Lesotho is facing mounting pressure to approve a Network Services Licence for Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Despite considerable local opposition, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane’s government is actively working to eliminate barriers for US companies, including Starlink.
In February, the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) acknowledged receiving Starlink’s application, which aims to provide satellite internet services throughout the country. However, Vodacom Lesotho’s Managing Director, Mohale Ralebitso, expressed concerns at a public consultation, advocating that Starlink should establish local shareholding to foster partnerships and economic inclusion.
Similar sentiments were echoed by the regional organisation Section Two, led by Secretary General Tjatjapa Sekabi, which formally opposed the licence due to Starlink’s complete foreign ownership. Sekabi highlighted that all shares are held by a foreign entity, leaving no room for local investment.
External pressure from the US further complicates the situation. A recent 90-day pause on a 50% tariff on Lesotho imports affects up to 12,000 jobs in the country’s export sector. Matekane links the Starlink licence approval with efforts to attract US investment and relieve tariff pressures, although Section Two cautions against intertwining these discussions.
The LCA maintains that it is reviewing public input regarding the application. Coordinator Kananelo Boloetse emphasised that the opposition is fundamentally about national interests rather than US tariffs and urged the government to avoid jeopardising regional ties to appease US interests. He also warned that allowing Starlink in Lesotho could create diplomatic tensions with South Africa, which has already rejected Starlink’s application due to similar ownership concerns.
