Billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, has announced a strategic partnership with e-commerce firm Jumia Technologies AG to expand its satellite broadband services in Africa.

This collaboration will enable Starlink to offer its satellite terminals and kits through Jumia’s platform in select African countries, starting with Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Hisham El Gabry, Jumia’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We have seen Starlink do these types of deals in Southeast Asia and South America, and now Africa will also have the opportunity to access fast-speed internet services.”

The plan is to roll out the service through Jumia’s websites and agents in Nigeria first and subsequently in Kenya.

One notable advantage of this partnership is that Jumia will provide an exclusive sales and distribution channel for Starlink’s satellite equipment in the region.

This positions Jumia as a key player in the satellite broadband market, offering them a unique competitive edge and the potential to increase their market share and influence across Africa.

This collaboration is particularly beneficial in areas lacking formal addresses and city mapping, where traditional internet services may be limited.

It aligns with Starlink’s mission to expand internet coverage in rural and unreached areas globally.