MTN Group has launched MTN One TV, a new entertainment platform that combines live television, local storytelling, international programming and flexible viewing options, marking a major step in its transformation from a telecom infrastructure provider to a key player in Africa’s evolving streaming and digital content market.
The launch positions MTN at the centre of a growing battle over content distribution, payment systems and audience ownership, as companies increasingly compete not only for viewers but also for control of the platforms through which content is accessed and monetised.
According to MTN, One TV will offer a mix of free-to-view, advertising-supported, pay-per-view and subscription models tailored to different markets. Customers in selected countries will also be able to pay using airtime and mobile money, making content more accessible to mobile-first audiences across the continent.
Chomba Victoria Mkasanga, founder of AFRO Magazine, described the platform as more than just another entrant into the streaming market, saying it reflects a broader shift in how African companies approach content ownership, distribution and digital ecosystems.
She noted that MTN’s entry signals a structural change in how content is financed and consumed across Africa, adding that mobile-first distribution and connectivity bundles could reshape audience access to entertainment after years of dependence on global streaming priorities.
Selorm Adadevoh, MTN Group’s Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer, said entertainment is becoming an increasingly important gateway to digital participation. He explained that MTN is leveraging its connectivity and fintech infrastructure to expand access to content while supporting Africa’s growing creative economy.
MTN’s move comes shortly after Showmax exited the standalone streaming market, creating new opportunities in a sector already under pressure from both global and regional competitors.
The competition remains intense. Amazon recently expanded its Prime Video footprint in South Africa, bundling entertainment with delivery, gaming and retail services, while Netflix has continued investing in local talent development through initiatives such as the ScreenCraft Pathways programme, which provides training and industry placements for emerging filmmakers.
As Africa’s streaming wars enter a new phase, MTN is betting that its vast telecom network, mobile payment systems and growing digital ecosystem will give it an edge in the race to connect audiences with content across the continent.
