Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla, is in talks with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa about bringing Starlink and Tesla to Musk’s home country. The discussions revolve around easing regulations in South Africa to allow for the entry of these innovative companies.
One of the key points of contention is South Africa’s requirement for businesses to be at least 30% Black-owned, which would apply to SpaceX’s Starlink if not for a potential exemption from President Ramaphosa. Musk has asked for leniency on this regulation, which would enable Starlink to operate in the country without having to comply with the ownership requirements.
In exchange for easing regulations for Starlink, South African officials are reportedly asking Musk to commit to building a Tesla battery production facility in the country. This facility would not only solidify Tesla’s presence in South Africa but also create local investments and job opportunities.
The discussions between Musk and President Ramaphosa took place during a meeting in the United States in September 2024. President Ramaphosa expressed his desire for Musk to invest in South Africa, stating, “You become so successful, and you’re investing in a variety of countries; I want you to come home and invest here.”
Details of the discussions between Musk and Ramaphosa were first reported by Bloomberg, shedding light on the potential collaboration between the billionaire entrepreneur and the South African government. This partnership could pave the way for innovative technologies like Starlink and Tesla to make a significant impact in South Africa’s economy.
As the negotiations continue, both parties are exploring opportunities for mutual benefit, with the aim of bringing cutting-edge technology and sustainable investments to South Africa. The potential arrival of Starlink and Tesla could mark a significant milestone in the country’s development and open up new possibilities for growth and innovation.