Elon Musk's Starlink Faces Licensing Hurdles in South Africa

South African officials refute Musk's claim that race is the reason Starlink cannot operate, citing compliance with local equity laws as the issue.

Elon Musk claimed on social media that Starlink is barred from operating in South Africa due to his race, referencing the country's Black Economic Empowerment policy.
South African officials responded, stating that Starlink is welcome if it complies with local laws, including a requirement for 30% equity ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) confirmed that Starlink has not applied for a telecommunications license in the country.
The Black Economic Empowerment policy was implemented to address inequalities from the apartheid era, which ended in 1994.
Starlink currently operates in several neighboring African countries, but licensing disputes have also arisen in regions like Namibia and Cameroon.