In preparation for the upcoming 5th Edition of the OTT Streaming Summit – Africa 2025, taking place from 18 – 19 February 2025 at The Capital 15 On Orange, Cape Town, South Africa, BMA spoke to Calvin Collett, Founder/CEO of Melon Mobile.
During the discussion, Mr Calvin Collett, a thought leader in mobile connectivity and digital transformation, talked about the pivotal role mobile networks play in the OTT and streaming ecosystem, the challenges facing the industry, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Below is an extra of the conversation:
BMA: What influenced your decision to agree to participate in the OTT Streaming Summit?
Calvin: We fully understand the integral role mobile networks play in the OTT streaming ecosystem, especially in Africa, where, for example, infrastructure in non-urban areas is non-existent. This summit offers us a unique opportunity to share insights on how mobile technology can transform content accessibility and distribution. We’re also excited about collaborating with industry stakeholders to drive innovation and create strategies that benefit the industry and consumers. Ultimately, it’s about being part of a conversation shaping the future of media and advertising in Africa.
BMA: In 3-4 dot/bullet points, please tell us how you see the Content Streaming Space in Africa evolving regarding its effect on Content Distribution and Monetisation, especially in the African market conditions.
Calvin:
Mobile-Centric Growth: With high mobile penetration, streaming platforms are increasingly tailoring their offerings for mobile-first consumption, leveraging adaptive streaming technologies to address bandwidth variability.
Localised Content: A growing demand for culturally relevant content drives investment in African stories, creating new monetisation opportunities via ad-supported models and subscriptions.
Affordable Access: Innovations in microtransactions and bundled services (e.g., data + OTT packages) make streaming accessible to price-sensitive audiences.
Data Insights: Enhanced ad tech capabilities and real-time analytics enable precise audience targeting, improving monetisation potential for content creators and advertisers.
BMA: In your opinion/experience, what particular challenge(s) or issues (s) do players in this industry face, and how do you see it being resolved and overcome?
Calvin: One of the biggest challenges is bandwidth and connectivity. Not all areas in Africa have reliable or affordable high-speed internet, which can limit streaming accessibility. Solving this will require continued investment in infrastructure, whether through partnerships with ISPs, satellite providers, or government initiatives.
Piracy is another pressing issue. It undermines the revenue streams of creators and platforms. To tackle this, stronger digital rights management systems and educational campaigns to help consumers understand the value of legal content need to be focused on.
Payment accessibility is also a challenge. Many potential subscribers don’t have access to traditional payment methods. Expanding payment solutions to include mobile money and other localised options can bridge this gap and bring more people into the ecosystem.
Lastly, there’s the question of which monetisation models work best. With such a diverse market, the key will be tailoring strategies to fit specific regions and consumer behaviours, ensuring that streaming services are accessible and profitable.
BMA: With all that said, what do you hope fellow participants will take away from this industry summit?
Calvin: I hope participants leave the summit with a sense of collaboration and a clear understanding that we all have a role in shaping OTT’s future in Africa. It’s not just about overcoming challenges. It’s about leveraging the opportunities that exist within this growing industry.
I also hope they gain actionable insights into how advances in mobile connectivity, ad tech, and data analytics can drive greater viewer engagement and more sustainable monetisation strategies. Finally, I’d like to see everyone walk away inspired to think beyond the now and embrace the exciting potential of Africa’s content streaming landscape. We can create a future that benefits creators, advertisers, and consumers.
To find out more about the event, visit the event website here.
