Netflix’s entry into Africa has been a success story in terms of job creation and economic benefits to the countries it is present in. Netflix’s investment in Africa has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. The company has also been a major boost to the economies of the countries it is present in, bringing in much needed foreign investment and taxes. Netflix has invested over $175 million in film production in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa respectively, resulting in job creation of over 10,000 since its entry into Africa.
The production activities of Netflix have contributed to the gross domestic product (GDP) of these countries immensely. In Nigeria, over $122 million in local production spending has resulted in a $201 million contribution to the country’s GDP and a $30 million contribution to its tax revenue. Similar results have been observed in Kenya and South Africa. In Kenya, over $45 million of production spending resulted in $81 million contribution to the country’s GDP and $17 million to tax revenue. In South Africa, $8 million of production spending resulted in a $36 million contribution to the country’s GDP and $3 million to tax revenue.
The job creation effect of Netflix’s activities is also noteworthy. The employee compensation associated with the 10,000 jobs created by Netflix amounts to $90 million for Nigeria, $7 million for Kenya and $9 million for South Africa. These jobs enable members of the respective countries’ communities to pursue their creative ambitions and at the same time, contribute to the local economies by supporting the GDP, increasing tax revenue and generating job opportunities.
In addition to monetary support, Netflix has also supported African filmmakers by providing training and showcasing their works. Netflix’s ‘Strong Black Lead’ initiative, which hastens global recognition of African films and TV series, is one example. Netflix’s flagship film, ‘Beasts of No Nation’, created 500 jobs in Ghana. Such initiatives promote the cultural, economic and social development of African countries.
Overall, Netflix’s journey in the African continent has been a great success story of job creation and economic benefits. By investing millions in film production, Netflix has not only helped create jobs but also contributed to the economic development of Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa and other African countries.
Netflix Job Creation in Africa
Since its arrival on the African continent in 2016, Netflix has created over 10,000 jobs in a variety of sectors. From tech development to entertainment, the massive streaming giant has successfully established itself as a leader in African job creation.
Though their primary base of operations is in South Africa, Netflix has extended its reach to countries all over Sub-Saharan Africa. On top of creating jobs for the local population, Netflix is also investing heavily in local film and television production, giving previously unknown African content creators a platform to share their work with the world.
Netflix’s presence in Africa has also been felt in the tech sector. By creating a number of digital jobs, Netflix is helping to foster and support the next generation of African tech experts. In South Africa and Nigeria, Netflix’s job growth has led to the creation of an ever-changing network of experts and entrepreneurs, allowing African tech experts to share their knowledge with each other and create new economic opportunities.
Netflix has also been a catalyst in some of the most rural parts of the continent. In countries like Ethiopia and Uganda, the streaming giant has provided a much-needed boost to the local economy by creating jobs that directly and indirectly impact the lives of many. These jobs have helped to encourage tourism and business to flourish in these countries, increasing the overall prosperity of the region.
With large-scale job creation and investment in African content production, Netflix is leaving an undeniable mark on the continent. Even though their presence in the African market is still far from the global market, their efforts to create a sustainable job market and build up the technical structure in African nations have made them a leader in African job growth. Netflix’s presence on the African continent is a sign that the opportunities for economic growth and development are greater than ever before.
Netflix impact on African economies
The rise of digital entrepreneurs, digital delivery, and on-demand streaming services such as Netflix has given African economies a huge boost, allowing them to be a part of the globalised market. Netflix’s presence in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa has created various economic opportunities through increased local production activity and its accompanying increased revenue in taxes. It has enabled these countries to join a more global economic community where the global exchange of goods and services is easier and more secure.
The immediate impact of Netflix on these countries has been a major increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) for the countries in which it operates. Specifically, it has contributed $218 million to the Nigerian economy, $122 million to Kenya, and $74 million to South Africa between 2017 and 2018. Those three countries alone have been able to see an increase of 6% in their local GPDs as a direct result of the activities of Netflix. This has helped to alleviate some of the financial burdens of the local populations, making the economy more stable.
