MTN Group to launch pan-African streaming platform to rival Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

• MTN Group is set to launch a pan-African streaming platform to rival Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
• MTN is collaborating with Synamedia, which would provide technical infrastructure for the platform
• Both companies said the partnership showed a shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and quality content in Africa

MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications company, is set to rival current streaming giants, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax, as it plans to launch a new streaming platform for mobile and fixed broadband users across the continent.

This follows a strategic partnership between MTN Group and global video software leader, Synamedia.

The collaboration will see MTN leverage Synamedia’s cloud-based technology to deliver a mix of live TV and video-on-demand content.

This offers multiple monetisation options, including subscriptions, ad-supported content, and free streaming channels with targeted ads.

A statement released by MTN on Monday, April 7, shared on its official X handle, noted that the platform will feature localised content tailored to each market’s cultural preferences, languages, and viewing habits.

Commenting on the initiative, MTN’s Group Chief Commercial Officer, Selorm Adadevoh, said the localised approach aims to boost engagement and accessibility across MTN’s African market.

“We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption in Africa with high-quality, accessible, and relevant content.

“This partnership enables us to leverage cutting-edge technology and deep customer insights to enhance entertainment experiences and drive digital inclusion,” Adadevoh said.

Synamedia to provide technical infrastructure

The statement added that Synamedia would provide the technical infrastructure for content management, personalised recommendations, and scalable delivery.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Synamedia, Paul Segre, stated that the platform would enable smartphone owners across Africa to enjoy innovative linear TV and on-demand video.

Segre said, “Thanks to MTN’s leadership and innovation, smartphone owners across Africa will be able to enjoy innovative linear TV and on-demand video.

“By taking advantage of the breadth of our integrated, cloud-based portfolio to quickly deploy new services at scale, MTN will be able to create a groundbreaking set of offerings for customers and viewers that will drive new revenues.”

Shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion, quality content in Africa

Both MTN Group and Synamedia noted that the platform shows a shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and enhancing access to quality content in Africa, noting that it can handle Africa’s growing digital demand.

The companies added that the partnership would create a service that brings value to audiences and contributes to the development of the continent’s digital ecosystem as it would leverage innovative technologies and a localised approach.

MTN, Airtel agree to share network infrastructure in Uganda, Nigeria

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that telecommunications companies MTN Group and Airtel Africa entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria while complying with local regulatory and statutory requirements.

The telcos disclosed this in a joint statement released on Wednesday, March 26, adding that the partnership is to boost their commitment to extend digital and financial inclusion across Africa.