Namibia’s Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare says existing government initiatives to expand connectivity, including programmes led by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and funding mechanisms aimed at extending access to rural areas, dismissing concerns that the rejection of Starlink will undermine connectivity in underserved regions.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Ngurare said the country’s approach to expanding digital access is anchored in structured, long-term programmes rather than reliance on a single operator.
He emphasised that connectivity rollout must be aligned with national priorities and deliver sustainable benefits.
“Let us do so in a manner that will benefit Namibians and not for some others to come just because they want to make money and thereafter forget about that,” he said.
Ngurare was responding to criticism from Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani, who questioned government’s handling of the decision not to approve a licence for US satellite internet provider Starlink and raised concerns about the impact on rural connectivity.
Venaani also challenged the consistency of local ownership requirements and called for greater policy clarity.
In response, Ngurare defended the decision, insisting that Namibia will not compromise its laws or regulatory framework to accommodate any investor.
“I find it problematic that somehow we must bend our norms because of personalities or personas that are involved in applying, and if and when they are rejected,” he said.
He reiterated that Namibia’s policy position is that citizens must benefit from economic activity in the country, adding that ownership requirements form part of a broader framework applied across sectors.
Ngurare acknowledged concerns about consistency, noting that the debate around ownership structures, including in mining, remains open and subject to review.
“It is a conversation that is worth having and which we must continue to have,” he said.
He also rejected the notion that Namibia should adjust its regulatory stance based on geopolitical considerations or the profile of investors.
“If somebody comes because they have geopolitical connections to trample upon the principles and the laws of Namibia, we must stand and say whoever comes to do business here must conform to the laws of the country,” he said.
Ngurare further stressed that Namibia remains open to investment, but warned against creating exceptions that could weaken regulatory consistency.
“Namibia is a country where all those who respect our laws can do business. If we start to bend our laws because of who is involved, tomorrow we will not react the same way to others,” he said.
The remarks follow a decision by CRAN to reject Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Ltd’s application for both a telecommunications service licence and a spectrum licence, as published in the Government Gazette on 23 March 2026.
The decision prevents the company from rolling out fixed satellite internet services nationwide using designated radio frequency bands.
