Namibia said on Monday it had rejected a request for billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink to operate its satellite internet services in the country, dealing the company a second setback in Southern Africa.

Starlink had applied for the licence through its local unit, Starlink Internet Services Namibia (Pty) Limited, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) said in a government gazette.

The regulator gave no explanation for the refusal, saying only that "the full reasons for the decision can be requested from the authority."

South Africa denies Starlink a licence

Starlink has failed to secure a licence in neighbouring South Africa, where ownership rules have also blocked its entry.

Telecommunications companies operating in South Africa, including those with foreign investment, are currently required to provide 30% equity to historically disadvantaged groups – a policy created to mitigate the legacy of racial inequality left by apartheid.