Amazon has announced its first satellite internet agreement in Africa, marking a major expansion of its global broadband ambitions with a new partnership in South Africa.
The technology giant revealed it will work with South African internet service provider Herotel to introduce satellite-based internet services, opening the door to improved connectivity for millions of people across the country.
First African Deal Signals Broader Continental Expansion
The agreement represents Amazon’s debut satellite internet venture on the African continent, with South Africa becoming the starting point for what the company says will be a wider regional rollout.
While Amazon did not disclose the financial terms of the partnership, it confirmed that the project forms part of a long-term strategy to expand satellite connectivity across Africa, where access to reliable internet remains limited in many rural and underserved communities.
Government Throws Support Behind the Initiative
South Africa’s government welcomed the announcement, with Communications Minister Solly Malatsi joining executives from Amazon and Herotel during the unveiling of the partnership.
The government’s backing highlights its interest in expanding broadband infrastructure while increasing digital access for citizens, particularly in areas where traditional fixed-line internet services remain unavailable or unreliable.
Deal Comes as Starlink Remains Locked Out
Amazon’s move comes against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute involving Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, which has yet to launch services in South Africa.
Musk, who was born in South Africa, has repeatedly criticized the country’s licensing requirements, arguing that they have prevented Starlink from entering the market.
He has claimed the regulations discriminate against him because he is white and has accused the government of unfair treatment.
Licensing Rules at the Heart of the Dispute
South African communications laws require foreign companies seeking licenses in certain sectors to include Black or other historically disadvantaged South Africans as minority shareholders in their local operations.
The policy is part of the country’s Black Economic Empowerment framework, introduced to address decades of inequality created under apartheid, when economic opportunities were largely reserved for the white minority.
While South African authorities have defended the regulations as essential to promoting economic inclusion, Musk has declined to restructure Starlink’s ownership to comply with the licensing rules.
Amazon Builds Momentum in the Satellite Race
Amazon only entered the satellite internet market recently, launching its first batch of low-Earth orbit satellites last year.
The company says it now operates more than 390 satellites and continues to expand its network as it competes with established players in the rapidly growing space-based internet industry.
Its satellite service, now known as Amazon Leo after previously operating under the Project Kuiper name, has already secured launch agreements in countries including Australia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay.
Starlink Maintains a Significant Global Lead
Despite Amazon’s growing ambitions, Starlink remains the dominant force in satellite internet.
Since launching its first operational satellites in 2019, the SpaceX-owned service has expanded to more than 10,000 satellites in orbit and now provides internet access in over 160 countries.
Across Africa, Starlink has already launched services in roughly two dozen nations, although South Africa remains one of the notable exceptions because of the unresolved licensing dispute.
Africa Seen as the Next Major Growth Market
With a population exceeding 1.5 billion people, Africa represents one of the world’s largest untapped markets for satellite internet providers.
Many communities across the continent still lack dependable broadband infrastructure, making satellite technology an attractive solution for connecting remote villages, schools, businesses and healthcare facilities.
As part of its wider African strategy, Amazon also announced plans to collaborate with Vanu Inc., a Massachusetts-based company that specializes in expanding mobile internet access in developing countries, underscoring its intention to establish a broader presence across the continent in the years ahead.
