Multichoice Ghana has announced the launch of Dstv Streaming, an over the top offering for audiences in Ghana and beyond without the need for a TV set or a dish. Instead, the viewer requires an internet connection.

The business is still committed to growing with the local economy while ensuring sustainability through several initiatives to enrich lives.

The announcement was made at the Multichoice Ghana Content and Product showcase held in Accra.

In his address, Managing Director of Multichoice Ghana, Alex Okyere, said, “We will continue to look for new ways to create more value for our customers and bring stories from across the globe to Africa.”

This announcement means that in addition to DStv’s complementary platform Showmax, Ghanaians can access the rich tapestry of content from Africa’s largest pay-TV provider without investing in a TV set or decoder.

The world of content streaming has evolved rapidly, arguably catalysed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Statistica said over the top (OTT) streaming market revenue could reach over $450 million.

With Akwaaba Magic - a Ghanaian entertainment channel now live on DStv and GOtv; there’s a reason to be upbeat about the fortunes of the arts and entertainment scene in Ghana.

Akwaaba Magic offers a range of Ghanaian content from reality and drama to movies, comedy, and series.

This is a development that bodes well for the creation of jobs for content creators and arts/entertainment the value chain.

The users of subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) services is projected to reach 5 million by the end of 2021, with the number tripling to over 15 million users by 2026, according to London based business intelligence company Digital TV Research.

Though Netflix is currently the market leader on the continent, it is projected that its market share will see a decline as other players launch on the continent.

Currently, a typical SVOD user in Africa has to choose between Netflix, MyCanal, Showmax, Amazon, Apple TV+. Disney+ will not be launching on the continent before 2022, but Simon Murray, the Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, said, “The selective launch plans from some global platforms work in favour of regional players such as Showmax and MyCanal.”

The SVoD market is set for growth on the continent, with the upside for users being options. It will be interesting to see how regional players carve out an advantage for themselves in the years ahead.