Musk planning investment in South Africa
July 2, 2025
Elon Musk’s plans to start Starlink broadband services in South Africa are currently stymied. But he is reportedly planning an ambitious work-around with a 2 billion Rand (€96m) overall investment in the Southern Africa region to get around local Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) regulations.
South Africa’s Business Day reports that Musk will use the investment to partner with local companies in South Africa, and to see the cash going to businesses for various infrastructure needs, including land leasing, fibre optics, energy services, security and ongoing maintenance, as part of its efforts to meet compliance requirements.
Musk, who was born in South Africa, has previously claimed that Starlink is restricted from operating in the country because he is “not Black”, a statement that South African officials have publicly denied.
Starlink is currently operating in 17 African countries including neighbouring Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.
South Africa’s communications Minister Solly Malatsi has stated that the ultimate decision on licensing Starlink lies with the country’s independent communications regulator.