The race to connect Africa’s remote regions is intensifying as global titans like Starlink, SES, and Amazon battle for dominance in the satellite internet market. In a recent industry update, SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh admitted that traditional firms struggle to compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which benefits from unparalleled access to capital. Meanwhile, Amazon is entering the fray through partnerships and acquisitions, signaling a rapidly expanding market. While satellite technology could unlock major gains, including improved agriculture through smarter water and pesticide use, as well as resource mapping, significant barriers remain. High device costs continue to keep millions offline, even where coverage exists. As the space economy grows, the key question is whether this surge in innovation will truly translate into widespread, affordable access across the continent.
Semafor
