Namibia has declined applications from Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, for a telecommunications service licence and access to radio spectrum, according to a notice published in the government gazette.
The decision means the company will not be permitted to operate its satellite-based internet services in the country for now, dealing a setback to its expansion plans across Africa.
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Starlink, which is owned by SpaceX, has been seeking to grow its footprint on the continent by offering high-speed internet services, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Authorities in Namibia did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the rejection, but the move highlights the regulatory hurdles global tech firms can face when entering new markets.
The development comes as several African countries continue to assess how best to regulate satellite internet services while balancing national telecommunications policies and infrastructure priorities.
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