Global streaming services are facing a significant challenge: growth has stalled in many markets, forcing them to seek new avenues for expansion. Some, like Netflix and Disney, hope to boost revenues by cracking down on password-sharing. Other streamers are looking for growth by bundling. Warner Bros Discovery (owner of HBO Max) and Disney (owner of Hulu) recently announced a new package to capture subscribers in an increasingly competitive attention economy. And all this is happening in the context of a cost-of-living squeeze, impacting consumers’ willingness to pay for multiple subscriptions.   

Audience growth is available, but it lies in emerging markets like Africa, a region that many Western media executives have yet to consider. Africa is on the verge of a viewing avalanche, with the population expected to double by 2050, when the International Monetary Fund predicts it will account for over 25% of the global population. Importantly, these will be young consumers, with 60% under 25. They will be hungry for programming and new ways to watch it, in sharp contrast to the West, where aging populations may lead to stagnant technology adoption rates. Africa’s youth bulge presents a dynamic market eager for digital entertainment solutions. These are mobile-loving audiences, with some 613 million in sub-Saharan Africa – about half the region’s population – subscribing to mobile services.  

However, for streamers, growth in Africa is about more than demographics or devices. African content is a booming industry, making it a fertile land for streaming services. Nollywood – Nigeria’s film industry – is the second largest in the world by output, with over 2,500 movies annually. (It trails India’s Bollywood, but out-produces Hollywood.) And while early Nollywood content had a DIY video production quality, these shows and films have become increasingly sophisticated. Fuelled by new efficiency-saving technologies such as AI, the Nigerian film industry is honing its technique, expanding out of comedies and dramas and into horror, historical dramas, musicals and animation.  

Prophet has been working with Showmax, a joint venture between South African broadcaster MultiChoice Group, American media conglomerate Comcast, and Peacock, the streaming platform from Comcast’s NBCUniversal subsidiary – to expand service across Africa. Combining reality, drama and sport with local output in multiple markets, Showmax is expected to reach almost four million subscribers by 2029. From this work, we’ve developed five critical lessons for successfully launching streaming services that will captivate and delight African audiences:  

1. Local Content Is King  

American hits may create evergreen content libraries across the pond, but African audiences are most interested in local content produced in local languages for local audiences. (Sorry, “Sopranos,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Stranger Things.”)  Africa is rich in cultural diversity, with thousands of ethnic groups having unique traditions, languages and stories. Local content that taps into this diversity can resonate deeply with viewers by reflecting on their lived experiences, cultural nuances and societal values. Whether it is the “The Real Housewives of Nairobi” or “Cheta M,” a Nigerian Showmax original exploring young lovers who battle spiritual and political forces in their way, original African stories by local talent are the overwhelming favourites. And just as K-pop, Nordic noir and Brazilian telenovelas find fans well beyond national borders, these regional African narratives resonate with larger audiences, offering the entire continent a wider representation of people, places and perspectives.   

2. Mobile-First Optimization  

Optimizing streaming services for mobile viewing is crucial in all markets, but it is especially important in Africa, given the continent’s unique technological and market characteristics. Because of its limited fixed broadband infrastructure and the relative affordability of mobile technology, mobile devices are most Africans’ primary internet access point. A mobile-optimized service enhances engagement by improving usability on smaller screens and adapting to variable mobile data conditions. This approach aligns with the lifestyle of Africa’s young, tech-savvy population, who often consume content on the go. And it provides a competitive edge in a market where mobile connectivity is a norm.  

Streaming brands need to act now to capture these audiences, diving into local market needs to develop a deep understanding. Customer centricity is essential: Only companies that immerse themselves in Africa’s varied and nuanced markets will be able to develop the strategies, offers, pricing and content required to win with increasingly sophisticated African audiences.

