Netflix is set to launch across Africa today as part of its expansion mission across the world, having already launched in Japan and Italy late last year. The first phase of the African launch will see only Kenyan and South African audiences receiving the service.
While its expansion to Africa is a welcome move,there are fears that the American video streaming giant might not make as much stride as seen in the other parts of the world due to the lack of excellent IT infrastructure and the high costs of internet data usually needed for such streaming services.
The service is expected to be available in 3 packages namely: Basic, Standard and Premium and subscribers will be able to watch their favorite programmes from laptops, phones, tablets or smart TV’s. A 30 days free trial will be given to viewers with an aim of attracting audiences.
It is also hoped that the launch will provide a platform to ahowcase African content such Nollywood. The American video streaming giants reportedly have featured Nollywood film ‘October 1’ in recent times.
By Eric Winston
