10 (Continued from Cover) nificant increase in investment and innovation, leading to a surge in the production of original content that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the continent and the creativity of both young innovative producers and longestablished players. One of the key factors driving the growth of the African television industry is the increasing value and interest in African programming around the world. African content is gaining popularity on the global stage, attracting international audiences and critical acclaim. This only leads to a greater demand for African content from international broadcasters and streaming platforms, further boosting the profile of African television on the global stage. Many platforms strive to be thought of as having the broadest selection of international content, and for these, having Africa prominently represented in their offerings is a must, for both their viewers who want global options and the growing African diaspora seeking homegrown content. An African TV Overview Africa’s television industry is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and languages, with 54 countries and over 2,000 languages spoken on the continent, which is typically separated into five major regions. Television-wise, in North Africa there is: Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania; in West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Mali; in East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Somalia; in Central Africa: Congo; and in Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. There are also four linguistic areas: Anglophone, Francophone, Arabophone and Afroasiatic. State broadcasters continue to dominate local viewership, however, private multiple broadcast operators do exist, such as the Paris, France-based and U.S.-owned Trace TV, which, with its 18 channels across East Africa, is popular with younger audiences. Streaming platforms are also entering the continent, with Netflix leading the pack with an estimated 2.6 million subscribers, followed by MultiChoice-owned Showmax with 1.8 million, Disney+ with 905,000, and Amazon Prime with 575,000 subscribers. However, armed conflicts in Angola, Nigeria, Central Africa Republic (CAR), Somalia, Sudan, the Sahel Region (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger), and the DR Congo (not to be confused with Congo Brazzaville), make the TV business there more difficult than usual. Then, Sudan and Zimbabwe are experiencing economic instability, while Russia’s grip on countries in the Sahel Region, CAR, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea, is creating added political instability. Similarly, increased Chinese influence, particularly in Ethiopia, Angola, Nigeria, and Zambia, is creating trade tensions with the U.S. In terms of programming in Anglophone West Africa, Nigeria leads the pack with Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Africa Independent Television (AIT), and Channel TV, with Nigerian drama series, news, and talk shows. In Ghana, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and private channels like TV3 and UTV offer a mix of English and local language programming, soap operas, talk shows, and music videos. In Anglophone East Africa, Kenya leads with Kenya Broadcasting Corp. (KBC), Citizen TV, and NTV Kenya, with local dramas, news, and reality shows. In Uganda, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and private stations like NTV Uganda and NBS TV offer a mix of programs in English and Luganda. Talk shows, dramas, and music videos are among the most-watched. In Tanzania, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) and private channels like ITV provide news, dramas, and music shows. In Anglophone Southern Africa, South African Broadcasting Corp. (SABC), e.tv, and MultiChoice (DStv) dominate with drama, reality TV, news, and sports. In Botswana, Botswana Television (BTV) offers a variety of programs in English and Setswana, including news, dramas, and music shows. In Namibia, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) provides content in English and various local languages, including news, dramas, and cultural shows. In Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) operates multiple channels offering a mix of programs in English and Shona, including news, dramas, and music shows. In Francophone West Africa, Ivory Coast is the key country with broadcasters. Radiodiffusion-Television Ivoirienne (RTI) and Nouvelle Chaine Ivoirienne (NCI) rule the roost with telenovelas, news, and music programs. In Senegal, Senegalese Television (RTS) offers a range of programs, including news, dramas, and cultural shows. In Mali, Malian Television (ORTM) provides a mix of programs in French and Bambara, including news, dramas, and music. In Francophone Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo operates Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise. In Arabophone North Africa, the dominant broadcaster is Egypt with Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), Al-Nahar, and Egyptian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), which offer dramas, news, political talk shows, and religious programs. In Tunisia, Télévision Tunisienne features a blend of Arabic-language dramas, news programs, and cultural content. In Algeria, Algerian Television (ENTV) broadcasts Arabic-language soap operas and political discussions. In Morocco, Al Aoula and 2M are leading broadcasters, offering a mix of Arabic and French-language programs like dramas, talk shows, and reality TV. In Mauritania, Mauritanian Television (TVM) provides a range of programs in Arabic and French, including news, cultural shows, and music. In Arabophone East Africa, Somali National Television (SNTV) broadcasts a range of programs in Somali, including news, dramas, and cultural shows. In the Afroasiatic-speaking region of East Africa, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) operates multiple channels, including ETV News, ETV Entertainment, and ETV Afaan Oromo. However, Fana Broadcasting Corporate (FBC) leads in viewership. Popular programs include talent shows and various dramas and sports. *Compiled with data generated by Michel Zgarka, president of Canada-based HITLAB Group of Companies Inc. (Continued on Page 12) VIDEOAGE September 2025 African TV Market
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