Airtel Africa Partners SpaceX to Launch Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellite Connectivity in Nigeria and 13 Other African Countries

Airtel Africa has announced a landmark partnership with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 African markets, including Nigeria, in a bold move aimed at bridging the digital divide and expanding mobile network coverage to underserved and remote regions. The announcement was made on Tuesday and marks a major step forward in Africa’s telecommunications landscape.

The collaboration will allow Airtel Africa to leverage Starlink’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to deliver mobile connectivity in areas where traditional network infrastructure such as mobile towers and fiber-optic cables are either unavailable or too costly to deploy. This initiative aligns with Airtel Africa’s broader mission to enhance digital inclusion and provide reliable communication services to millions of people across the continent.

At the heart of the partnership is Direct-to-Cell technology, an innovation that enables standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites without requiring any special hardware, software upgrades, or external antennas. This means users in remote villages, rural communities, highways, and hard-to-reach terrains will be able to access basic mobile services even in locations with no existing cellular coverage.

According to Airtel Africa, the commercial rollout is expected in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals in the respective countries. The initial phase of the service will focus on text messaging (SMS) and low-data applications, ensuring essential communication remains available during emergencies or in isolated areas. Over time, the service is expected to expand to include voice calls and broader data capabilities as the technology matures.

Speaking on the development, Airtel Africa highlighted that the partnership with SpaceX will significantly enhance network resilience and coverage, particularly in regions prone to connectivity challenges. By integrating satellite connectivity with its existing terrestrial networks, Airtel aims to provide seamless service continuity and reduce coverage gaps across its African footprint.

For Nigeria and other participating countries, this initiative could be transformative. Millions of people living in rural and remote areas often face limited or no access to mobile networks, restricting their ability to communicate, access digital services, or participate in the digital economy. With Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service, Airtel subscribers will be able to stay connected even beyond the reach of traditional base stations.

The partnership also supports Africa’s growing demand for reliable mobile connectivity, driven by increasing smartphone adoption, digital financial services, e-commerce, online education, and telemedicine. By extending coverage to underserved regions, Airtel Africa and SpaceX are helping unlock new economic and social opportunities for individuals and communities that have long been excluded from digital access.

SpaceX’s Starlink network, which already provides satellite internet services in several African countries, continues to expand rapidly. The Direct-to-Cell capability represents a new frontier for satellite communications, blurring the line between space-based and ground-based networks.

Airtel Africa emphasized that regulatory engagement is ongoing, and the company is working closely with governments and telecommunications authorities to ensure compliance with national policies and spectrum requirements. Once approvals are secured, the rollout will begin across Airtel’s 14 markets in Africa.

As the 2026 launch approaches, this partnership positions Airtel Africa as a key player in next-generation connectivity, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, inclusion, and sustainable digital growth across the continent.