Starlink: Namibia, African countries that banned, blocked and delayed service
· The South African
Namibia has made headlines over its decision to deny Starlink an operating licence. The African country is one of a handful that have either blocked, banned, or delayed the satellite internet service owned by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.
NAMIBIA SAYS NO TO STARLINK
Namibia has officially declined to issue an operating licence to Starlink – which falls under SpaceX – rejecting its bid for access to its telecommunications services and radio spectrum.
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The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) published the decision without revealing the motives behind its decision. It stated that it would reconsider the decision either “on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party” within 90 days.
The CRAN had previously prohibited the use of unauthorised access to the internet satellite and confiscated terminals that were deemed illegal.
— The Namibian (@TheNamibian) March 23, 2026
OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES WHO HAVE BLOCKED, BANNED OR DELAYED SERVICES
Around 30 African countries currently have authorised access to Starlink.
In the past few years, licences have been granted to countries that have previously expressed concerns around licensing and local ownership.
While some have folded under mounting pressure, others have no current plans to secure internet satellite service.
They include:
Lesotho – Initially faced opposition from local groups about the introduction of a foreign-owned telecommunications company. Granted a licence in 2026.
Senegal – Public scrutiny over licensing disputes and fears of compromising national security. Granted a licence in 2025.
Zimbabwe – Banned Starlink in 2024, citing illegal usage, threatening national security and lack of regulatory compliance. The ban was lifted a few months later after a licence was authorised.
Democratic Republic of Congo – Starlink was previously banned due to concerns that rebel groups would use it in conflict zones. The ban was reversed, and a licence was approved in 2025.
Sudan: Starlink is not legally operational in Sudan, but is utilised on the black market. The government banned the service due to threats to safety posed by rebel militants.
Cameroon: Starlink is officially banned in the country due to the government’s concerns related to data security, digital sovereignty, and competition.
Uganda: Starlink has withdrawn its services from the country after authorities cited unauthorised and unlicensed use. The service is pending regulatory approval and licensing.
Egypt: Starlink is non-operational in the country due to the government’s protection of state-owned telecommunication
Ethiopia: Like Egypt, Ethiopia seeks to protect its state-owned telecommunications industry, which is currently undergoing privatisation.
South Africa: Starlink does not have a licence to operate in SA as it has not complied with local regulatory legislation. Elon Musk has claimed that the delay – over transformative legislation issues – is because he is “not black”