Africa’s satellite and subsea networks deepen broadband competition

Beneath the visible growth in mobile services, Africa’s broadband backbone became a strategic infrastructure priority in the second quarter of the year. Uganda approved Starlink after a prolonged regulatory process, opening another market to low-Earth-orbit satellite connectivity. Angola Cables and Uniti expanded connectivity, while a new subsea cable was launched to strengthen Europe-Africa links. South Africa advanced satellite regulatory reform through draft amendments published by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, signalling closer oversight of non-terrestrial connectivity and related licensing requirements. Further momentum came from European Union funding for a Google-linked undersea cable connecting East Africa, Amazon’s satellite ambitions challenging Starlink’s African positioning, and Namibia facing pressure to reconsider its decision to deny a Starlink licence. Rwanda also strengthened its credentials in satellite infrastructure as Rwanda Teleport became the first fully certified facility of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. As broadband infrastructure becomes increasingly strategic, commercial success will favour businesses able to secure long-term connectivity partnerships while navigating evolving licensing frameworks.