Africa’s Streaming Battle Enters a New Era: MTN Bets on One TV as DStv Redraws Its Map

MTN returns to video with flexible payments and local content as MultiChoice reshapes its TV and streaming strategy.

LAGOS — Africa’s biggest screen is no longer the TV — it is the smartphone.

On June 8, MTN Group launched MTN One TV, a pan-African entertainment platform combining local and international content with flexible viewing and payment options.

The move marks MTN’s return to video nearly a decade after its earlier streaming attempt, arriving as MultiChoice continues restructuring under Canal+ ownership.

But One TV is more than a streaming app.

MTN is leveraging its core strengths — connectivity, mobile money and a large customer base — to build an entertainment ecosystem.

A Different Streaming Model

Instead of copying Netflix, One TV is built around African realities.

It will offer free, ad-supported, pay-per-view and subscription options depending on the market. Users can also pay via airtime, Mobile Money and other local methods.

The goal is to remove payment barriers that limit streaming adoption.

MTN’s Comeback

MTN previously launched MTN FrontRow in 2014, later rebranded MTN VU, before shutting it down in 2017 due to weak economics.

Since then, the market has changed: more smartphones, stronger mobile money, and rising demand for African content.

MTN believes the timing is now right.

Not a Netflix Rival

MTN is not positioning One TV as a Netflix replacement, but as a more accessible alternative.

Its advantage is direct access to millions of mobile users and built-in billing systems.

This could make payments — often a major barrier in Africa — far easier through airtime and mobile money.

Opportunity for Creators

MTN says One TV will support African creators through distribution, monetisation and partnerships.

If executed well, it could expand opportunities for Nollywood and independent filmmakers, especially in local-language content.

DStv and the Bigger Shift

At the same time, MultiChoice is reshaping its own TV and streaming strategy.

While reports of “seven channels being axed” are overstated, several channels have been removed or closed across DStv packages in 2026, alongside broader content changes.

The issue is less about individual channels and more about a shifting pay-TV model.

Showmax Repositioning

MultiChoice has also moved to integrate Showmax into its broader ecosystem following Canal+’s acquisition, further reshaping Africa’s streaming landscape.

A Crowded Streaming Race

Africa’s streaming market now includes Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Canal+/MultiChoice and MTN — each competing for attention, content and payments.

Why MTN Matters

MTN’s edge is not just content, but distribution, payments and connectivity.

It can bundle entertainment with mobile services and reach users who may never use traditional streaming platforms.

The Bigger Picture

This is not just MTN versus Netflix.

It is a wider battle over Africa’s digital entertainment future — where telecoms, broadcasters and global streamers compete for the same audience.

The winner will be the one that best combines content, access, affordability and payment convenience.

MTN One TV has entered the race.

The competition is just beginning.