Description

Gambit Films’ video presentation, delivered at the 5th OTT Streaming Summit, held in February 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, explores the streaming landscape in Africa, discussing market trends, challenges, audience preferences, and monetisation strategies.

The African streaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, with SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) subscribers expected to surpass 15 million by 2026. Major players like Netflix, Showmax, and Prime Video dominate the market, while local content remains a key driver of engagement. However, barriers such as high data costs, piracy, and competition between global and regional platforms present challenges.

The video emphasises the importance of local storytelling, language localisation, and affordability in making streaming more accessible. It highlights emerging opportunities in short-form content, animation, gaming, and live sports streaming.

Some key points from the resource include:

● Local dramas: Blood Legacy, Blood & Water.
● Crime thrillers & high-production dramas: Unseen.
● Comedy & dramedies: How to Ruin Christmas.
● Reality TV & docuseries: Young, Famous & African.
● Epic historical narratives: Shaka iLembe.
● African audiences prefer content that reflects their realities, languages, and cultures.
● Localisation (dubbing, subtitles) is crucial for expanding reach.