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Namibia rejects Starlink's satellite internet licence bid
Namibia's telecommunications regulator has denied Starlink's application to operate in the country, marking the second regulatory setback for Elon Musk's satellite internet provider in southern Africa.
Regulator cites lack of local ownership
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) announced its decision without detailing specific reasons but confirmed that Starlink's Namibian subsidiary failed to meet local ownership requirements. Under Namibian law, telecommunications companies must have at least 51% of shares held by citizens or local entities.
Starlink's African expansion faces hurdles
Starlink currently operates in approximately 25 African nations but has encountered resistance in others, including South Africa, where similar ownership regulations have prevented its entry. The company has not commented on Namibia's decision.
In 2024, Cran ordered Starlink to halt operations in Namibia, accusing it of providing services without a licence. The regulator also warned the public against purchasing Starlink equipment or subscribing to its services, deeming such actions illegal.
Musk criticises South Africa's empowerment policies
Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, has previously blamed the country's "racist ownership laws" for Starlink's inability to launch there. In a post on X last year, he claimed the company was barred "simply because I'm not black."
"Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa simply because I'm not black."
Elon Musk, via X
The South African government rejected Musk's characterization, stating that Starlink was welcome to operate "provided there's compliance with local laws." It noted that over 600 U.S. companies, including Microsoft, successfully operate in South Africa under existing regulations.
Namibia's economic empowerment policies
Namibia, a former German colony that gained independence from South Africa's apartheid regime in 1990, has implemented policies to boost local ownership and address historical racial inequalities. These measures mirror South Africa's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies, which require foreign investors to allocate a 30% stake to local black-owned firms.
Starlink's appeal options
Cran stated it could revisit its decision within 90 days, either on its own initiative or following a petition from an "aggrieved party." Starlink's website claims it has established a local subsidiary to partner with Namibian firms and create jobs, though the regulator's ruling suggests these efforts fell short of legal requirements.
Starlink's satellite network targets users in remote areas lacking high-speed internet access, but regulatory challenges continue to hinder its expansion in parts of Africa.
