South Africa plans to change a law requiring foreign telcos to reserve 30% of company ownership for locals, which will then allow Starlink to launch in the country after a month of lobbying.
The country’s minister of digital communications, Solly Malatsi made the announcement recently, saying he would issue a policy direction offering an alternative to the 30% local ownership rule in the communication industry.
In September, Starlink CEO Elon Musk met with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the UN General Assembly, where he expressed interest in expanding to the South African market.
There have also been reports of Musk and some senior SpaceX executives lobbying high-ranking government officials in the southern Africa region.
The move will allow foreign telcos to operate in Africa’s most advanced market, allowing more competition, which could bring down broadband costs.
