Vanu Partners with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to Expand Rural Connectivity in Africa
By integrating Amazon’s advanced satellite network into its product and services portfolio, Vanu will be able to significantly expand its reach while working alongside a globally trusted brand.
Vanu, Inc., a provider of equipment, tools and services that allow mobile network operators to profitably serve rural communities, today announced a strategic agreement with Amazon’s low Earth orbit satellite network, Project Kuiper, to bring low-cost, high-quality mobile connectivity to rural and underserved communities in Africa. The collaboration will initially focus on southern Africa.
Vanu’s mission is to help close the global digital and usage divide by connecting the unconnected. The company’s innovative coverage solutions already provide mobile connectivity to millions of people in remote regions across multiple continents. By integrating Amazon’s advanced satellite network into its product and services portfolio, Vanu will be able to significantly expand its reach while working alongside a globally trusted brand.
Project Kuiper already has more than 150 satellites in space and is quickly expanding its satellite constellation. Vanu will deploy its Coverage as a Service leveraging Amazon low-latency connectivity to provide mobile broadband to rural communities starting in 2026.
Using backhaul connectivity to avoid the cost and complexity of expanding the reach of traditional telecom infrastructure, Vanu will drive digital inclusion for rural unconnected communities unlocking high-speed communications for education, healthcare, commerce, and emergency response.
“We are energized by this opportunity to accelerate our mission. Amazon’s low Earth orbit constellation gives us the scale, reliability, and performance to reach areas that have been technologically excluded for far too long. Together, we can reshape what is possible for rural connectivity worldwide.”
– Andrew Beard, CEO, Vanu
“Project Kuiper was created to help connect customers and communities beyond the reach of existing networks, and our backhaul solutions are an important part of that vision. Vanu has a proven track record connecting some of the hardest-to-reach places on the planet. Using satellite-based connectivity from Amazon, they can enable mobile network operators to reach more subscribers in more places.”
– Chris Weber, Vice President of Consumer and Enterprise, Project Kuiper
Starting in southern Africa, Vanu and Amazon aim to demonstrate that a sustainable and scalable model for rural coverage is not only achievable, but repeatable and ready to expand. By combining disruptive terrestrial technology with global satellite broadband capabilities, the agreement sets the stage for long-term global impact.
Africa Tech Event 2025 attendees can learn more about the new partnership by visiting Vanu at stand E82.
