MTN Group has announced a strategic partnership with UK-based video software provider Synamedia to develop a new streaming platform aimed at mobile and fibre users across the African continent.
According to the group, the platform will deliver both linear television and video-on-demand (VOD) content, leveraging Synamedia’s advanced cloud-based technologies.
It is designed to accommodate a wide range of monetisation models, including subscription-based services, advertising-supported content, and free streaming channels with targeted ads.
With 291 million subscribers across 16 African markets, MTN said it intends to capitalise on the growing demand for video streaming, driven by the increased penetration of smartphones and improvements in telecom infrastructure across the region.
“This partnership presents a unique opportunity to redefine video consumption in Africa by providing high-quality, accessible, and locally relevant content,” Group Chief Commercial Officer at MTN, Selorm Adadevoh, said.
The group noted that the new service will adopt a market-specific content strategy, offering curated programming tailored to local languages, cultures, and viewing preferences.
It said that the telecom giant’s latest move marks a significant expansion beyond its core telecommunications offerings, aligning with its broader strategy to evolve into a technology-driven media and digital services company.
Originally launched in 1994, the group has diversified into fintech, digital platforms, and entertainment services to offset declining voice revenue.
According to MTN, the partnership also places MTN in direct competition with existing players in Africa’s streaming space, including MultiChoice’s Showmax and global platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV.
