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Amy Saunders Reports for African Wireless Communications

With Ziga Kvas – Regional Account Manager_STN

Over the past year, STN has seen promising growth in the African market. Our fortunes have been positive, with an increase in demand for our services across the broadcast industry. We’ve established strong partnerships and expanded our presence in the key region of Ethiopia, contributing to our overall success. 

Challenges we’ve experienced include navigating complex regulatory environments, infrastructural limitations, and competition. On the flip side, we saw significant opportunities in the growing tech-savvy population, increasing digitalization, and a hunger for innovative solutions across sectors such as TV in particular religious channels. We’ve observed the rise of mobile, the adoption of digital payment solutions, and the emergence of e-commerce platforms. 

There is a growing interest in renewable energy solutions, advancements in telemedicine, and an increased focus on data analytics to drive business decisions. The African market is unique in its diversity and complexity. It varies significantly from region to region, with varying economic conditions, languages, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding these differences and tailoring solutions to local needs is crucial. Africa also presents unique growth opportunities due to its youthful population and untapped potential. 

Connectivity and digital infrastructure are expected to continue driving the African market in the coming years. Expanding access to the internet and improving digital literacy will open up opportunities across sectors, enabling innovation and economic growth. In 2023, a standout success story was our partnership with a bundle of Ethiopian television networks. Through this collaboration, we extended their channel viewership on our MENAFLIX OTT platform and added our STN Live cloud-based service. These cutting-edge solutions have enabled them to connect with the younger demographic and offer convenient access to their content on smart TVs, mobile devices, and tablets, catering to the tech-enthusiastic youth residing in major cities and less populated regions. 

Regulatory environments in Africa have been evolving, with some countries making positive strides to facilitate business growth. However, challenges related to inconsistent regulations and lengthy approval processes still exist. The regulatory landscape varies by country, requiring a tailored approach to compliance in each market. Cross-border cooperation has been a mixed experience, with some regions embracing it more than others. We expect this cooperation to continue improving, driven by regional economic blocs and a growing recognition of the benefits of collaboration. Strengthened partnerships will facilitate market expansion and regional integration.

Looking ahead: We anticipate continued growth in East Africa, particularly countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, which have been investing in technology and infrastructure. West Africa, with its large population and growing economies like Nigeria and Ghana, also holds immense potential. These regions have been active in embracing digital transformation. We are optimistic about our prospects in Africa for the upcoming years. We expect to grow as we focus on tailoring our solutions to meet the unique needs of each market. With ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure, we believe Africa will remain a dynamic and exciting market, offering ample opportunities for innovation and expansion.

Read more: African Wireless Yearbook