Starlink's Expansion Blocked in Namibia: A Setback for Elon Musk

Tue Mar 24 2026 14:22:25 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Elon Musk's satellite internet venture Starlink has faced regulatory challenges as its application for a license in Namibia was rejected due to local ownership laws.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia has denied Starlink's application for a satellite internet service license, citing the lack of local ownership in the subsidiary. This marks another setback for Musk in southern Africa, where regulatory challenges have hindered the company's expansion efforts. With existing requirements for local ownership policies, Starlink continues to navigate complex regulatory landscapes in the region.

Starlink's Expansion Blocked in Namibia: A Setback for Elon Musk

Namibia has rejected an application by Elon Musk-owned Starlink for a licence to provide satellite internet services in the country, marking a significant setback for the company in its southern Africa operations. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) announced the decision, although it did not provide specific reasons. It highlighted that Starlink's Namibian subsidiary lacked local ownership, a requirement in the country.

This ruling comes as Starlink has already been facing regulatory challenges in multiple African nations, including South Africa. The conditions for operating in these regions have proven complex for international companies like Starlink, which claims to operate in around 25 African countries but has been unable to avoid regulatory hurdles.

Namibian laws dictate that at least 51% of a telecommunications company should be owned by local citizens or entities. Since gaining independence from South Africa's white-minority rule in 1990, Namibia has worked to increase local ownership and address inequities stemming from its colonial past.

Starlink has claimed to have set up a local company intending to partner with Namibian firms and create job opportunities. Cran mentioned that the authority could reconsider its decision within 90 days if petitioned by Starlink or another aggrieved party.

In 2024, the regulator had also instructed Starlink to halt operations in Namibia for operating without a license, further complicating the company's aspirations in the region. Musk has previously criticized similar laws in South Africa as 'racist ownership laws,' alleging they block foreign investment. However, the South African government has stated that many US companies successfully comply with local laws to operate and thrive in the region.

As Starlink aims to provide internet services primarily to those in remote areas, the ongoing challenges underline the tensions between international business interests and evolving local regulations designed to empower local ownership.