Namibia Rejects Starlink Licence, Deepening Southern Africa Setback

Starlink, the satellite internet venture backed by Elon Musk, has suffered another setback in southern Africa after Namibia denied the company a licence to operate in the country.

The decision, announced by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, marks the second major regulatory hurdle for the firm in the region following similar challenges in neighbouring South Africa.

Licence Application Rejected

According to CRAN, Starlink applied through its local subsidiary, Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited. However, the regulator declined the request, stating that detailed reasons for the rejection could be obtained upon request.

While no formal explanation was provided, the authority noted that the company’s local unit lacks Namibian ownership, a factor that may have influenced the decision.

Expansion Challenges in Southern Africa

The rejection underscores the growing complexity of entering African telecom markets, where local ownership and regulatory requirements often play a critical role.

Starlink, which delivers high-speed internet via low-Earth orbit satellites, has positioned itself as a solution for underserved and remote communities. The company says it plans to partner with local firms to drive job creation and economic growth.

However, it has faced similar resistance in South Africa, where telecom operators are required to allocate 30 percent equity to historically disadvantaged groups under empowerment laws.

Policy Clash Over Ownership Rules

Musk has previously criticised such policies, describing South Africa’s ownership requirements as restrictive. The rules are part of broader efforts to address economic inequalities stemming from the legacy of apartheid.

Implications for Connectivity

The latest setback raises questions about the pace of Starlink’s expansion across Africa, where demand for reliable broadband remains high but regulatory frameworks vary widely.

Industry analysts say the company may need to adapt its ownership structure or deepen local partnerships to gain approvals in key markets.

What’s Next

Despite the rejection, Starlink is expected to continue engaging regulators across the continent as it seeks to expand its footprint in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.

For Namibia, the decision signals a firm stance on local participation in strategic sectors, even as the country looks to improve internet access and digital infrastructure.