Amazon Project Leo to Bring Satellite Internet to South Africa in 2027

Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite internet initiative, Project Leo, is set to launch commercial broadband services in South Africa in 2027 through a new partnership with internet service provider Herotel.

The agreement will see Herotel, South Africa’s largest fixed internet service provider, use Amazon Leo’s satellite technology to introduce a new broadband service called evry, targeting rural communities and underserved areas where traditional fiber and wireless infrastructure remains limited.

According to the companies, the partnership aims to expand internet access to millions of South Africans living on farms, in small towns and remote communities where deploying conventional broadband networks is often not economically viable.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, said the collaboration is designed to improve access to reliable internet for education, employment and essential services.

Herotel currently serves more than 350,000 customers across over 550 towns through its fiber and fixed wireless networks. The company said its nationwide footprint, including more than 120 offices, will support installation, customer service and field operations when the satellite service launches.

The announcement comes as competition in Africa’s satellite internet market continues to grow. SpaceX’s Starlink is also seeking entry into South Africa but is awaiting proposed regulatory changes that could allow foreign satellite operators to satisfy local ownership and empowerment requirements through alternatives to equity ownership.

Earlier this year, Amazon Leo also signed an agreement with Vodafone to connect remote African base stations through Vodacom South Africa, further expanding its presence on the continent.

Reliable internet access remains one of Africa’s biggest infrastructure challenges. Expanding satellite broadband has the potential to connect schools, healthcare facilities, entrepreneurs and rural businesses that have historically been left behind by traditional telecommunications networks.

At The Voice of Africa, we see digital connectivity as one of the foundations of Africa’s next chapter. Expanding reliable internet access can unlock education, entrepreneurship and innovation across communities that have long been underserved. As Africa continues building its digital economy, investments in connectivity today could help shape a more inclusive and competitive continent for generations to come.

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