South Africa's regulatory battle over Starlink heats up as a new policy directive eases Black ownership rules, paving the way for Elon Musk's satellite internet while sparking debate on equity and innovation.
South Africa greenlights Starlink in December 2025 with equity equivalent program, bypassing 30% Black ownership rule. R500m pledge for free Wi-Fi in 5,000 rural schools promises to bridge the digital divide and transform education, healthcare, and rural economies.
While Africa’s satellite internet explodes across 24 countries, South Africa remains offline due to rigid Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) rules. Rural communities struggle with limited connectivity, turning to black market Starlink workarounds, while neighboring nations surge ahead. The BEE impasse ...
