The race for Africa’s satellite internet market is intensifying as Abu Dhabi-based Space42 moves to raise new funds for its expansion, directly challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink, which already operates in 18 African countries.
Backed by sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, Space42 is holding talks with partners including Microsoft, Esri, and the African Union Development Agency to deepen its African footprint. CEO Hasan Al Hosani confirmed the company is already connecting schools and clinics in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
While Starlink enjoys a first-mover advantage with 8,000 low-earth orbit satellites, Space42 operates just eight but plans to launch three more this year. Its strategy leans heavily on local partnerships and infrastructure mapping projects with global tech firms.
Hosani highlighted Africa’s digital potential:
“The continent has a young, growing population and vast areas underserved by terrestrial networks. With the right partnerships, satellite broadband can transform lives.”
Analysts warn that Africa’s complex patchwork of regulations across 54 countries could slow adoption. But with demand for internet access booming, the fight between Starlink and Space42 could reshape the continent’s connectivity landscape.
