Latest news with #SouthernAfricanDevelopmentCommunity
The South African
3 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Elon Musk's Starlink plans R2 billion investment to avoid BEE challenges
Elon Musk's satellite internet company Starlink is reportedly planning a R2 billion investment in South Africa, potentially paving the way for its entry into the country despite ongoing regulatory challenges tied to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. According to reports, the investment would support infrastructure development to serve not only South Africa but also the Southern African Development Community (SADC) – a 16-member regional bloc. In a bid to comply with local conditions without ceding equity, Starlink has proposed using South African companies for infrastructure-related needs including land leasing, fibre connectivity, power supply, security, and maintenance services. The reported strategy is viewed as a workaround to South Africa's existing empowerment rules, which require foreign tech firms to partner with Black shareholders to obtain operating licences. South Africa-born Elon Musk has publicly criticised these laws, calling them 'openly racist' and indicating he would not give up equity in Starlink. However, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi is considering a revision to current policy. His department has proposed alternatives to equity partnerships for satellite providers – such as investment in Black-owned businesses and infrastructure as qualifying criteria. 'We want to see tangible investment into the South African economy, especially in marginalised communities,' Malatsi noted in a previous statement. The decision to grant Starlink an operating license ultimately lies with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), although Malatsi's department plays a key role in shaping licensing criteria. Starlink is aiming to finalise a deal before South Africa hosts the G20 Summit in Johannesburg in November, a high-profile platform that could highlight Musk's return to his country of birth in a transformative digital initiative. If successful, Starlink's investment could significantly enhance internet access and connectivity across the region, especially in underserved rural areas. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Dubai Eye
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE welcomes DRC, Rwanda peace agreement
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington, commending it as a significant step towards reinforcing peace, security, and stability across the African continent. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, commended the extensive efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in facilitating this positive and constructive achievement, which comes in support of the African Union's mediation efforts and the outcomes of the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). He considers the agreement a reflection of the strong determination and unwavering commitment of both parties to peaceful solutions and dialogue. He underscored that the international cooperation, which led to the signing of this agreement, reflects the significance of collective action in addressing regional issues, and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the region for stability and prosperity. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasised the deep-rooted historic ties between the UAE and the countries of the African continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, reiterating the country's steadfast approach in consolidating bridges of partnership and dialogue and its support for any efforts that contribute to enhancing security, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.
Gulf Today
21 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE welcomes signing of peace deal between Rwanda, Congo
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda in Washington, commending it as a significant step towards reinforcing peace, security, and stability across the African continent. Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, commended the extensive efforts of US President Donald Trump, and Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in facilitating this positive and constructive achievement, which comes in support of the African Union's mediation efforts and the outcomes of the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). He considers the agreement a reflection of the strong determination and unwavering commitment of both parties to peaceful solutions and dialogue. He underscored that the international cooperation, which led to the signing of this agreement, reflects the significance of collective action in addressing regional issues, and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the region for stability and prosperity. Sheikh Shakhboot emphasised the deep-rooted historic ties between the UAE and the countries of the African continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, reiterating the country's steadfast approach in consolidating bridges of partnership and dialogue and its support for any efforts that contribute to enhancing security, peace, and sustainable development on the continent. In March, Sheikh Shakhboot met Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Congo, in the capital, Brazzaville, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation. Sheikh Shakhboot commended the continuous development in relations between the UAE and the Republic of the Congo, affirming the numerous opportunities for support and growth across various sectors. WAM
TAG 91.1
a day ago
- Politics
- TAG 91.1
UAE welcomes DRC, Rwanda peace agreement
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda in Washington, commending it as a significant step towards reinforcing peace, security, and stability across the African continent. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, commended the extensive efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in facilitating this positive and constructive achievement, which comes in support of the African Union's mediation efforts and the outcomes of the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). He considers the agreement a reflection of the strong determination and unwavering commitment of both parties to peaceful solutions and dialogue. He underscored that the international cooperation, which led to the signing of this agreement, reflects the significance of collective action in addressing regional issues, and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the region for stability and prosperity. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasised the deep-rooted historic ties between the UAE and the countries of the African continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, reiterating the country's steadfast approach in consolidating bridges of partnership and dialogue and its support for any efforts that contribute to enhancing security, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.
Yemen Online
a day ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
UAE Welcomes Signing of Peace Agreement Between Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of Rwanda
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the signing of the peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington, commending it as a significant step towards reinforcing peace, security, and stability across the African continent. His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, commended the extensive efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, in facilitating this positive and constructive achievement, which comes in support of the African Union's mediation efforts and the outcomes of the joint summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). His Excellency considers the agreement a reflection of the strong determination and unwavering commitment of both parties to peaceful solutions and dialogue. His Excellency underscored that the international cooperation, which led to the signing of this agreement, reflects the significance of collective action in addressing regional issues, and the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the region for stability and prosperity. H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan emphasized the deep-rooted historic ties between the UAE and the countries of the African continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, reiterating the country's steadfast approach in consolidating bridges of partnership and dialogue and its support for any efforts that contribute to enhancing security, peace, and sustainable development on the continent.
