Summary
- Elon Musk and South Africa’s President discussing potential for Starlink and Tesla in South Africa
- Musk asked Ramaphosa to ease regulations regarding Black ownership for businesses in the country
- Ramaphosa requesting Tesla to build battery production facility in exchange for easing regulations for Starlink
- Musk met with Ramaphosa in the US in September 2024
- Details of the discussions were reported by Bloomberg
Article
Elon Musk and South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa have engaged in discussions regarding the potential of bringing Musk’s companies, Starlink and Tesla, to South Africa. Musk reportedly asked Ramaphosa to ease regulations that require businesses in South Africa to be at least 30% black-owned through sharing equity with local partners. Without this leniency, SpaceX’s Starlink would have to comply with the regulations.
In exchange for easing regulations for Starlink, President Ramaphosa and South African officials are allegedly requesting Musk to guarantee that Tesla would build a battery production facility in the country. The establishment of a Tesla battery production facility would lead to local investments in South Africa and job creation. Musk and Ramaphosa met in September 2024 in the United States to further discuss these potential opportunities.
President Ramaphosa expressed his desire for Musk to invest in South Africa, stating that Musk has become successful and is investing in various countries, and it would be beneficial for him to come home and invest in his country of origin. The details of the discussions between Musk and Ramaphosa were first reported by Bloomberg, highlighting the potential economic impact and investment opportunities that could arise from Musk’s companies establishing a presence in South Africa.
The potential deal between Musk, Starlink, Tesla, and South Africa has garnered interest and attention from the public and the media. The Teslarati team is eager to hear from individuals who may have tips or further information about this development. Those who wish to provide insights or details can contact the Teslarati team through email or Twitter. The discussions between Musk and Ramaphosa highlight the mutual interest in exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment in South Africa.
Overall, the discussions between Elon Musk and President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding bringing Starlink and Tesla to South Africa showcase the potential for economic growth, job creation, and local investments in the country. By easing regulations for Starlink and establishing a battery production facility for Tesla, both companies could make significant contributions to the South African economy. The reported discussions between Musk and Ramaphosa underscore the importance of international partnerships and collaborations in fostering economic development and growth.
Read the full article here
