SpaceX’s Starlink broadband-by-satellite system could soon be legitimately be available to South African residents. Local reports say that the nation, which requires incoming businesses to have a shareholding which includes a 30 per cent ‘black’ ownership (officially Historically Disadvantaged Groups), is close to approving Starlink’s availability.
South Africa recently announced that it would introduce new policy directives to allow equity equivalent programs in order to encourage foreign investment in the country’s telecommunications sector.
South Africa’s communications minister Solly Malatsi has announced that he will direct regulator ICASA to develop equity equivalent programmes similar to those in other industries and thus permit SpaceX to start trading.
The Minister’s spokesperson Kwena Moloto is reported to have given extra background to the Minister’s plan, saying: “One of the most frequently discussed potential entrants is Starlink, a global satellite internet provider. Allowing such new players into the market will increase competition, enhance service options and drive down data prices.”
SpaceX owner Elon Musk met with the nation’s President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2024 to discuss investment in South Africa. Ramaphosa, referring to the meeting, said: “I have had discussions with him and have said, Elon, you have become so successful, and you’re investing in a variety of countries; I want you to come home and invest here.”
Musk was born and raised in South Africa.
