Amazon Leo, a global satellite broadband service, is entering South Africa with a strategy that goes beyond connectivity. Instead of seeking its own licence, it partnered with a local operator, testing a different formula for expanding into Africa’s regulated telecoms markets. Amazon Leo, formerly known as Project Kuiper, will launch in South Africa in 2027 through a partnership with Herotel, one of the country’s largest fixed internet service providers. Instead of applying for its own electronic communications licence, Amazon will provide the satellite network while Herotel manages installations, customer support and sales through a new service called evry.