Tosson El-Noshokaty, Partner at Prophet 

3. Cheap, Creative Access  

Effectively launching in multiple African markets requires a telecom partner that can provide cheap data, attractive bundles – or both. This makes it easier for a broader audience to access streaming services, increasing adoption. The economic landscape in many African countries is characterized by lower average incomes than in Western nations. Budget-friendly data options make streaming services more attractive and feasible for regular use. Going to market with a strategic partner also creates a competitive advantage. Offering these services through fractional pricing is another tool adopted by African streamers. Rather than monthly subscriptions, providing weekly or fortnightly tiered packages with different bundle offers can make a difference, maximizing accessibility and adoption.   

4. Direct Sales Impact  

Direct Sales Forces (DSFs) drive sales across Africa, capitalizing on over 90% of transactions conducted in cash. Unlike markets dominated by digital marketing and online sales, the African landscape often requires a tangible, on-the-ground presence to effectively reach and engage consumers. DSFs are crucial for navigating these unique market dynamics, including limited internet penetration and the preference for face-to-face interactions. DSF teams provide personalized customer service, handle cash transactions safely and build trust within communities, essential for converting potential customers into subscribers. Additionally, DSFs help educate customers about product offerings and troubleshooting, which is vital in regions where digital literacy is still developing.  

5. M-Pesa mobile money   

Cash is king in Africa, with sub-Saharan African credit and debit card penetration rates low at 3% and 18%, respectively. However, M-Pesa – an innovative mobile phone-based money transfer service – allows users to deposit, withdraw, transfer money, pay for goods and services, and access credit and savings, all with a mobile device. With over 50 million monthly active users, M-Pesa’s widespread adoption highlights the need for streaming services in Africa to integrate mobile payment options and a complex suite of payment providers, including card, PayPal and other mobile money solutions. These various payment integrations ensure seamless accessibility and convenience for users.  

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In the fast-changing landscape of the Middle East, strategic investments for sustainable growth and resilience are paramount. With notable advancements in the non-oil economy, diverse sectors are opening up new opportunities for development. The region’s robust economic diversification efforts are positioning it as a leading hub for growth. Organizations need to think holistically as they balance challenges against potential. Those who make the right bets now, navigating those complexities, will yield results that mitigate risks, lead to progress in efficiency and sustainability and improve their employer reputation. 

CEOs should make sure these four priorities are high on their lists:  

1. Navigating EU Green Deal to Unlock Expansion Opportunities   

Many organizations in the MEA are eying market expansion into Europe, which means they must comply with the EU Green Deal that passed in May last year. Some of these issues, of course, are about regulatory mandates. Businesses must invest in sustainability measures to avoid market access challenges. From a compliance standpoint, organizations entering the European market must adhere to the stringent environmental regulations outlined in the deal. Many of these focus on carbon emissions and energy efficiency, which are crucial for market entry.   

But expansion requires thinking beyond regulations. European institutions favor businesses aligned with Green Deal goals. Consumers also prefer businesses that highlight sustainable practices. So do potential employees. Tapping into that environmentally conscious consumer segment means companies should emphasize the many ways they are transitioning to a green economy. Take every opportunity to expand and highlight ways the enterprise focuses on renewable energy, clean technologies and sustainable practices.   

Forward-thinking companies will recognize the EU Green Deal as a two-way street, offering abundant possibilities for transferring technology and innovation. Look for ways to collaborate with European counterparts to foster new solutions. Middle Eastern businesses that can leverage partnerships to enhance their competitiveness in the European market will have a smoother entry into European markets than those that go it alone.   

2. Embracing Sustainability as a Catalyst for Growth  

With international, national and local mandates growing more explicit, it’s easy to continue to view sustainability efforts as a costly drag on profits. That’s short-sighted. For businesses to grow, they need to replace that thinking, enhancing business ecosystems by aligning growth strategies with sustainability.  

Sustainable practices nurture growth. They create a level playing field with companies around the globe and enhance brand reputation. They help attract and retain talent. Middle East businesses can contribute to a greener future and strengthen their resilience and competitiveness by combining growth and sustainability planning.  

In seeking a holistic blend of these initiatives, businesses can look at the bigger universe they operate in, promoting partnerships and interconnectedness. Planning for a future dependent on and interacting with other companies, governments, and community groups makes aligning growth goals with sustainability in clear and measurable ways easier. Goals should encompass carbon reduction and eco-friendly product development.   

