MTN Group, the largest mobile network operator on the African continent, is embarking on an exciting new venture. In collaboration with Synamedia, a renowned video software company from the UK, MTN plans to unveil a streaming platform tailored specifically for mobile and fiber users across Africa.
When you reflect on MTN’s journey since its establishment in 1994, it’s astonishing to see how the company has diversified. Originally focused on voice and data services, MTN has metamorphosed into a tech-driven media company. It now ventures into fintech, digital services, and entertainment, all to align with the evolving habits of its users. This evolution raises an interesting question: how many facets can a telecommunications giant have?
“We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption in Africa with high-quality, accessible, and relevant content,” shared Selorm Adadevoh, who serves as Group Chief Commercial Officer at MTN Group. The insight is profound, as it encapsulates the essence of modern content consumption—a blend of quality, accessibility, and relevance. Adadevoh continued, “This partnership allows us to leverage cutting-edge technology and profound customer insights to enhance entertainment experiences and drive digital inclusion.” Let’s pause for a moment and ask ourselves: Isn’t blending technology with local insights the key to unlocking digital potential?
Service Expansion in Africa
MTN’s customer base is vast, reaching 291 million individuals across 16 markets in Africa. This move towards streaming services is not just strategic but necessary, given the soaring demand for video streaming. This demand is being driven by a boom in smartphone usage combined with continually improving telecom infrastructures. It’s almost as if every new smartphone user becomes a potential customer for MTN’s upcoming services. Do you sometimes wonder how technology changes society’s way of engaging with content?
Utilizing Synamedia’s cutting-edge cloud-based technology, the prospective streaming platform will feature both live TV and on-demand video, catering to diverse viewer preferences. Whether you’re reminiscing about the days of scheduled TV programming or embracing on-demand content, MTN promises an extensive viewing experience for all. How do you consume content—are you more of a live TV enthusiast, or do you prefer watching on your own schedule?
This new service will not only feature a multitude of monetization models—ranging from subscription services, ad-supported content, to free streams with targeted ads—but it also reflects the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and advertisers’ needs. The revenue forecast for Africa’s streaming market is optimistic, with projections suggesting it could attain a substantial $5.4 million by 2025. Indeed, there’s a growing appetite for homegrown content and platforms that deliver it efficiently. Have you noticed how the thirst for local content has transformed the viewing landscape?
MTN’s foray into streaming places it squarely in competition with established market players such as MultiChoice’s Showmax, along with global heavyweights like Netflix, Disney, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. These are indeed ambitions that mirror the aspirations of a company in pursuit of not only viewers but a genuine digital renaissance across Africa. It leaves one pondering the ever-growing digital sphere and the endless possibilities these ventures present to African viewers and creators alike.
