- The partnership between Mauritius Telecom and MultiChoice is a testament to the former’s continuous drive to bring world-class entertainment and LIVE football and other sports to Mauritian viewers.
- The introduction of DStv Stream will set a new standard on the TV content landscape and broaden Mauritius Telecom’s offerings.
- According to the UN, Africa’s media industry has played a vital role in peaceful and transparent elections in several nations.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought about substantial transformation across various sectors within the African continent. Among the array of promising opportunities, Africa’s media industry has emerged as a prominent player. Presently, numerous media and telecommunications enterprises based in Africa have played a pivotal role in nurturing the culture and talents of emerging young actors.
In recent developments, Mauritius Telecom and MultiChoice, a preeminent entertainment platform in Africa, have formalized a strategic partnership with DStv Stream. This collaborative venture is specifically designed to catalyze the growth of Africa’s media sector within the confines of Mauritius, and concurrently, to facilitate the creation of enhanced employment prospects for the nation’s gifted youths.
Mauritius Telecom partners with DStv Stream
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa’s telecommunication industry has significantly improved. The need for digital platforms has led many businesses to seek the aid and services of vital telecom industries throughout. This sudden wave has played a crucial role in digitalizing several organizations and broadening one’s market scope. According to the UN, this new digital wave has propelled the continent’s media industry, further improving the institutionalization of democracy.
Eric Chinje, the CEO, Africa Media Initiative, once said, “Media plays an important role in building an informed society. Citizens need credible information from a media that can skillfully moderate debate. It also provokes meaningful conversations that can lead to transforming Africa.“
This movement also inspired Mauritius Telecom to seek better partnerships to expand its reach. Armed with this drive, they partnered with MultiChoice, Africa’s leading entertainment platform and DStv stream. Its CEO, Kapil Reesaul, and MultiChoice’s Jose Escobar held a signing ceremony on Friday, October 6th, at the Telecom Tower, Port Louis, Mauritius.
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The significance of Africa’s media industry
Kapil said during the signing ceremony, “This strategic partnership between MT and MultiChoice marks a significant milestone regarding TV content. MultiChoice offers, through Dstv Stream, a vast repertoire of premium content and movies. From the best of LIVE football and other sports like tennis, Formula 1, golf, cricket, boxing, WWA, MMA, etc., to captivating entertainment. This groundbreaking partnership will redefine the landscape of TV content and enhance the overall viewing experience of sports fans and Mauritian households.”
Dr Keabestwe Modimoeng, Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Stakeholder Relations, added, “We believe that the DStv Stream product offers the best in sports and entertainment and delivers this in a way that Mauritians never have to miss a moment of their favorite shows. Through strategic partnerships like this, we can continue innovation, bringing the best to Africa and building the African economy. We look forward to strengthening our existing partnership with Mauritius Telecom to deliver Mauritians their favorite content.“
The control and distribution of information play a crucial role in any government of the economic landscape. The sheer power it has over its individuals is staggering. Hence, many general or military tacticians state that to control a nation, you must first control its media. Thus, giving media outlets complete freedom is necessary for any country seeking “true” democracy.
Fortunately, over the past few years, Africa’s media industry has retained some integrity except for a few. It generally provides an outlet for the truth, shedding light on the dark alleys of politics and corporate battles. According to the UN, Africa’s media industry has played a vital role in peaceful and transparent elections in several nations.
It has aided countries like Benin, Cape Verde, Ghana, Mali, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia, ensuring a peaceful post-conflict transition. In addition, independent media outlets have played significant roles in restoring peace in nations like Liberia, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone.
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Inspiring youth to reach their dreams
Aside from playing a vital role in promoting peaceful talks and relaying hard-researched facts, Africa’s media industry has significantly promoted several cultures. For instance, through media outlets like MultiChoice, NTV, MTN, and others, Nigeria’s Nollywood has played a vital role in promoting the nation’s culture. It has developed world-renowned actors, inspiring many youths to reach their dreams.
In addition, it has shaped journalists to seek the truth despite the progressive suppression of media outlets. By revealing the truth, Africa’s media industry has revealed several criminal plots from government agencies and politicians. This has, however, played a vital role in its suppression. Over the years, renowned journalists have met gruesome fates due to their skills in uncovering the truth.
Norbert Zongo, Carlos Cardoso, and Deyda Heydara are heroes in Africa’s media industry. Their determinations threatened the suppressive nature of criminals, and despite being martyrs in the industry, they serve as beacons of hope.
Irina Bokova, the director-general of UNESCO, said, “The importance of free and independent media to inform the citizens of the world is crucial to the achievement of the SDGs. It is instrumental in cleaning up corruption and enhancing bureaucratic accountability.“