3. Fostering Local Growth Amidst Saudi Arabia’s Megaproject Surge  

So many changes are underway in the largest economy in the Arab world that it’s hard to keep up. In keeping with its sweeping Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has stepped up public relations, marketing and communications efforts and is emerging as a top global destination. Last year, the country welcomed more than 100 million tourists, a milestone it had hoped to reach by 2030. That’s a jump of 56% from 2019 and 12% from 2022.  

It has also won plenty of global attention for megaprojects, like NEOM, a $500 billion megacity under development.  

That’s all crucial for the growth of KSA. Yet there seems to be a growing gap in providing sustainable projects that benefit the local population against massive megaprojects. This gap leaves plenty of room for businesses to launch initiatives, better positioning them in this important market, including:   

• Prioritize local hiring of talent in both skilled and unskilled positions, contributing to job creation and economic empowerment.   
• Support skill development initiatives and training programs that enhance the capabilities of the local workforce.   
• Start infrastructure development projects throughout the value chain, which will connect to the vast business needs of megaprojects.  

4. Use Influencers and AI for Human-Centred Marketing  

Using artificial intelligence to power personalization and content creation is a trend that is as big in the Middle East as it is everywhere else. So is the importance of influencer marketing, particularly among larger corporations, and AI makes it possible to dramatically increase its reach.   

We are all for efficiency gains from thoughtfully deployed machine thinking. Yet as companies invest more in technologies, like GenAI for marketing and advertising, a crucial consideration for the Middle East emerges: How can companies maintain a human-centric focus? While consumers in the region are increasingly open to digital options, they’re wary of impersonal bots. They crave a human touch. That means companies need to find a delicate balance that preserves the creativity inherent in human behavior and the next generation of marketing. Even as companies step up investments in AI, they need to run all marketing solutions through customer-centric frameworks. Efficiency can’t come at the expense of genuine human connection.  

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The Middle East is set for success and growth in 2023, even as businesses in other parts of the world face more challenges. Its importance as a hub for global trade is growing and companies are attracting more significant investments and talent. Overall, the bar is rising as the region takes a more prominent place on the global stage. 

That combination is breeding optimism and ambition throughout the GCC region. We’ve identified five opportunity areas companies should consider so that they can take part in that growth. 

1. Rebalancing Transformation Strategies, Making Them More Human and Less Digital 

Human centricity should be at the heart of any transformation efforts. Organizations should be putting people–customers, employees, investors and communities–at the heart of their strategies and evolving from the inside out.  

Digital is still essential, of course. But the goal isn’t to become more digital–it’s to become better organizations. The most progressive companies recognize the difference. The first question is no longer, “What technology should we invest in?”, it’s “What do our people need to be more productive, and how can we best support that?” And with this human-centric approach, companies are redefining what it means to be a modern enterprise. 

2. Defining Purpose Through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lens 

Environmental, social and governance policies are growing in importance, shaping businesses worldwide. But here, the emphasis is somewhat different. Organizations in the Middle East are more focused on sustainable development goals. These 17 global SDGs, set by the United Nations to achieve by 2030, matter more than the ESG goals devised by individual companies. 

Governments are setting the vision, sometimes with breathtaking ambition. The UAE, for example, has excelled, working SDGs into its national agenda. And it’s paying especially close attention to the guidelines for developing growth and innovation. This approach reflects its national ideals and challenges many people’s perceptions of the priorities of a Middle Eastern nation. Both these focus areas are now enshrined in the SDGs as it moves toward turning commitments into action. 

For companies, it’s inherently more confusing than simply delineating a strategy that best suits them. So, companies are plunging in with trial-and-error gusto as each tries to find a path forward. They want to comply, of course, and successfully navigate among many shifting government mandates. But they also want to do so in ways that build on their individual purpose, controlling what is theirs to control. They face intense pressure as they make these decisions–from employees, customers, investors, NGOs and regional communities. As they realize they don’t have to align with every SDG, the most forward-thinking companies choose the goals they can best contribute to and embed those into their purpose and strategies.  

