African telecommunications company Paratus Group is set to expand its operations into Rwanda, where it will become the official distributor of Starlink internet services to local institutions and businesses.
The company will provide Starlink’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) internet, which uses satellites positioned much closer to Earth. This technology ensures faster and more reliable internet connections since its signals travel shorter distances compared to traditional satellites located thousands of kilometers away.
Starlink’s LEO satellites orbit approximately 550 kilometers above Earth, a stark contrast to conventional satellites that orbit at altitudes of up to 35,000 kilometers.
Paratus Rwanda will offer internet services to individuals, financial institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and businesses in key sectors such as agriculture and tourism especially in rural areas where connectivity remains a challenge due to limited infrastructure.
Paratus Group obtained authorization to distribute Starlink internet across various regions after signing a partnership agreement with SpaceX in 2023.
According to the company, Starlink internet will not only benefit remote communities but also serve as a backup network in urban centers. This will be particularly useful when fiber-based connections experience interruptions, as has happened in recent months across parts of Africa.
Paratus Group CEO Schalk Erasmus stated, “Rwanda’s rapid digital transformation aligns perfectly with our vision. Paratus Rwanda will help us expand our operations while delivering exceptional connectivity solutions to our clients.”
This expansion into Rwanda follows Paratus Group’s earlier move into Tanzania in March 2025. The company, headquartered in Windhoek, Namibia, provides internet, networking, and data storage solutions across Africa.
Paratus currently operates in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and now Rwanda.
Starlink, a project by SpaceX, the American aerospace company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, currently offers high-speed satellite internet in over 125 countries, including 18 African nations.
Starlink services officially became available in Rwanda in February 2023, and as of January 2025, more than 3,400 subscribers had already connected to the network.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
