Pay TV subscribers in Africa to reach 55 million by 2029

According to a recent report by Research and Markets, the number of pay TV subscribers in Africa is set to increase by 12 million between 2023 and 2029. This growth will include an additional 7 million pay satellite TV subscribers and 5 million more pay DTT homes. By 2029, the total number of pay TV subscribers is expected to reach 55 million, with satellite TV contributing 33 million and DTT 21 million. At the end of 2023, there were 43 million pay TV subscribers, with 26 million being satellite TV and 16 million DTT.

In terms of country distribution, four countries will account for nearly half of the pay TV subscriber total by 2029, while eight countries will make up two-thirds of the total. Nigeria is projected to provide 10 million subscribers, surpassing South Africa in 2022.

Simon Murray, Principal Analyst, expressed optimism about the pay TV potential in Africa, stating that despite a recent slowdown in new subscriptions, there is still ample room for growth. Between 2023 and 2029, an estimated 27 million TV households will be added, bringing the total to 130 million.