For example, we’ll see continued growth in sustainable travel and tourism, with companies carefully examining how people’s hotels, itineraries and experiences impact the entire value chain. And since the region is heavily dependent on foreign investors, there will be greater efforts to demonstrate that companies act responsibly. 

3. Investing in the Start-Up Ecosystem 

The region is on track to produce a substantial number of unicorns in the next ten years. Uber, for example, recently scooped up Careem, based in the UAE, for $3.1 billion. And companies like Kitopi, a cloud-kitchen company; Fawry, an Egyptian fin-tech company; and Swvl, a mass transit system, are all in the $1 billion valuation club. 

This start-up ecosystem’s emergence encourages larger companies to chase business innovations. They’re making strategic bets on new business models. We see companies striving for greater agility. They’re using pod-based innovation, for example, as they look for new ways to collaborate. They’re more deliberate in efforts to break down silos and optimize spending. And they’re more likely to pursue joint ventures.  

4. Creating Data-driven Experiences That are Customized for Audiences  

Digital thinking continues to be the lifeblood of business. But–as is true in C-suites around the world–leaders in the Middle East recognize that data is only valuable when used strategically.  

People in the Middle East, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are among the most connected and digitally savvy in the world. Consumers want things now. They expect a seamless brand experience. They want holistic omnichannel experiences with personalized communication at every stage of the purchasing funnel. Now that brands have access to more customer data, it’s imperative to use this to unlock the opportunities it presents–delivering very tailored, specific products and personalized messages and communications. 

That means moving beyond broader mass-marketing tactics that simply target groups like millennials and Gen Z. Yes, the youth market is intensely significant in the Middle East. But younger consumers only spend on things they care deeply about. They prize authenticity in the companies, brands and influencers they deal with.  

Prophet’s recent Gen Z research finds that younger people are increasingly determined to curate their own digital experience. They want to connect with others that share their values and are eager to balance digital interactions with those that are human. 

5. Designing an Employee Experience that Delivers Well-Being 

More traditional leaders may still roll their eyes at the expansive responsibility of providing for employee well-being. But unless they understand how holistic well-being is fast becoming a requirement for job seekers, they won’t be able to gain a hiring advantage.  

Health is now the ultimate headline. People have had the chance to re-evaluate what’s important and possible in their lives. They’re fed up with outdated norms like the 9-5 schedule. They’re more open about burnout, chronic stress and fatigue. Employees are less willing to sacrifice their physical, mental and social health for their job.  

In the UAE, the government has set the way forward with a shorter working week–at 4.5 days–to help employees achieve a healthier work/life balance. Such steps allow organizations to re-energize employees, so they can become more productive and innovative. And it also helps retain talent long term. Enterprises are beginning to understand that it is their people that make companies what they are–and it’s essential to take better care of those workers. 

Employee experience design is a rapidly growing discipline. It’s how organizations can maximize their advantage in the war for talent and take advantage of seismic shifts in working patterns. When employee experience becomes a central pillar in a company’s people strategy, aligning with brands, business strategy and customer experience is easier.  

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Companies around the world are acting on the new reality that ESG – environmental, social and governance – has become the next horizon for business leadership. From going ‘all in’ on a particular social mission, to systematically integrating sustainability and social responsibility into their operations, organizations are taking action.  

While ESG was once about compliance and risk mitigation, we believe it is now a requirement for unlocking uncommon growth. And the companies having the greatest success with their ESG strategies are the ones who have created authentic changes in the culture of their full stakeholder ecosystem. 

At Prophet, we view all organizations as a macrocosm of the individual. Each one has a collective DNA, Mind, Body and Soul. To drive meaningful culture change, leaders need to think about every aspect of this system.  

Prophet’s Human-Centered Transformation Model serves as a framework for effectively driving ESG thinking (and doing) into a company’s organization and culture. Let’s take a look at how these four elements can be used to power an authentic ESG strategy and culture from the inside out. 

