According to the report, Netflix will remain the SVOD market leader, with 6.9m subscribers by 2029.
Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to see a surge in paying SVOD subscriptions, reaching 16m by 2029, a significant increase from the 7m recorded at the end of 2023, according to the latest report by Digital TV Research.
South Africa and Nigeria are expected to contribute 59% (9.4m) of the region’s total subscriptions. However, despite this growth, SVOD penetration is anticipated to remain relatively low by 2029, with only 7.1% of TV households subscribing to at least one service, up from 4.7% in 2023.
Netflix is poised to maintain its position as the leading SVOD provider, with an estimated 6.9m subscribers by 2029. Following closely, Showmax is projected to become the second-largest platform with 3.7m paying subscribers. Meanwhile, Disney+, with its rollout primarily focused on South Africa, is forecasted to have 905,000 subscriptions by 2029.
Commenting on the market dynamics, Simon Murray, Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, said: “SVOD is a battle between Netflix and regional player Showmax. Rich in local content and sports rights, Showmax now has access to NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures and HBO content. Showmax’s parent MultiChoice recently rejected a takeover bid from Canal Plus.”
