The move is part of Netflix’s strategy to attract more subscribers in a region facing stiff competition from other streaming services. The company is expanding aggressively in Africa and the new pricing strategy is expected to help it gain a larger market share. Netflix is investing in original content from the region, including popular series like “Blood & Water” and “Queen Sono” to cater to local audiences.
In a statement, Netflix said, “We’re always exploring ways to improve our members’ experience at Netflix. We know members have never had more choices when it comes to entertainment — and we’re more committed than ever to delivering an experience that not only meets, but exceeds, their expectations.”
The new pricing is expected to be a game-changer in a region where internet access is limited and data costs are high. The mobile plan is expected to be popular, as it is more affordable and designed to be accessible to a larger segment of the population. The new prices make Netflix more competitive with other streaming services in the region.
The price update applies to select countries in Sub-Saharan Africa where Netflix charges in USD. The exact timing of the roll-out for existing members depends on their billing cycle and will be notified via email and in the Netflix app 30 days before the new prices apply.
This move by Netflix is seen as a positive step towards making quality entertainment more accessible to audiences in the region. This is expected to boost the growth of the streaming industry in Africa and encourage more investment in original content production.