Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm Starlink has announced an agreement with Jumia to distribute satellite terminals and connectivity kits in Africa.
As part of the agreement, Jumia will offer Starlink terminals and satellite kits becoming the first company to distribute Starlink satellite terminals and connectivity kits in the continent.
According to Hisham ElGabry, Group Chief Commercial Office, Jumia said: “We are thrilled to be the first company on the continent to join forces with Starlink to expand this groundbreaking technology in Africa.”
The agreement will allow Jumia to sell the kits on its platform and through agents, starting with Nigeria and Kenya. The products will be in the Nigerian market before the end of October while Kenya will take some time as there is currently no supply within the country .The products will then be rolled out to other African markets where Jumia operates.
ElGabry stated that the agreement aligns perfectly with Jumia’s mission of using technology to improve lives across Africa.
According to Bloomberg, The partnership with Jumia will help Starlink sell terminals in areas that lack formal addresses and city mapping.
These portable terminals, capable of connecting to low-earth orbit satellites, hold the potential to deliver broadband services in areas with the lowest internet penetration.
By expanding access to Starlink’s internet service through the Jumia platform, individuals and communities can be empowered with high-speed, low-latency internet access thus boosting economic growth and paving way for new opportunities.
According to Jumia global head of communications Abdesslam Benzitoun the partnership will not introduce a new pricing model however ,it will sell the hardware kits, which comes with the Starlink dish, a mounting stand, cables and a power source, at the Sh89,000 price indicated on Starlink’s website.