37 million pay TV subscribers for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023

Friday, April 13th, 2018
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Pay TV to reach 37 million in SSA in 2023

Dataxis’ latest research highlights the steady rise expected in Pay TV numbers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). While TV penetration will continue to grow to reach around 46 % of total households, Pay TV offers are forecasted to increase their reach in African homes with more than 37 million subscribers in 2023.

Pay versus FTA in Sub-Saharan Africa

The market will remain mainly split between Direct-to-home (DTH) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). Nonetheless, DTH distribution is expected to lose ground to DTT distribution, as the latter is progressively being implemented in SSA countries and builds itself into a competitive alternative to receive Pay TV offers.

Broadcast technology share in Sub-Saharan Africa - 2017, 2023 - DTH, DTT, Other

In 2023, DTT will account for 29% of Pay TV in SSA. Alternative technologies (mostly MMDS, cable, and IPTV) are also forecasted to gain customers. Among them, Linear OTT TV, which is currently in its early stages, will achieve the highest growth.