As of March 23, 2026, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) officially declined Starlink’s application for both a telecommunications service license and a spectrum license.
While the “official” notice didn’t list a point-by-point justification, the writing on the wall points toward Namibia’s strict 51% local ownership requirement.
The core of the issue is a clash between Starlink’s global business model and Namibia’s Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009). Here is the breakdown:
Under Namibian law, telecommunications licensees must be at least 51% owned and controlled by Namibian citizens. Starlink’s local entity is currently 100% foreign-owned.
Starlink had applied for an exemption from this rule through the Minister of Information and Communication Technology. The recent rejection by CRAN suggests that this exemption was either not granted or was insufficient to move the needle.
Interestingly, CRAN received over 1,100 public submissions regarding the application, with roughly 98% in favor of Starlink’s entry. Despite this massive public support, the regulator appears to be prioritizing “digital sovereignty” and the protection of state-backed entities like MTC and Telecom Namibia.
The door isn’t slammed shut forever, but it is certainly locked for now.
Starlink has 90 days to petition for a reconsideration of the decision.
Much like in South Africa—where the 30% equity requirement for “historically disadvantaged groups” has stalled progress—Elon Musk has shown a historical reluctance to cede ownership to meet local equity mandates.
CRAN has already issued cease-and-desist orders and even confiscated equipment from users attempting to use Starlink via roaming from other countries where it is legal (like Zambia or Malawi).
It seems Namibia is joining the ranks of countries insisting that high-speed connectivity must come with local equity strings attached.
