According to a report by Digital TV Research, the number of pay-TV subscribers in Africa will climb by 12 million between 2023 and 2029.
The findings highlight an additional 7 million pay satellite TV subscribers and 5 million pay Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) homes during this period.
The total number of pay-TV subscribers is forecasted to reach 55 million by 2029, with satellite TV contributing 33 million and DTT accounting for 21 million. At the end of 2023, the base comprised 43 million pay-TV subscribers, with 26 million on satellite TV and 16 million on DTT.
The report identifies four countries that will collectively supply nearly half of the pay-TV subscriber total by 2029, with eight countries contributing to two-thirds of the overall figure. Nigeria is expected to lead the pack with 10 million subscribers, surpassing South Africa in 2022.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Simon Murray, Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, said, “Despite a recent slowdown in new subscriptions, Africa still has plenty of pay TV potential. Between 2023 and 2029, 27 million TV households are to be added – taking the total 130m.”