1. Code ESG Into Your DNA 

Like the DNA of an individual, the DNA of an organization comes to life across every aspect of the business, helping to direct and blueprint any transformation. For some organizations that have been founded with purposeful, inclusive and regenerative business models, that DNA has been ‘coded’ with ESG from the start. For others, it may require some ‘re-programming’:  

Set a powerful, actionable and clearly-defined ESG strategy—and build it pervasively into your company strategy 

The most mature sustainable and socially responsible businesses are incorporating ESG concepts into the core of their strategy. Some examples include equitable and inclusive design of products or circular and regenerative business models. A materiality assessment can help determine which areas of ESG are most relevant to your organization and its external stakeholders—not only from a risk mitigation perspective but shared value creation. How might ESG help fuel transformative and sustainable growth for your business while doing good at the same time? 

Embed ESG into other key organizational frameworks such as purpose, values and employee value proposition 

The more it can be reinforced as a ‘red thread’ woven throughout the company, the better. How might you visibly showcase your commitment to ESG to help attract, retain and engage your talent? 

Enlist leaders in championing ESG from the top 

Vocal support from across the leadership team is critical to signal ESG as a priority. How can you ensure leadership is not only bought in but actively role modeling sustainable and inclusive behaviors, multi-stakeholder collaboration, etc.? 

Some companies such as Allbirds have always had strong ESG DNA. It established itself as a benefit corporation, which shows a high degree of commitment to a strong ESG-centric operating model. Being a B Corp means a company is legally accountable to all its stakeholders – workers, communities, customers, suppliers and the environment – not just shareholders. And this status ensures that the organization will practice stakeholder governance even after capital raises and leadership changes.  

The ESG orientation that’s genetically programmed into its organization ensures Allbirds takes flight in a sustainable way with commitments to regenerative agriculture, renewable materials, carbon neutrality and more. 

2. Set Your MIND to ESG 

Once an organization sets its ESG strategy, it needs to develop the skills to enable the change. A company’s collective Mind is formed from the talent and skills of its people, so you need to train up (and hire up) in a way that supports the organization’s approach to ESG—especially if it requires more of a departure from ‘business as usual:’ 

Identify the specific skills, capabilities and roles needed to support your ESG priorities 

It is important to consider not only technical skills (e.g., climate scientists) but also critical ESG mindsets such as collaborative orientation and coalition-building. How can you upskill and equip your talent to activate your ESG strategy? Where might you need to hire external expertise? 

Align talent systems in service of the transformation 

How can you ensure your talent systems are designed to hire, measure, and manage employees toward activation of the ESG strategy? 

Unilever, for example, was a pioneer in bringing the thinking behind the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into the multi-national FMCG space. And the company helped build its ‘mental architecture’ to deliver ESG by internally framing the ambition through concepts of more growth, less risk, lower costs, and more trust.  

As part of its internal education program, ‘bringing sustainability to life’ is a key business skill on the curriculum that needs to be mastered. Additionally, brand managers are taught how to think about the best way to get behind the corporate ESG agenda while delivering the distinctive values of their brand – so Ben & Jerry’s can be playful and provocative, while Knorr goes to market with more of an activist eater tonality. 

3. Build Your BODY for ESG 

In addition to upskilling talent for ESG priorities, it is essential to ‘hardwire’ these priorities into the Body of the organization – in a way that creates transparency and accountability. This includes evolutions in the operating model, org structure, processes and tools that are required to actually direct culture change and get the full power of the organization behind a unified approach to achieving specific ESG initiatives: 

Determine the optimal model for ESG governance and goal-setting  

Some organizations deploy a ‘teams of teams’ in a more holacratic fashion to tackle ESG priorities, while others take a more top-down approach, designating a chief sustainability officer (or similar title) to drive the ambition. In either case, a comprehensive measurement system to share, track and report progress toward goals is key. Which model best fits your organization?  

Align incentives to drive cross-functional (and cross-stakeholder) work  

Often, ESG work requires not only cooperation but collaboration between business units, regions, suppliers and even competitors. How might you empower greater collaboration across stakeholders (both inside and outside the company) to ensure the success of ESG initiatives?  

