MTN Expands into Streaming to Cement Tech Ambitions
South African telecom giant MTN Group is teaming up with UK-based Synamedia to launch a new streaming platform targeting African audiences. The move is part of MTN’s broader ambition to evolve from a telecom provider into a tech powerhouse across the continent.
What to Expect: Hybrid Streaming for Africa
The upcoming platform is designed to combine the best of both worlds:
- Linear TV channels for traditional viewing
- On-demand content for flexible entertainment
- Monetisation options including subscriptions, ads, and free ad-supported channels
The streaming experience will be highly localized, offering content curated around Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and consumption patterns.
Strategic Moves Fueling MTN’s Tech Pivot
MTN’s latest foray into digital content follows a series of strategic tech investments:
- MTN Ads, a digital advertising platform launched five months ago in partnership with Aleph
- A Tier 4 data center in Lagos set to go live by July 2024
- Bayobab, MTN’s open digital infrastructure initiative aimed at supporting internet and cloud connectivity across Africa
These efforts reflect MTN’s transition from a traditional telecom operator to a digital ecosystem enabler.
By the Numbers: Africa’s Streaming Market on the Rise
According to Statista, Africa’s streaming market is projected to hit $5.4 million in revenue by 2025, with expected growth to $7.1 million by 2029. MTN is positioning itself to tap into this expansion by providing locally relevant and accessible content.
What MTN Is Saying
“We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption in Africa with high-quality, accessible, and relevant content,” said Selorm Adadevoh, MTN’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Adadevoh emphasized that the partnership with Synamedia will combine cutting-edge technology with deep customer insights, aiming to drive entertainment innovation and digital inclusion across the continent.
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Facing Fierce Competition
MTN’s streaming ambitions put it up against global giants like Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax, which have already gained traction in parts of Africa. The competition also includes local telecom-led services such as Airtel TV from Airtel Africa, which already offers mobile streaming to millions.
MTN’s edge? Deep market penetration, existing infrastructure, and a growing digital services portfolio.
The Big Picture: Africa’s Streaming Race Heats Up
As mobile access and internet penetration grow across the continent, the race for Africa’s digital attention is intensifying. With its massive user base, infrastructure investments, and new partnerships, MTN is betting big on becoming a dominant player in Africa’s evolving streaming landscape.
