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| Space42 |
Abu Dhabi-based satellite company Space42 is preparing to expand its footprint across Africa as it aims to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink, which currently holds a strong presence in Nigeria and 17 other African countries.
Backed by Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, Space42 is in early discussions with partners including the African Union Development Agency, Microsoft, mapping firm Esri, and other investors to scale its operations across the continent.
Early Initiatives and Satellite Plans
CEO Hasan Al Hosani revealed that Space42 has already begun connecting schools and clinics in South Africa and Zimbabwe, highlighting the company’s commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide. The firm plans to launch three additional satellites this year, expanding its current constellation of eight to enhance coverage and capacity.
Competing with Starlink
While Starlink maintains a substantial lead with over 8,000 satellites in orbit, Space42 is betting on strategic partnerships and localized solutions to close the gap. Al Hosani emphasized that success in Africa requires collaboration with both governments and private sector players. “There’s a lot of work that needs to happen locally within each country, within each nation,” he said.
Africa’s youthful and rapidly growing population makes it an attractive market for satellite internet providers, though the continent’s regulatory diversity across 54 countries presents a complex challenge for expansion.
Nigeria: A Key Battleground
Nigeria is expected to be a critical market in the satellite internet race. Since gaining regulatory approval in 2022, Starlink has quickly become Nigeria’s second-largest ISP, recording 59,509 subscribers in Q1 2025 despite premium pricing. Its rapid growth underscores the high demand for reliable connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved regions where traditional telecom providers still struggle.
Space42 sees an opportunity to capitalize on this demand by offering affordable, reliable internet services while leveraging local partnerships to navigate regulatory hurdles and infrastructure challenges.
The Future of Satellite Connectivity in Africa
As Space42 prepares to expand, Africa could see a new era of satellite-based internet services, increasing competition, improving service quality, and potentially lowering costs for consumers. The company’s approach—combining technology deployment with local collaboration—aims to make satellite internet a viable solution for schools, clinics, and remote communities across the continent.
With the African market poised for rapid digital growth, the competition between Space42 and Starlink could redefine connectivity in Nigeria and other key nations, offering millions of people faster, more reliable internet access for work, education, and healthcare.
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