Namibia has denied a licence application from Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, marking another regulatory setback for the company in southern Africa.
The decision was announced by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), which noted that Starlink’s local subsidiary did not meet the country’s ownership requirements. Under Namibian law, at least 51% of shares in telecommunications companies must be held by local citizens or entities.
While the regulator did not provide detailed reasons for the rejection, it indicated that the decision could be reviewed within 90 days, either independently or following a formal petition.
Starlink, which currently operates in about 25 African countries, has encountered similar regulatory challenges in South Africa, where local ownership laws have also hindered its entry.
Namibia’s ownership policies are rooted in efforts to address historical inequalities following its independence in 1990. The country has prioritised increasing local participation in key sectors as part of broader economic reforms.
Previously, in 2024, CRAN ordered Starlink to halt operations in Namibia, citing the absence of a valid licence and warning the public against using its services.
Starlink maintains that it has set up a local entity and plans to partner with Namibian firms to create jobs. However, regulatory compliance remains a key hurdle.
The development highlights ongoing tensions between foreign investment and local ownership requirements across parts of Africa, as governments seek to balance economic inclusion with technological advancement.
Source: citinews
