Tech entrepreneur and investor, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, hails the deal as a bold, pragmatic move to bridge Africa’s digital divide.
Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark development that could reshape internet connectivity across the continent, Airtel Africa has signed a strategic agreement with SpaceX, the company founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk, to deploy Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet in its 14 operational markets across Africa.
The deal is seen as a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Africa, particularly in rural and underserved regions where traditional infrastructure has struggled to provide reliable service.
Describing the move as a “new era for Airtel Africa,” renowned Nigerian professor, entrepreneur, and investor Ndubuisi Ekekwe praised the initiative as a pragmatic business model.
“If terrestrial infrastructure is going to be disintermediated by satellite technology, the best defense is to partner with the satellite. Airtel has made a bold and strategic case by aligning with Starlink,” he noted.
Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, emphasized the importance of satellite technology in closing Africa’s connectivity gap, stating:
“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.”
Ekekwe also highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s strong local talent, singling out Deus Uche Osuji, a fellow alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and Airtel Nigeria’s Vice President and Head of Operations.
“With Uche on the ground, we expect significant enhancements in network quality and operational efficiency. Airtel Nigeria is in very capable hands,” he said.
In a personal gesture of support, Ekekwe also announced he would sponsor satellite broadband access in two schools in his hometown — Ovim Community School and Secondary Technical School Ovim — to enhance teaching and learning outcomes through improved internet connectivity.
“As Airtel rolls out Starlink in Nigeria, I urge them to include these two schools as pilot clients. I will cover the cost of broadband services for both institutions,” he added.
The Airtel-Starlink partnership is widely expected to boost digital transformation across the continent, offering hope for millions who remain disconnected from the digital economy.
