Netflix is set to significantly increase its subscriber base in Sub-Saharan Africa following a recent collaboration with France’s Canal+ platform. Starting in July, Canal+ subscribers in French-speaking African countries will gain access to Netflix content at a discounted subscription rate.
According to Ampere Analysis, this deal is expected to attract an additional 8.2 million subscribers to Netflix in a region where it has primarily established its presence in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Currently, Netflix boasts approximately 4.5 million subscribers in these markets despite being the most expensive subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service, with a monthly fee of around $5.70. In contrast, rival platform Showmax, partly owned by Canal+ and pay-TV operator DStv, offers subscriptions for $2.90 and has 1.45 million subscribers. DStv provides Netflix access to its 10.7 million pay-TV subscribers at the standard price.
Analyst Motohiko Ara suggests discounted bundles with Canal+ will likely attract new users in this price-sensitive market. He further indicates that Netflix aims to leverage its French-language original series, including titles like “Lupin” and “Sous la Seine,” to gain traction among new audiences.
While Netflix already leads the SVOD sector in the region, this partnership is expected to bolster its market presence and significantly boost subscriber numbers, contributing positively to its global revenue. As of 2024, Netflix has surpassed 101 million paid subscribers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
