Namibia's communications regulator receives over 600 requests to reconsider Starlink decision
via The Namibian1 min read
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia Cran has received 624 applications from the public and interested stakeholders requesting a review of its decision regarding Starlink Internet Services Namibia Pty Ltd.'s licence application. Cran communication and consumer relations executive Mufaro Nesongano confirmed on Monday that none of these applications were submitted by Starlink itself. The government had rejected Starlink's operating licence application in March. Nesongano stated that all 624 applications originated from members of the public and other interested parties who were dissatisfied with the initial decision. Cran noted that aggrieved individuals were given a legally prescribed period to request reconsideration. The authority acknowledges the significant public interest in this matter and assures all stakeholders that the reconsideration applications will be processed according to established legal and regulatory procedures, including the Communications Act of 2009 and other relevant requirements.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
South African entrepreneurs Sbusiso Leope, known as DJ Sbu, and Sheldon Tatchell are scheduled to arrive in Namibia on Friday to headline the sixth edition of the Business Summit Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday. Summit founder Martin Nankela stated that the event will serve as a premier networking platform for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators. DJ Sbu is the founder of MoFaya, and Tatchell is the chief executive of Legends Barbershop, which has expanded to over 80 stores. Leope is also a social entrepreneur, DJ, radio and television host, music producer, and author. The summit's theme is 'Building Scalable and Formidable Businesses Through Disciplined Execution and Tireless Commitment'. It will feature local and international speakers, panel discussions, business exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Local speakers include Standard Bank Namibia executive Hellen Amupolo, Hannah Nangula, founder and chief executive of Hannah Nangula Cosmetics, and RFC Creative Agency chief executive Reggie Zaire. The focus of one segment is information sharing, digital skills, smart banking, and business compliance to help local small and medium enterprises SMEs scale and create jobs. Past summits have featured prominent South African entrepreneurs, including Connie Ferguson in 2025 and Theo Baloyi, founder of Bathu Shoes, in 2024.
The Independent Patriots for Change IPC has accused the government of reappointing public officials implicated in governance failures to senior positions. IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula stated that this practice undermines public confidence and weakens governance. Kalangula alleged that the executive director in the Ministry of Works and Transport was previously implicated in a 2014 Deloitte forensic investigation into Air Namibia, which reportedly found unauthorized contracts, procurement failures, and poor contract management. This official is now claimed to be advising the government on establishing Namibia Air. The IPC also raised concerns about the executive director of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority, alleging a 2019 disciplinary inquiry at the Namibia Airports Company found this director guilty of tender collusion, leaking confidential information, and attempting to influence procurement processes. Despite recommendations for dismissal and referral to the Anti-Corruption Commission ACC, the director continues to advise the ministry on aviation regulation. Kalangula believes this recycling of officials contributes to poor governance, wastage of public funds, and weak oversight. He called on works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi to review investigation reports and implement recommendations. The IPC has written to the ACC for a progress report on forensic investigations. The party advocates for stricter vetting, accountability, and
Namibia welcomed over 1.3 million international visitors in 2025, marking a 6.9% decline compared to the 1.4 million arrivals in 2024. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism's 2025 report indicates that 90.5% of these arrivals were tourists. Environment minister Indileni Daniel highlighted tourism's crucial role in poverty alleviation, GDP contribution, job creation, and foreign earnings. The top 10 source markets included South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and France. The gender distribution of visitors was 64.1% men and 35.9% women, with 62.1% of international tourist arrivals aged 40 and above. The primary reasons for visiting Namibia were holidays 48.4%, visiting friends and relatives 28.6%, and business 18.5%. International tourists spent an average of 13 nights in the country in 2025, one night less than in 2024. Road transport was the dominant mode of entry at 77.9%. The report also noted an increase in national park visitations, from 943,408 in 2024 to 994,780 in 2025, with Etosha National Park remaining the most visited. Of the 994,780 national park visitors, 816,730 were international and 178,050 were local. The African Tourism Board recently recognized Namibia as a premier tourist destination.