Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, is once again facing regulatory roadblocks in South Africa as his satellite internet service, Starlink, remains unable to launch in the country. Despite operating in over 150 countries and territories worldwide, Starlink has been blocked in South Africa due to the country’s telecommunications ownership rules. Musk has pointed out that the issue may be related to his race, as he is not Black, according to a report from Business Insider Africa.
In a now-deleted post on X, Musk expressed his frustration over the lack of authorization for Starlink in his birth country, where there is a high demand for high-speed satellite internet, especially in underserved rural areas. While Starlink is already operational in more than 20 African countries, its absence in South Africa, one of the continent’s most industrialized economies, is notable.
Musk’s statements on social media have sparked controversy, with the SpaceX CEO criticizing South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) regulations, which require telecommunications license holders to have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups. Starlink has expressed support for empowerment objectives but opposes mandatory equity transfers, instead proposing equity equivalent investment programs as an alternative.
SpaceX has pledged significant investments to support South Africa’s development goals, including funding for infrastructure and providing free high-speed internet and equipment to rural schools. The company has also advocated for regulatory amendments that would allow Starlink to launch while complying with national inclusion policies.
The regulatory approval for Starlink in South Africa is currently uncertain, as the company has made a public appeal for support from interested South Africans to lobby regulators. Additionally, Starlink Direct to Cell coverage is expected to be available in Africa this year, adding urgency to resolving the licensing issues.
Musk’s comments have reignited the debate on how South Africa balances historical redress policies with foreign investment, innovation, and access to essential connectivity. The situation highlights the challenges of navigating regulatory frameworks in emerging markets while striving for technological advancement and economic empowerment.