Furthermore, the increase in revenues has also enabled the government to have more funds for capital investment, which is a benefit for economic development. The increase in revenues for Netflix has allowed for higher tax revenues in these countries, with the total taxes collected being around $44 million from 2017-2018. These taxes have enabled governments to invest in public services such as transportation, healthcare and education, leading to overall improvement.
The entertainment industry has been a major boon to the economy of African countries, with the progress made by Netflix being one of the most clear examples. The benefits to the GDP of these countries, as well as the increase in tax revenues, have enabled citizens to live a better quality of life. While it may not be a long-term solution, it is certainly a solution that has allowed countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to become a part of the globalised market. Netflix has therefore been hugely beneficial in the development of the African continent due to its impact on the economies of these countries.
Netflix Movies and Series in Africa
In recent years, Netflix has become an influential platform for movies and series around the globe. African films, in particular, have found success on the streaming service. Movies and series from African countries like Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, and of course Nigeria, are regularly being uploaded and watched by viewers throughout the world.
Nigerian films, also known as Nollywood films, tend to be the most popular African movies on the platform. Nigerian films have become renowned for the high quality of both their cinematography and storytelling, often playing on strong themes of social justice and human rights. Many Nollywood films have represented this in their portrayals of their African settings and characters. This combined with their captivating plots and cinematography have made them highly enjoyable to watch.
Other African countries are also steadily improving their film industry and making their way to Netflix. Movies and series from countries like Ghana, Namibia, and Senegal have all found success on the platform. They often explore a diversity of topics, with genres ranging from drama and comedy to horror.
Not only are these films fascinating and represent modern African life, but many also help to show a side of African culture that the western world is relatively unfamiliar with. It opens up viewers’ minds and educates them on a culture.
Netflix’s inclusion of African films on its platform gives the artistry of African filmmakers the chance to be heard and enjoyed by millions of viewers. Movie night has never been so diverse, and with the amount and quality of African movies available, it’s sure to only get better. African filmmakers are constantly uploading their works of art and pushing their creative boundaries to make sure there is always something new and exciting on the platform. Furthermore, it gives these African movies and filmmakers the chance to gain recognition and find success around the world.
Netflix’s future in Africa
As the global streaming giant, Netflix is looking to make a big splash in the African market, the company recently announced plans to significantly expand its presence in sub-Saharan Africa. Netflix is betting that its future in the region will be lucrative and is dedicating $63 million for the South Africa region alone in 2022-23.
Netflix’s presence in Africa is a comparatively small but growing piece in its much larger global mosaic. Through its on-the-ground production teams, the company is actively searching for authentic stories, fresh voices and cultural perspectives that can only come from Africans. It has already made strides with African productions like Lionheart, the first Nigerian-made movie, and The Arete Initiative, launched in 2019 to offer writing residencies and development support to African creators.
However, Netflix’s success in Africa comes with a few caveats. First, there are other streaming services and local production companies standing in the way of expansion. In Nigeria and South Africa, two of the most developed markets in the region, streaming platforms such as iRokoTV and Showmax already have a sizable market share. Netflix is also contending with piracy, poor economic conditions, a limited internet infrastructure and of course, the rejection of its catalogue by many African consumers due to a lack of relevancy.
Africa is also a continent of great diversity, with 54 countries and hundreds of cultural, linguistic and religious norms. As Netflix continues to expand into the continent, it must be mindful to consider the nuances of each region in order to appeal to local tastes. For example, Nigerian audiences tend to prefer story-driven films, while Ghanaian viewers tend to focus on the characters and lofty moral themes.
Despite the obstacles, the streaming giant is optimistic that its foray into Africa will bear fruit and is investing in infrastructure, talent and content development. To some extent, Netflix is still playing catch-up with the rest of the world in terms of producing content that is specific to the region, but it is off to a strong start. It has already struck up a partnership with the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission that will focus on improving access to internet and digital infrastructure in the country.
Netflix’s entry into Africa has been a big success story, both in terms of job creation and economic benefits to the countries it is now present in. Their investment has led to the creation of hundreds of jobs in the continent, and has also helped to boost the economy through increased tax revenue and foreign investment.
