The South African government initiated a policy review that may allow Starlink's entry while rethinking historical ownership laws.
Elon Musk's Starlink Inches Closer to South African Approval
Elon Musk's Starlink Inches Closer to South African Approval
A regulatory shift could open the doors for Musk's satellite service without ownership restrictions.
The South African government is advancing towards the approval of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service. On Friday, officials started a policy review that aims to facilitate Starlink's operations without requiring Musk to sell a portion of the company to Black South Africans, a mandate stemming from local laws intended to rectify apartheid-era economic disadvantages.
This recent policy development comes shortly after a contentious meeting at the White House where President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the sensitive issue of land and ownership, amidst Trump’s incorrect assertions about violence against white farmers in South Africa. South African regulations typically require foreign businesses to offer shares to historically marginalized groups—a law Musk has criticized as discriminatory.
Musk, who has South African roots, previously voiced frustrations via social media, including a statement that he was barred from operating in his homeland. The renewed policy discussions signal South Africa’s intent to attract foreign investment, potentially as a strategy to negotiate better trade relations with the U.S., particularly in the tech and satellite sectors.
This recent policy development comes shortly after a contentious meeting at the White House where President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the sensitive issue of land and ownership, amidst Trump’s incorrect assertions about violence against white farmers in South Africa. South African regulations typically require foreign businesses to offer shares to historically marginalized groups—a law Musk has criticized as discriminatory.
Musk, who has South African roots, previously voiced frustrations via social media, including a statement that he was barred from operating in his homeland. The renewed policy discussions signal South Africa’s intent to attract foreign investment, potentially as a strategy to negotiate better trade relations with the U.S., particularly in the tech and satellite sectors.
