South Africa is interested in bringing Starlink into its market to improve connectivity but insists on foreign operators supporting local economic-transformation goals.
The government requires telecom license holders to have at least 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups, which Starlink sees as a barrier.
To address this, South Africa is considering Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) that allow foreign firms to invest in infrastructure or skills development instead of transferring equity.
There is a dispute between the government and regulator ICASA about fully recognizing EEIPs in telecom licensing, which would require legal amendments. #Starlink #SouthAfrica
