South Africa Moves Toward Starlink Approval Amid Tensions with the U.S.

The South African government has initiated a review of its ownership laws that could facilitate the introduction of Starlink's internet service into the country, bypassing requirements for foreign companies to partner with historically disadvantaged groups.

In a significant policy shift, South Africa is opening the door for Elon Musk's satellite internet company, Starlink, to extend its services into the nation. The government has begun a regulatory review that could eliminate the need for Musk to sell stakes in his company to Black South Africans, a stipulation aligned with laws designed to address the systemic economic disparities rooted in apartheid.

Musk, who has openly criticized such ownership laws as discriminatory, expressed frustration in a social media post earlier this year, stating, “Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa, because I’m not black.” His comments reflect ongoing tensions surrounding foreign investment in the country.

The regulatory change comes shortly after Musk participated in a fraught meeting at the White House with President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where Trump made inflammatory comments regarding violence against white farmers—claims that have been widely discredited.

The South African government’s consideration of easing ownership laws for American companies may serve as a bargaining chip for Ramaphosa, potentially leading to new trade relations and a thawing of ties with the United States. White House officials have indicated that they support exempting American firms from local ownership requirements, presenting an opportunity for Musk to bring Starlink's high-speed internet service to South Africans while navigating the complex legacy of apartheid-era policies.