Media & Advertising

Change is afoot in the South African media industry, with two major acquisitions under way, and players increasingly looking to digital platforms. The country has one of the largest and freest media markets on the continent, but as in numerous other economies, print outlets have had to deal with slowing circulation and a rapidly changing online landscape.

Nigeria’s film industry, the second-largest in the world by volume, is already a prime destination for investment but with a national film fund and major infrastructural projects under consideration, there is potential for further growth.

South Africa’s print media is going through some difficult times, with a number of titles struggling with declining circulation, lower revenue and the looming possibility of stricter regulation. However, the sector does continue to hold encouraging potential for growth, particularly for weekly print outlets.

After only one year operating, NTA-Star TV Network, a joint venture between state broadcaster Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Chinese media company StarTimes, has attracted some 400,000 subscribers to its digital terrestrial television (DTT) service. The company, currently in several major urban areas, plans to expand to more markets across the country within the next five years.