Poverty and piracy hold Netflix back in Africa
Now Netflix is experimenting with cheaper, mobile-only subscriptions and commissioning more locally produced shows that reflect experiences of ordinary Africans
29 September 2020 - 17:35
Lagos/London — Netflix became the world’s largest subscription-streaming service by flooding the market with popular content that’s cheaper than the competition.
Yet five years after it arrived in Africa, the US company is struggling to grow beyond the wealthiest segment of the population, held back by poverty, piracy and limited access to broadband. In a continent of more than a billion people, the service has 1.4-million subscribers, according to Digital TV Research. That compares with almost 20-million customers signed up to African pay-TV company MultiChoice...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.