By Demeke Kebede

As African cities rise into global relevance—driven by innovation, culture, and youthful ambition—one brand has steadily positioned itself as more than just an entertainment provider. DStv, a MultiChoice platform, has emerged as a cultural engine, economic catalyst, and technology enabler—playing a vital role in modernizing and urbanizing Africa.

With over 22 million subscribers across the continent as of 2023 (Statista, 2023), DStv’s impact goes far beyond the screen. It is actively shaping a new Africa: confident, creative, and connected to the world.

An African Window to the World and vis-a-vis

In Africa’s urban centers, DStv is bridging communities to global conversations. Channels like CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, National Geographic, and CNBC Africa expose millions to international news, technology, business, and lifestyle trends.

Urban professionals learn from global success stories. Young people draw inspiration from world-class entertainment. Entrepreneurs study global business models—laying the foundation for smarter cities and globally aligned economies. As Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice Group, told CNBC Africa in a 2023 interview, “We’re enabling people to access information that empowers them economically, socially, and intellectually” (CNBC Africa, 2023).

Empowering Urban Lifestyles Through Local Content

Africa’s urban viewers don’t just crave global content, they want to see their own lives on screen. DStv delivers this through localized channels like Africa Magic, Pearl Magic, Maisha Magic, Abol, Maaddii Abol and Zambezi Magic, which showcase the stories, language, humor, and drama of everyday African life.

Shows such as Selina (Kenya), Sanyu (Uganda), and Adey (Ethiopia) tackle themes such as ambition, corruption, romance, and identity in an urban context. They’ve become cultural staples, shaping everything from fashion trends to social debates.

For instance, Big Brother Titans 2024 drew over 1 million live viewers across Sub-Saharan Africa, dominating social media discussions and reinforcing DStv’s role in defining youth-driven urban pop culture (MultiChoice Media Centre, 2024).

Igniting the Creative Economy

DStv plays a foundational role in developing Africa’s creative industries. Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF)—launched in 2018—hundreds of aspiring filmmakers across 13 African countries have been trained in directing, editing, producing, and screenwriting. Graduates have gone on to create award-winning shows for DStv channels, contributing to thriving content ecosystems in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, Lusaka, and Johannesburg. According to the MTF platform, over 200 alumni have now entered the film and television workforce, becoming key players in the continent’s rapidly growing creative economy (MultiChoice Talent Factory, 2024).

This contribution supports larger industry trends. A 2021 UNESCO report states that Nigeria’s Nollywood alone employs over one million people—making it Africa’s second-largest employer after agriculture (UNESCO, 2021).

Strengthening Urban Communities Through Shared Experiences

Urban life can be isolating, but DStv provides common cultural ground. From live sports to family dramas and reality shows, the platform brings people together. It transforms homes, bars, salons, and viewing centers into social hubs.

During AFCON 2023, DStv’s SuperSport channel delivered games to millions across 50+ African countries. Whether in Accra or Addis Ababa, viewers united around the same screen, celebrating continental pride and fostering urban cohesion (SuperSport, 2023). These shared moments help bridge generational and cultural gaps, especially in diverse urban spaces where identities are constantly evolving.

Smart Entertainment for Smart Cities

With the rise of mobile-first consumption, smart homes, and hybrid work cultures, DStv is evolving to serve the modern African lifestyle. The launch of DStv Stream and DStv Internet reflects this shift.

DStv Stream allows subscribers to watch live and on-demand content via mobile devices and smart TVs—ideal for urban dwellers with dynamic schedules. In select markets like Nigeria and South Africa, DStv Internet offers fixed wireless broadband, helping bridge connectivity gaps in urban neighborhoods (MultiChoice, 2023). According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), internet penetration in African cities is expected to surpass 60% by 2030, largely driven by demand for video streaming and digital content (ITU, 2022).

Celebrating African Identity in a Globalized World

As cities modernize, retaining cultural authenticity becomes essential. DStv champions African identity through language-specific content, culturally rooted storytelling, and annual events like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). These awards honor excellence in African film and television—amplifying local talent on a global stage. In 2023, the AMVCAs drew more than 60 million votes, a testament to the engaged urban audiences across the continent (Africa Magic, 2023). Urban Africans today are proudly fusing tradition with modernity—and DStv is a key part of that identity.

Conclusion: Broadcasting Progress, Building the Future

From digital connectivity to cultural pride, from job creation to shared experiences, DStv is helping build the foundations of Africa’s urban future. It doesn’t just entertain—it empowers, educates, and uplifts.

As global entertainment shifts toward hyper-personalized content, on-demand streaming, and immersive digital experiences like virtual reality and AI-assisted storytelling, platforms must evolve—or risk obsolescence. DStv is already ahead of the curve.

With innovations like DStv Stream, Showmax 2.0, and its partnerships with local and global tech firms, DStv is positioning itself to merge African storytelling with world-class tech. Its continued investment in local content production, youth talent development, and internet infrastructure ensures that African cities will not only consume but also create the future of entertainment.

In the years ahead, urban Africa won’t just be a market for global content, it will be a hub of original content creation, cultural leadership, and digital-first storytelling. DStv will be right at the center of it!

continental news

DStv: Fuelling Africa’s Urbanization