MultiChoice Group to boost video content production in Ethiopia

The company said its plans included deepening investments in infrastructure and the training of content creators. It believes that video entertainment in Africa has more growth potential than any other region in the world. It also said it had launched several local free-to-air channels and radio stations on the DStv platform to serve customers with local news, entertainment and music content.

"In the aftermath of COVID-19, our commitment to the long term, and to creating local value chains and local content is more important than ever," MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela said. "By continuing to invest in our local markets, we intend to create lasting value for the local creative industry.

"The benefits include improved quality in the industry arising from training in our stringent technical standards, opportunities for local content creators, distribution of content in local languages, promotion of local talent who can build their brands, on-the-job learning for those involved in productions and new content which we can license to other channels."

The announcement is part of MultiChoice Group’s local content strategy, which seeks to capitalise on Ethiopia's expected growth potential. Ethiopia is Africa's second most populous country with a population of about 110 million. Its GDP grew by 8.3% to $91bn last year, while its information and communications technology sector is considered as largely untapped.

MultiChoice Africa began its operations in the country in 1992 and has directly employed about 100 Ethiopians, and hundreds more through its supply chain and network of technicians and installers. MultiChoice Group, meanwhile, is one of the fastest-growing pay-TV broadcasters globally and the leading provider of video entertainment on the continent, with access to 19.5 million households.