Along with India, Africa has often been described as one of the next frontiers for the internet. This may be the case in some of the more progressive and affluent countries across the continent, but it’s still hard to believe for some of the nations in which the internet has still failed to spread on a wide scale.
There are indications that the online world will soon be available to millions more people in that part of the world, but for this to happen it will need a boost. The entertainment industry could be a major factor in helping more Africans discover the need to embrace the Internet.
Online Gaming is a Huge Reason for Africans to Get Online
For the internet to spread rapidly in new regions, people need to have the means to access it and a reason to. Thanks to the rise of smartphones, there are many cheap models with online capabilities now. Countries in Africa are working on the network infrastructure so that people can find internet services in public places and in homes.
The entertainment industry is a gigantic factor that will persuade more Africans that they need to get online as soon as they have the opportunity. Gaming could be the biggest booster to the spread of the internet, with the esports industry already sweeping the world. Online games, as well as viewing streamers on Twitch, will be big catalysts behind internet growth.
The online gambling industry is already playing a huge part as well, even in countries with low levels of online uptake. Zambia, for example, only has internet penetration of 21.2 percent in 2023. Still, the Zambia casino sector is already starting to blow up. International companies are marketing their products to people in the country, which include a vast range of online slots. It’s clear that global brands identify countries like this as having huge potential.
The Streaming Industry is Also Helping the Internet to Grow Across the Continent
Along with gaming, the rise of streaming services like Netflix will help influence more people to use the internet. Not only do these apps give Africans a chance to experience entertainment from other countries, but there’s also a vast amount of African content emerging with certain countries leading the way.
Nigeria, for instance, has already become a huge player in the online streaming industry. There are countless well-regarded television series and films emerging from the African nation, and this should encourage other countries in the continent to produce more of their own offerings for Netflix and other services. Some of the best titles to have emerged from Nigeria in recent years include Blood Sisters, Shanty Town, and Far From Home.
The entertainment industry has helped boost the internet around the world, and it’s likely to do the same for Africa over the next few years. People will want to have access to gaming and streaming and will most likely take the opportunity to get online as soon as it arises.