Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has expanded rapidly across Africa, positioning itself as a solution to poor connectivity in underserved regions. But while the service is live in several African countries, South Africa, which is Musk’s country of birth and one of the continent’s most advanced telecoms markets, remains a notable exception.
Over the years, Starlink’s attempts to enter South Africa have been hindered by regulatory hurdles, policy debates, and public disputes, keeping the company on the outside looking in.
Starlink’s footprint in Africa
Starlink began its African expansion in 2023, launching first in Nigeria before rolling out to several other markets across East, West and Southern Africa.
The service is now active in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone, where it has gained traction among businesses and users in areas with limited broadband access.
However, its expansion has not been seamless. In some countries, there was some pushback. In Botswana, for example, Starlink’s initial application to operate in the country was rejected, and it was banned afterwards.
Also in Cameroon, Starlink services were suspended in April 2024 for operating without proper authorisation. Authorities cited concerns over national security and fair competition with local providers.
South Africa, however, has been different. Despite strong demand and years of informal use via roaming plans and imported kits, Starlink has not secured approval to operate in the country. Instead, regulatory enforcement, policy disputes and public disagreements have kept the service locked out, setting the stage for a prolonged standoff that has yet to be resolved.
Here’s everything that has transpired between Musk’s satellite Internet company and South Africa.
1. Starlink is still struggling to receive a licence to operate
Starlink has become the second-largest ISP in Nigeria in just two years; however, it does not hold any of the licences required to operate in South Africa. The country’s telecoms regulator, ICASA, requires network and spectrum licences before any provider can legally offer services. Starlink has not been granted these approvals, meaning it cannot launch commercially.
2. Informal use filled the gap before regulators stepped in
For years, South Africans accessed Starlink by importing kits or using roaming plans activated in neighbouring countries. While this workaround was technically illegal, enforcement was initially limited. As Starlink’s user base grew, regulators began paying closer attention to the company.
3. ICASA cracks down on unauthorised Starlink access
By late 2023 and into 2024, ICASA issued warnings that selling or using Starlink equipment without approval was unlawful. Resellers were targeted, and users were warned that continued access could be cut off. Starlink later began disabling roaming access for users operating in South Africa.
4. B-BEE rules emerge as the biggest roadblock
At the centre of the dispute are South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BEE) regulations. Telecoms companies are required to have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups. Starlink has not indicated a willingness to restructure its ownership or set up a compliant local entity, effectively stalling any licensing process.
5. Elon Musk takes the fight public
Elon Musk has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s regulations on X, suggesting Starlink is being blocked because he is “not Black”. The comments sparked backlash locally, with officials pushing back and insisting that the issue is one of regulatory compliance, not discrimination.
6. The government insists there will be no special treatment
South African authorities have maintained that Starlink must comply with the same rules as all other telecoms providers. Lawmakers and regulators have publicly opposed granting exemptions, warning that doing so would undermine existing transformation policies.
7. Attempts to soften the rules spark political tension
In 2025, the communications ministry floated the idea of allowing equity-equivalent investment programmes instead of direct local ownership. The proposal was viewed by critics as a backdoor attempt to accommodate Starlink and other foreign firms, triggering pushback within the government and parliament.
8. The standoff remains unresolved
Till now, Starlink remains unavailable for legal use in South Africa. Enforcement has tightened, informal access has shrunk, and no clear compromise has emerged. What has unfolded is not just a licensing dispute, but a broader clash between South Africa’s transformation policies and a global tech company unwilling to bend to local ownership rules.
