DATELINE: Johannesburg, South Africa – July 16, 2026
In a strategic move that has shifted the landscape of satellite internet in Africa, Amazon’s satellite venture, Amazon Leo, is poised to launch in South Africa, bypassing SpaceX’s Starlink in Elon Musk’s home country.
While Starlink has been advancing its satellite network globally, Amazon’s Leo project is capitalizing on local partnerships and regulatory compliance to gain a foothold in the region.
Amazon Leo has formed a partnership with Herotel, South Africa’s largest fixed internet provider, to offer a satellite broadband service named evry, scheduled to begin in 2027.
This collaboration grants Amazon access to Herotel’s extensive customer base, installation teams, and distribution network.
Starlink, though ahead in terms of satellite deployment and customer base, faces a significant challenge in South Africa due to licensing and corporate structure.
The company does not have the necessary licenses to legally offer its service in the country, a requirement that has not been met by SpaceX, which has been vocal about the policy’s perceived discrimination.
Amazon’s approach, which leverages local infrastructure and expertise, suggests a strategic advantage in the African market, where the satellite internet landscape is rapidly evolving.
As Amazon Leo prepares for its launch, the competition with Starlink is expected to intensify, with the outcome potentially reshaping the future of satellite internet connectivity across underserved regions worldwide.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
