Namibia hands Starlink another setback as ownership rules stall Elon Musk’s African expansion plans

Namibia has dealt Elon Musk’s Starlink another regulatory blow, dismissing an attempt by the satellite internet provider to overturn the rejection of its licence applications and reinforcing its position that the company does not meet local ownership requirements.

• Namibia’s communications regulator has dismissed attempts to overturn its rejection of Starlink’s licence applications.
• Authorities say the company still fails to meet local ownership and control requirements.
• The decision mirrors challenges Starlink faces in neighbouring South Africa.
• Despite rapid expansion across Africa, local ownership rules remain a major obstacle in parts of Southern Africa.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) said on Monday that it had rejected requests to reconsider its March decision denying Starlink a telecommunications service licence and radio spectrum licence.

According to the regulator, Starlink remains non-compliant with ownership and control provisions contained in Namibia’s Communications Act, leaving the company unable to legally launch services in the country.

The decision marks the latest chapter in a dispute that has turned Namibia into one of Starlink’s toughest regulatory hurdles in Africa.

Unlike many African countries that have welcomed the satellite internet provider, Namibian authorities have repeatedly insisted that the company must comply with local ownership requirements before receiving operating licences.

CRAN also noted that Starlink’s reconsideration request was submitted after the statutory deadline of April 23, further weakening its case.

The regulator had earlier confirmed that it has received 624 applications challenging its March 2026 decision to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia’s bid for a telecommunications operating licence.

“CRAN affirms that the reconsideration requests did not provide a sufficient legal or factual basis to alter the original decision,” the regulator said.

The latest setback comes as Starlink continues one of the fastest telecommunications expansions seen on the African continent.

Since entering Africa in 2023, the SpaceX-owned company has rolled out services in a growing number of countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique and Sierra Leone.

Its low-earth orbit satellite network has become particularly attractive in markets where traditional broadband infrastructure remains underdeveloped, allowing households and businesses in remote areas to access high-speed internet without relying on fibre networks or mobile towers.

Nigeria became Starlink’s first African market and has since emerged as one of its largest customer bases on the continent, reflecting strong demand for alternative internet services.

Yet despite its rapid growth, Starlink has encountered resistance in some of Africa’s biggest economies.

In neighbouring South Africa, the company remains unable to secure an operating licence because of local ownership rules requiring telecommunications licensees to maintain a minimum level of ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.

The issue has sparked a heated political debate in the country, with policymakers divided over whether multinational companies should be allowed to satisfy empowerment requirements through investment programmes rather than direct equity ownership.

Although South Africa’s government has explored possible reforms, regulators have indicated that legislative amendments may be required before meaningful changes can take effect.

As a result, Starlink remains locked out of both South Africa and Namibia, two markets where regulatory concerns have centred less on technology and more on ownership structures.

On one hand, countries are eager to attract investment in digital infrastructure and expand internet access to underserved communities. On the other, policymakers remain determined to ensure that local investors and citizens participate in strategic industries such as telecommunications.

Starlink has found customers across Africa, but future growth may hinge on complying with local ownership requirements. Namibia’s ruling shows regulators are standing firm.