Economic analysts are concerned about the potential disruption Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet could cause in Namibia’s telecom industry. As the Namibian government explores partnerships with Starlink, local players like MTC and Telecom Namibia may face significant competition.
Last month, President Nangolo Mbumba and ICT Minister Emma Theofelus met with Musk in New York to discuss possible Tesla and Starlink investments in Namibia.
Economic analyst Mally Likukela highlighted the risk of market disruption, noting that Starlink’s advanced technology and economies of scale could allow it to offer lower-cost services, threatening the market share of local giants.
However, Likukela also sees potential benefits, such as technology transfer and the upskilling of local technicians through collaboration with Starlink.
Josef Kefas Sheehama echoed these concerns but emphasized the broader opportunities Starlink could bring, particularly in improving internet access and reducing the digital divide in rural areas. He cautioned, however, that the arrival of advanced technology could lead to job losses at local providers and stressed the importance of upskilling Namibia’s workforce.
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