Elon Musk’s satellite internet venture Starlink has encountered another regulatory obstacle in southern Africa after Namibian authorities denied its application to operate within the country. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) formally rejected the license request without providing specific justification, though it highlighted that Starlink’s local subsidiary failed to meet national ownership requirements.
Under Namibian telecommunications law, all service providers must maintain at least 51% local ownership through either citizen shareholders or domestic entities. This policy framework originates from Namibia’s post-independence era following its liberation from South Africa’s white-minority regime in 1990, designed to promote economic inclusion and address historical racial inequalities.
Starlink, which currently operates in approximately 25 African nations, has faced similar regulatory challenges across the region. South Africa has similarly blocked Starlink’s entry due to ownership regulations, prompting Musk to publicly characterize these policies as ‘racist ownership laws’ in social media statements last year.
The Namibian regulator noted that Starlink may petition for reconsideration within a 90-day window, either through self-initiated review or formal appeal. This decision follows a 2024 cease-and-desist order issued against Starlink for allegedly operating without proper authorization, accompanied by public warnings against purchasing Starlink equipment or services.
Despite these setbacks, Starlink maintains on its official platform that it has established a local corporate entity intending to partner with Namibian firms and generate employment opportunities. The service targets remote communities lacking reliable high-speed internet connectivity through its extensive satellite network.
The broader context reveals ongoing tension between foreign technology investments and local empowerment policies across southern Africa. South African officials have countered Musk’s criticisms by noting that numerous international corporations, including Microsoft, operate successfully while complying with ownership requirements mandating 30% stakes for black-owned businesses.