The event intends to gather together some of the most influential players across the telco, broadcast and over the top (OTT) sectors to discuss, deliberate and realise the opportunities Africa's transition to digital presents.

The Video Exchange Africa team says that as connectivity, Internet streaming and smartphone penetration continue to expand across the continent, the demand for mobile TV and Video on Demand (VOD) grows in correlation. 

To get audiences and sustain viewing figures, the team says that it is important to get the right content at the right price, distributed via the right means to the right person.

The impact of online and digital terrestrial television (DTT), according to the team, puts pressure on traditional broadcasters, forcing them to innovate and adapt their strategies to compete.

MNOs are also having to re-calibrate while affordable data plans remain elusive, to ensure a continuous pipeline of viewers from moving to free Internet zones to consume their daily dose of content.

Consequently, Video Exchange Africa says that it has designed an agenda that incorporates real-life case studies, alongside interactive discussions and masterclasses. The purpose of the agenda is to afford delegates the ability to practically implement what they learn post the event, as well as the know-how to unlock sustained commercial viability.

Speakers at the event will include:
  • Joseph Hundah — CEO Econet Media
  • John Ugbe — Multichoice Nigeria 
  • Vanessa Ann Sinden — Triggerfish Animation Studios 
  • Ryan Solovei — country manager at Viu Africa 
  • Catherine Wanjiku Njari — senior strategy manager at TV & media content at Safaricom
  • Farhad Omar — CEO ITV Networks 
The speakers will explore topics including:
  • How to launch and grow an OTT service in Africa
  • Delivering a great user experience to attract and retain consumers
  • Building a digital video economy in Africa
  • How traditional media companies can sharpen their digital focus
  • Raising the bar for African content
  • Developing a seamless multiplatform strategy
  • Opportunities, challenges, roadmap and the future of OTT in Africa
Chris Read, portfolio manager at Informa Tech — the organisers of AfricaCom and AfricaTech — noted that there is all to play for in the competitive digital video market. "The OTT market in Africa is already a thriving marketplace and expected to generate more than a billion dollars in the next five to eight years." 

"With this in mind, we expect Video Exchange Africa to be a bustling centre for business this year, with many more content providers, streaming operators and networks looking to capitalise on one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital space. For anyone involved in this space, Video Exchange Africa is a must," Read concludes.

Video Exchange Africa says that it expects to attract senior professionals from mobile network operators, private and public broadcasting corporations, OTT services, content creators and owners, as well as investors looking to capitalise on developments in the new media space.

To register as media, visit www.registration.n200.com. Delegates can register here. The registration opening date is to be announced.

For more information, visit www.tmt.knect365.com or contact [email protected]. You can also follow Video Exchange Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.