Despite being operational in 17 African countries, including neighbouring nations like Namibia, Mozambique, and Botswana, South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, is not on the Starlink network.
Billionaire Elon Musk has claimed that Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa because he is “not Black.” The comment, made on his social media platform X, has reignited debate over the country’s business regulations and racial policies.
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Musk’s SpaceX, has been unable to enter the South African market due to the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations.
These laws require that companies providing communication services be at least 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups to receive an operating license.
The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy was introduced to redress economic inequalities from the apartheid era by promoting Black ownership in key industries.
While supporters argue that it ensures greater economic inclusion, critics, including South Africa-born Musk, argue that it discourages foreign investment and limits technological progress.
South Africa’s ban on Starlink imports
The dispute over Starlink’s operations in South Africa has been ongoing for a while. On August 14, 2023, the South African government officially banned the import of Starlink kits, preventing citizens from accessing the satellite internet service.
Despite being operational in 17 African countries, including neighbouring nations like Namibia, Mozambique, and Botswana, South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, is not on the Starlink network.
Tensions between Musk and the South African Government
Musk’s recent remarks come just weeks after he criticized South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling the country’s land ownership laws “racist.”
While some argue that South Africa’s regulatory framework is necessary to ensure equitable economic participation, others believe the policies hinder technological progress and leave millions without access to affordable, high-speed internet.
