South Africa’s government is reportedly offering a workaround to its Black ownership laws to allow Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate in the country.
Why it matters
Starlink could expand high-speed internet access in underserved areas of South Africa. But regulatory hurdles tied to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies have delayed its launch.
Catch up quick
- Musk previously claimed Starlink was blocked in South Africa because he isn’t Black — a dig at the country’s BEE rules.
- Regulators pushed back, saying Starlink hadn’t even applied for a telecoms license.
- BEE laws require foreign telecom firms to sell 30% equity in local units to historically disadvantaged South Africans.
Between the lines
A “last-minute” meeting between South African officials and Musk or his team is reportedly planned for Tuesday night to hash out a path forward.
Big picture
- The talks come as President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Washington for meetings aimed at repairing U.S.-South Africa relations.
- Ramaphosa is expected to raise the Starlink issue in his meeting with U.S. President Trump on Wednesday, per his spokesperson.
Source: Reuters
