What's Next for Free-to-Air TV in Africa?
Africa's Pay TV market has had a volatile few years. From the shutdown of Canal+ in Ethiopia, to Canal+ acquiring DSTV, and multiple new entrants to the satellite market, it has felt like change is the true status quo. Perhaps less has been written about free-to-air television in Africa. Traditionally we think of analog terrestrial broadcasts and DTH satellite in the African market, but the future of free TV looks increasingly hybrid: mixing platforms as well as new paths for monetization.
Mobile Connectivity is the Foundation
As of 2024, around 28% of Africans use mobile devices to access the internet. The vast majority do so via 3G and 4G networks. This number is expected to grow quickly as 5G rollouts accelerate across the continent. More and more viewing is happening on mobile devices, shifting how both local and international broadcasters need to think about reaching their audience.
Digital Switchover
Digital switchovers have been slower than hoped in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, with the notable exception of the EAC. That said, the rollout of 5G and improved mobile infrastructure serve as an unlikely impetus to accelerate the digital transition, with mobile providers hoping to snap up spectrum currently used for analog television.
In some ways, this delay has been a gift, avoiding the pain of transitioning to DVB-T only to have to transition again to DVB-T2 and/or HEVC like in much of Europe.
Satellite is Still Important, But Not Alone
Nigeria's recent launch of FreeTV on NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE LIMITED (NIGCOMSAT) demonstrates investment in the future of free-to-air satellite television. At the same time, the group also launched a companion app for FreeTV, allowing viewers to watch online instead of via satellite or terrestrial networks. This approach is key: some viewers aren't going to want to obtain or move their dish, or upgrade their older receivers that might not be compatible with DVB-S2 broadcasts.
Why Apps Matter for Free TV
We're seeing independent groups, state broadcasters and commercial TV networks launch apps that aggregate live TV across Africa. For a commercial broadcaster, this is a fantastic way to track viewership and sell advertising. For public broadcasters, it allows deeper connections to diaspora communities worldwide.
But "free TV" doesn't always have to be "free". Apps create fresh monetization opportunities. Deep integration with mobile payment providers means that users can easily pay for short periods of access; for example, a few days of premium content for a sporting event, or to be able to binge a hit drama series. The kind of flexibility only really works mobile-first. We might even be seeing a generation who are completely against traditional monthly pay-TV contracts which dominate the industry in Africa.
A Hybrid Future
The most successful free TV strategies in Africa will likely combine the best of both worlds: reliable broadcast delivery to fixed devices (mainly satellite and terrestrial) with smart digital extensions. Broadcasters need to be agile in order to adapt to how viewers are actually watching today.
At ZipWave Media, we help TV networks navigate these challenges and opportunities, not just in Africa but globally. If you're interested in expanding in Africa, or want to get advice about global broadcasting, please visit zipwavetv.com and fill out the form.
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Sources:
GSMA, The Mobile Economy Africa 2026
The Nation Online, “Full list: Key things to know about newly launched FreeTV”