The year 2024 was marked by the variously appreciated positions and interventions of public authorities, but also by a fierce determination on the part of private actors to participate in the undeniable development of the African communications and media market. Across the continent, players in the audiovisual, information, digital, and communications sectors took advantage of these new dynamics to launch new offerings and position themselves in a market that is still evolving.
In a series of articles published in late 2024 and early 2025, we will take an in-depth look at each of the major topics that shaped this year and are already impacting the future of media in Africa.
The 6 highlights of 2024
- The triumphant return of events after years of uncertainty
After the COVID years, during which most key events were suspended, transformed into virtual meetings, or disappeared altogether, festivals, trade shows, conferences, and major professional events have regained their central place, demonstrating the continued appetite of stakeholders for these gatherings. - Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso: in the race for audiovisual leadership in West Africa
The sub-region has seen a proliferation of initiatives by the main countries, aiming to establish themselves in what has become a highly competitive environment. Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, and Burkina Faso… these four countries invested heavily in 2024, each in its own way, in content creation and in promoting and enhancing the creative industry. - The strategic acquisition of Multichoice by CANAL+
This news has captivated observers since it first broke. This merger between two audiovisual giants, one in English-speaking Africa and the other dominating the French-speaking market, will shake up the African television market thanks to a major consolidation of the continent's media landscape. - The supervision of news media
In a context of political and security crises, news media have often been caught up in turmoil, particularly in the Sahel countries in 2024. This situation raises crucial questions about journalistic independence, freedom of expression, and the ability of news media to survive despite suspensions or bans. - The ups and downs of audience measurement in Côte d'Ivoire
The implementation of a single, certified measurement system has been at the heart of debates in the Ivorian media ecosystem. Private initiatives, regulatory interventions, technological innovations… issues related to audience measurement for the TV advertising market have been at the forefront throughout 2024. - Sports events as catalysts for advertising revenue
In 2024, the power of major sporting events was confirmed, with record audiences and growing advertising investment. Soccer, global and regional competitions brought crowds together, demonstrating that sport remains an essential lever for the media.