Netflix & Showmax predicted to boost African SVOD subs to 18 million by 2029

The number of African SVOD subscribers will grow to reach a total of 18 million by 2029, according to a new report by Digital TV Research.

This represents a 10 million increase from the 8 million subscribers expected in the continent at the close of 2023.

The report however suggests that despite this fast growth, SVOD penetration will remain low, with only 7.7% of TV households paying for at least one subscription by 2029.

Netflix is predicted to have 7.55 million subscribers by 2029; adding 3.4 million from the anticipated end of 2023, with second-placed Showmax to have 4.4 million paying subscribers by 2029 – nearly 3 million more than 2023.

Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research, said: “The SVOD sector in Anglophone Africa is evolving into a battle between Netflix and local player Showmax. Rich in local content and sports rights, Showmax now has access to NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures and HBO content.”