraging both terrestrial and space-based connectivity. These include:
   • Pay-as-you-use backup internet
   • 100% unbreakable internet solutions for mission-critical operations
   • Device-as-a-service offerings
   • Branch network pooling for distributed enterprises
4. Complementary to Existing Infrastructure: Vodacom currently provides extensive 4G, 5G, fibre, MPLS, microwave, and GEO satellite coverage across its African markets. The addition of Starlink’s high-performance satellite internet strengthens this portfolio, positioning Vodacom to deliver seamless connectivity across all environments, from dense urban centres to remote regions.

Strategic Vision

The agreement supports Vodacom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which targets expanding its customer base to 260 million and financial services users to 120 million within five years. By incorporating Starlink as a complementary connectivity layer, Vodacom moves closer to achieving universal coverage and reinforces its commitment to connecting every African to a better digital future.

Commenting on the collaboration, Shameel Joosub, Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Group, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with Starlink, a move that accelerates our mission to connect every African to the internet. Low-Earth-orbit satellite technology will help bridge the digital divide where traditional infrastructure is not feasible, and this partnership will unlock new possibilities for the unconnected.”

Chad Gibbs, Vice President of Starlink Operations at SpaceX, added: “Starlink is already serving people, businesses, and organisations in 25 African countries. By collaborating with Vodacom, Starlink can deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity to even more customers, transforming lives and communities across the continent.”