Elon Musk’s Starlink says “hope is not lost” as it vows to appeal Namibia licence rejectio

Elon Musk’s Starlink has signalled it will challenge Namibia’s decision to block its entry into the country, as the satellite internet provider seeks to overturn a regulatory setback that underscores growing scrutiny of foreign tech firms across Africa.

• Starlink's application to operate in Namibia was rejected due to local ownership and compliance issues.
• Namibian law requires telecom providers to be at least 51% locally owned, but Starlink is fully foreign-owned.
• Starlink plans to appeal the decision and encourages public input during the 90-day reconsideration window.
• This case reflects broader regulatory challenges Starlink faces across Africa, especially about local ownership and competition concerns.

Satellite internet provider Starlink, backed by billionaire Elon Musk, said it will pursue an appeal after the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) rejected its application to operate in Namibia, marking a setback in its expansion across Africa.

In a statement this week, the company described the decision as a “disappointing outcome”, adding that it was particularly concerning for “the thousands of you who placed deposits, participated in the public consultation, and made your voices heard.”

Meanwhile, according to The Namibian, Starlink said it would engage the regulator through an appeal process, noting that Namibia’s framework allows for continued public input over the next 90 days.

“Hope is not lost,” the company said, adding: “If you disagree with the government’s decision, you can share your perspective and request reconsideration.”

The company also signalled willingness to continue discussions with authorities. “We believe Starlink would provide meaningful benefits for the people of Namibia, and remain open to working with the government should the decision be revisited,” the statement read.

Regulator cites ownership and compliance gaps

Business Insider Africa earlier reported that Namibia had rejected has rejected billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink from operating in the country, denying the satellite internet provider both a telecommunications licence and access to radio spectrum.

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) published the decision in an official government notice on Monday, March 23.

The notice did not provide specific reasons for the rejection but stated that the regulator could reconsider the decision either “on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party” within 90 days.

CRAN later said it declined Starlink’s application for both a telecommunications service licence and spectrum allocation after the company failed to meet local ownership, regulatory compliance and legal requirements.

Namibian law requires telecommunications providers to be at least 51% locally owned. Starlink, which is wholly foreign-owned, did not apply for an exemption.

Starlink has argued that public sentiment favoured its entry, claiming that 98.6% of respondents in a consultation process supported its application

Expansion push faces growing resistance

The setback highlights broader regulatory hurdles facing Starlink’s expansion across Africa. Operated by SpaceX, the company has expanded rapidly since launching in Nigeria in January 2023.

By October 2023, it had entered markets including Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia, and has since grown to more than 25 countries across the continent.

However, the company has encountered regulatory resistance in several markets, including South Africa, Zimbabwe and Cameroon, often linked to local ownership requirements and competition concerns from state-backed telecom operators.

In Namibia, tensions date back to November 2024, when CRAN issued a cease-and-desist order accusing Starlink of operating without a licence, warning consumers against purchasing its equipment and confiscating unauthorised terminals.

Balancing connectivity goals with local ownership laws

The appeal process will test how regulators balance demand for improved internet access with local ownership laws and market protection policies.

While Starlink maintains that it can deliver “meaningful benefits” to underserved communities, its expansion in Africa is increasingly shaped by national regulatory frameworks that prioritise local participation and control in strategic sectors.