Namibia has denied Elon Musk’s Starlink permission to operate, with regulators rejecting the satellite internet provider’s application for a telecommunications licence.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) confirmed the decision, stating it was made in line with existing licensing requirements.
Officials indicated the company’s local subsidiary does not meet Namibia’s ownership rules, which generally require majority domestic shareholding. Starlink had reportedly sought an exemption as a fully foreign-owned entity, but regulators declined the request, leaving open the possibility of a review within 90 days.
The move follows earlier action in 2024 when authorities ordered Starlink to cease operations and warned the public that using its services without approval is illegal.
Namibia’s stance reflects wider regulatory resistance across parts of Africa, where concerns over licensing compliance, ownership structures and national interests have complicated Starlink’s expansion.
Image credit: Mariia Shalabaieva
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