MTN Group launched its new pan-African video streaming platform, MTN One TV, on June 8, 2026, marking the South African telecom giant's return to the streaming market after previous ventures were discontinued. The service is initially available in South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana, with plans for a broader rollout across MTN's 19 markets in Africa and the Middle East.
The launch follows MTN's exit from the video-on-demand sector in 2022, when it shut down its previous platform, MTN TV. According to the company, One TV represents a new, more focused strategy, designed to be integrated directly into the MyMTN and Ayoba apps rather than operating as a standalone application. This integration aims to leverage MTN's extensive mobile subscriber base, which exceeds 290 million people across its footprint.
MTN's re-entry into streaming comes as competition intensifies across Africa. Global players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have been expanding their local content libraries, while regional services such as Showmax, owned by South Africa's MultiChoice, and Canal+ have also been strengthening their offerings. The market is fragmented, with payment methods and internet connectivity posing significant challenges for widespread adoption.
The company has not disclosed specific content partnerships or pricing details for One TV. Its success will likely depend on securing compelling local and international programming and on creating bundles that make data consumption affordable for its customers. MTN's deep distribution networks and mobile money platforms, such as MTN MoMo, could provide a competitive edge in managing subscriptions and payments.
MTN's move also reflects a broader trend of African telecom operators seeking to diversify revenue beyond traditional voice and data services. As smartphone penetration increases and data costs gradually decline, digital content and services are becoming a more strategic focus for these companies. The launch of One TV places MTN in direct competition not only with other streamers but also with the pay-TV satellite services that have long dominated the African entertainment landscape.
The performance of One TV will be closely watched by industry observers, given MTN's previous setback in this sector. The company's ability to execute a pan-African content strategy, navigate varied regulatory environments, and convert a portion of its massive mobile user base into paying streaming subscribers will determine whether this second attempt can find sustainable success in a crowded and complex market.