Build inclusivity into your operating model and organization design  

Given that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is often a top priority in the “S” of ESG, it is critical that your company is hardwired to practice what it likely preaches. How might you intentionally design (or redesign) aspects of your operating model to elevate underrepresented voices and bring more diverse perspectives to the table? 

Johnson & Johnson is a healthy example of a strong ESG coordination model, with clear top-down direction, and a well-defined operating model for execution. It has clearly prioritized ESG topic areas, revisited annually, that provide a unifying framework for ESG initiatives and teams across the company.  

J&J breaks down its “health for humanity” strategy into key strategic pillars, with metrics and initiatives mapped to each (and executive compensation linked to goal achievement). As for governance, there are focus area leadership roles (e.g., chief sustainability officer, chief DEI officer, etc.), but also a dedicated PMO for coordination across the entire enterprise to ensure a high degree of collaboration. 

4. Inspire socially responsible SOULs 

Finally, winning over the Soul for ESG is all about motivating transformation through shifts in emotions, mindsets, beliefs and behaviors. When it comes to ESG especially, there is an opportunity to truly inspire current and potential employees around an organization’s focus areas, from the environment to inclusivity: 

Consider how you’re engaging your employees in ESG  

While many organizations focus heavily on ESG areas tied most directly to their business model, it is also critical to assess areas that current and prospective talent care deeply about—and would expect their employer to take action against. How might you identify causes that are most inspiring and intrinsically motivating for your talent base? 

Create rituals, symbols and awards that authentically showcase commitment to ESG 

How might you motivate employee behaviors that deliver on your ESG strategy? (e.g., ethics, DEI, sustainability) 

Rapidly share success stories and celebrate progress along the way (not just outcomes) 

Often, ESG commitments such as Net Zero may take multiple years to achieve. How can you inspire belief in your ESG journey along the way? 

Anglo American is creating kindred ESG souls within its organization through a collection of initiatives that inspire employees to feel passion for ‘re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives. Anglo American thoughtfully curates an ongoing feed of well-told verbal and visual success stories about what the organization is doing both within the company itself and within the communities where it operates. Additionally, the organization creates aspiration and symbology for ESG through an annual awards ceremony where employees are recognized for their specific ESG achievements in business and society.  

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Summary

Fintech Frontier: Prophet Talks Disruption is a series of interviews with leading fintech disruptors. In this episode, Prophet Partner Tosson El Noshokaty chats with Michael Dritsas, CEO of Vlot. Vlot is an insurtech company that partners with insurers, corporations and banks to deliver seamless financial checkups (white label risk analysis and coverage solutions) so customers and B2B organizations can become more financially responsible.

Michael discusses how Vlot is taking a fiercely customer-centric, bottom-up approach to insurance – providing data-rich insights to customers that fit into their lifestyles and goals. Watch the full interview to learn how Vlot is building enduring relationships with customers on their digital transformation journeys.

About Fintech Frontier: Prophet Talks Disruption

The Financial services industry is evolving rapidly with important shifts in market dynamics & customer expectations.  Prophet’s fintech interview series FinTech Frontier: Prophet Talks Disruption brings you one-on-one interviews with the thought leaders and innovators transforming financial services. Each episode showcases a FinTech leader story that is revolutionizing banking, payments, insurance, and all other areas disrupting our industry.

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How Can You Help Your Business Counter Market Disruption?

From disruption to domination. Spotify, Netflix and Fitbit all feature in the top 10 of our latest UK Brand Relevance Index. What’s interesting is that each one of them is a start-up and each one has disrupted an entire industry, but it’s one thing to be a disruptive business start-up, and another to turn that disruption into an established global business. In the meantime, those large traditional players that used to be the leaders 50, 100, even 20 years ago, are fast losing their relevance. Tosson El Noshokaty, Partner & EMEA Regional Lead at Prophet, shares his thoughts on how traditional players can keep up, and the long-term strategies needed in order to successfully compete and remain relevant to consumers.

Learn more about the UK’s most relevant brands and how they’ve remained relevant to consumers: https://relevantbrands-2018.prophet.com/united-kingdom/

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