Namibia has denied the Starlink license application, marking another challenge for the service in Southern Africa
Namibia has turned down Elon Musk’s Starlink licenselicense application, referencing local ownership regulations, representing the company’s second challenge in southern Africa.
Namibia has turned down an application from Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, to operate within its borders, marking another setback for the company in its efforts to expand throughout southern Africa.
The application was submitted via Starlink’s local subsidiary, Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited, as stated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. A notice in the government gazette confirmed the regulator’s refusal, though it did not offer detailed reasons, merely indicating that a full explanation could be requested from the authority.
Officials did not provide further details, but the regulator indicated that the absence of local ownership in Starlink’s Namibian unit may have played a role in the decision. The company has stated its intention to collaborate with local firms to generate employment opportunities and enhance digital access, especially in underserved and remote regions.
The development reflects the challenges encountered by Starlink in nearby South Africa, where it has similarly struggled to obtain a license. South Africa mandates that telecom companies must allocate a minimum of 30% ownership to historically disadvantaged groups, a measure designed to rectify inequalities stemming from the apartheid period. Musk, originally from South Africa, has openly condemned the requirement as “blatantly racist.”
In spite of the challenges faced, Starlink remains committed to establishing itself as a significant contributor to the enhancement of global internet connectivity via its network of low-Earth orbit satellites. Nonetheless, regulatory challenges in certain regions of Africa underscore the intricacies involved in reconciling foreign investment with local ownership and policies aimed at economic inclusion, which can hinder the deployment of Starlink’s services and limit its potential impact on improving internet access in those areas.
