dealing the company a second setback in southern Africa. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) announced the decision without giving reasons for its refusal, but noted that Starlink's Namibian subsidiary did not have local ownership. Starlink has not yet commented on the decision. It operates in about 25 African countries but has faced regulatory challenges in others, including South Africa, where ownership rules have also blocked its entry. Namibian law requires that at least 51% shares in any telecommunications company must be owned by citizens or local entities. Namibia is a former colony of Germany, and was under the rule of South Africa's white-minority regime until it gained independence in 1990. It then adopted policies aimed at increasing local ownership in businesses and tackling racial inequality. On its website, Starlink says it has established a local company that will partner with Namibian firms and create employment opportunities. Cran said it could reconsider its decision either "on its own motion or on a petition filed by an aggrieved party" within 90 days. In 2024, the regulator issued an order against Starlink, accusing it of operating without a licence and instructing it to immediately cease all operations in Namibia. (BBC)