As Africa’s digital content economy continues to evolve, Minnie Harris, General Manager for Vertical and Markets at MTN Group Digital, is calling on industry leaders to rethink access models and design digital solutions rooted in the everyday realities of African consumers.
Speaking ahead of the 6th OTT Content Streaming Summit – Africa 2026, taking place on 24–25 February 2026 at the Capital 15 On Orange, Cape Town, South Africa, Harris notes that while audiences value affordability, compelling content and convenience, sustained adoption is driven by how effectively these elements work together.
“Affordable access is not simply about lowering the price of data. It’s about ensuring that what people are accessing delivers clear value for the data they use. Access must be continuous, relevant and simple — not just a once-off experience,” she said.
Across MTN’s operating markets, data affordability remains a persistent barrier to sustained digital services, including streaming and content platforms. To address this, MTN continues to prioritise tailored, data-inclusive propositions, flexible platform access and strategic partnerships that expand value and enable more consistent engagement. Equally important is the role of locally relevant content.
“People connect with platforms when content reflects their lives, cultures, languages and aspirations. There is a growing gap between what many African audiences want and what global content models traditionally deliver. We believe we have a responsibility to invest in local content ecosystems and support creators across our markets,” Harris explained.
Balancing premium content with affordability remains a core challenge for the industry. Harris highlighted MTN’s approach to layered content economics, combining ad-supported, freemium, and premium models with consumption-based and revenue-share partnerships that lower barriers to entry and support more responsible pricing.
Looking ahead, Harris identified Africa’s strongest growth opportunities in mobile-first, lightweight, and flexible content formats (including short-form video, audio, education, and utility-driven services) supported by thematic bundles and micro-passes for sports, gaming, music, and youth content. She also emphasised the growing role of public–private partnerships in education, health and financial literacy.
“The opportunity is not limited by demand,” Harris said. “It is unlocked by how creatively and responsibly we design for African markets.”
Harris concluded with a message for fellow summit participants:
“Expanding access is not a trade-offbetween affordability and quality. With the right partnerships, data-driven insights and customer-centric design, we can create solutions that are inclusive, commercially viable and truly transformative for the continent.”
Harris will share these insights at the OTT Content Streaming Summit – Africa 2026.
