Amazon said it will start its satellite internet service. The service is called Amazon Leo. It will start in South Africa in 2027. The company will work with a South African internet provider. The provider is Herotel. This is Amazon's first satellite internet deal in Africa. The company did not share any money details.

This news comes after Elon Musk spoke about South Africa's government. Musk was born in South Africa. He said rules stop him from starting Starlink there. He said the rules are because he is white. The rules say foreign communication companies must give a small part to Black or non-white owners. The government says these rules help fix past unfair treatment.

South Africa's Communications Minister Solly Malatsi joined Amazon and Herotel. They announced the deal together. Amazon sent its first low-orbit internet satellites last year. It now has more than 390 working satellites. Starlink has more than 10,000 satellites in orbit. It works in more than 160 countries. Starlink is in about two dozen other African countries. But Musk will not follow South Africa's rules.

Amazon said the South Africa deal is the start of its work in Africa. It will also work with Vanu Inc. Vanu Inc. helps with mobile internet in developing countries. Many people in Africa do not have fixed internet. So there is a big market for satellite internet. Amazon Leo has deals in other countries. These include Thailand, Australia, and Brazil.