Ghana Explores Amazon Partnership to Expand Broadband Access

Ghana is in discussions with Amazon over a possible partnership to expand broadband connectivity, with the talks focused on using Amazon Leo, the company’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network, to reach communities that remain underserved by traditional networks.

President John Dramani Mahama held talks with David Zapolsky, Amazon’s Senior Vice President and Chief Global Affairs and Legal Officer, in New York on September 25 on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The discussions covered broadband expansion, digital infrastructure and opportunities for technology investment.

No partnership has been announced yet. Zapolsky said the discussions could support Amazon’s plans to expand broadband connectivity across Africa, with Ghana being considered as a potential partner.

Amazon Leo Targets Areas Beyond Traditional Networks

Amazon Leo is Amazon’s low-Earth-orbit satellite internet network, designed to provide high-speed connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is difficult to deploy.

Amazon began full-scale deployment of the constellation in April 2025. The network is planned to include more than 3,000 satellites, with the company using multiple launch providers to build out its coverage.

Amazon has already started working with African partners. The company has partnered with Vanu, a mobile network equipment and services provider, to use Amazon Leo for rural connectivity in Africa, beginning in South Africa.

Vanu plans to use the satellite network as backhaul for mobile infrastructure in areas where laying fibre or deploying other terrestrial infrastructure can be expensive or difficult.

Amazon has also signed an agreement with South African internet provider Herotel to use Amazon Leo to connect homes and small businesses outside the reach of fibre and fixed wireless networks. Herotel plans to launch the service commercially in 2027.

Ghana Plans to Expand Digital Access

Ghana is pursuing wider broadband access as part of its digital infrastructure plans, particularly for communities where existing networks do not provide reliable or affordable connectivity.

A satellite network such as Amazon Leo could complement fibre, mobile and fixed wireless infrastructure rather than replace those networks. Its potential use would be in locations where distance, terrain or low population density makes conventional network deployment more difficult.

The discussions with Amazon form part of Mahama’s wider meetings with US companies during his visit to New York. At a separate US-Ghana Presidential Roundtable, the president called for stronger cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology, productive enterprise and job creation.

Ghana  for Technology Investment

Ghana is also looking to attract international technology companies and investment into the country.

The government has highlighted digital infrastructure, technology investment and skills development as areas for deeper cooperation with US companies. Ghana also hosts the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), giving it a role in regional trade and business initiatives.