Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, once left South Africa at 18, seeking opportunities in North America. Decades later, with an empire worth $468 billion, Musk finds himself in conversations with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa—this time about transforming the nation’s digital landscape through Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet network. Yet the discussions reveal a broader global pattern: Musk’s growing political and economic influence is dismantling barriers once seen as insurmountable.

In South Africa, the stakes are high. While Musk’s companies dangle the promise of investment in areas like Tesla’s battery production, Starlink faces legal hurdles—specifically, a rule mandating 30% Black ownership in foreign companies. For a country seeking to address the economic inequalities of apartheid, these regulations are non-negotiable. But Musk’s recent rise as an adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his increasing clout on the global stage are putting pressure on governments like South Africa to reconsider.

Breaking the Global Resistance to Starlink

Starlink, launched by Musk’s SpaceX, has rapidly expanded, offering high-speed satellite internet to over 4 million users across 100 countries. Its appeal is clear: affordable, fast, and accessible even in remote areas. However, its rise hasn’t been without resistance. Many governments have viewed Starlink’s operations as a potential threat to national security and local telecom industries. But those walls are crumbling under the weight of economic opportunity—and Musk’s political muscle.

This year alone, SpaceX has added more than 20 nations to its Starlink portfolio, including Ghana, Argentina, and the Philippines. In each case, legal and regulatory hurdles that once blocked Starlink have been swept aside. For instance, the Philippines eliminated local ownership requirements to allow Starlink, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei—a Trump ally—scrapped regulations immediately after meeting Musk.

In South Africa, where demand for Starlink has skyrocketed despite its unauthorized status, regulators are feeling the pressure. In November 2023, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) warned of fines up to 5 million rand ($270,000) for unlawful use of the service. Yet, rural communities and underserved areas are desperate for affordable, reliable internet. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology is now exploring alternative frameworks to allow foreign companies like Starlink to comply through investments and job creation, rather than direct equity transfers.

“We need to unlock as many solutions as possible to bring broadband connectivity to rural and underserved areas,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Global Ripple Effect

Starlink’s swift rise has been driven by a potent combination of cutting-edge technology and shrewd business strategy. It has flooded markets with user-friendly equipment and competitive pricing, often circumventing local regulations. This strategy has left governments and telecom giants scrambling to respond.

In Kenya, for example, Starlink has offered receivers at hypermarkets like Carrefour, slashing prices by 27% compared to local providers like Safaricom. The result? Tenfold faster speeds at a fraction of the cost. In Murang’a County, health centers equipped with Starlink receivers now enjoy seamless connectivity, transforming service delivery.

“Installation is easy,” said Godfrey Gatacha, head of the county’s health products and technologies unit. “We’re paying less and getting better speeds.”

But Starlink’s rapid ascent has also sparked backlash. Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecom operator, lodged formal complaints, arguing that Starlink should comply with the same regulations as local companies. Concerns over data privacy and national security remain significant, with critics warning against over-reliance on a network controlled by Musk—a man with deep ties to both the U.S. administration and China.

Challenges and Controversies

Musk’s global ambitions have not been without challenges. Taiwan, wary of Musk’s 2022 comments suggesting it should become a “special administrative zone” of China, has opted for competitors like OneWeb. The Philippines, despite adopting Starlink, faces heated debates over its potential security implications, with critics labeling Musk’s network a “national security risk.”

Even as Starlink dominates, competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and China’s Spacesail are racing to close the gap. Yet, Musk’s lead is formidable: SpaceX has launched over 7,000 satellites, with dozens more deployed each month. By contrast, OneWeb and Hughes Communications have struggled, with the latter losing 35% of its subscribers since 2021.

Starlink’s success is straining its capacity in high-demand areas. In cities like Nairobi, London, and Mexico City, the service is already sold out. According to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, maintaining Starlink’s lead will require continuous expansion and innovation.

The Political Edge

Musk’s growing influence in political circles has added a new dimension to Starlink’s global push. His role as a close Trump adviser has turned him into a key player in geopolitical negotiations. As Alex Capri, author of Techno-Nationalism, notes, “Musk now has the ear of the most powerful office in the world. For governments, the transactional value of engaging with him becomes much more attractive.”

In South Africa, this influence could tip the scales. For Ramaphosa, the promise of Tesla investments and Starlink’s transformative potential must be weighed against the need to uphold post-apartheid economic reforms. The outcome of these negotiations will set a precedent for how other nations navigate Musk’s mix of technological innovation and political clout.

A World Divided

For communities in underserved regions, Starlink represents hope—a chance to connect to the world. In Bali’s Bungbungan village, children use Starlink for homework, while midwives rely on it to coordinate care. “Why limit its use?” asked midwife Putu Arini Julianti.

Yet for governments, the rise of Starlink presents a double-edged sword. While its benefits are undeniable, the implications for national sovereignty, privacy, and competition demand careful consideration.

As Musk’s satellites continue to blanket the globe, the world finds itself at a crossroads. Will governments embrace the opportunities Starlink offers, or will they resist the growing influence of the man behind it? For now, Musk’s vision of global connectivity is closer to becoming a reality—whether the world is ready or not.