Showbiz
Nigeria Will Add $2.8b, Kenya $3.2b, SA $13.4b to E&M Sector by 2021—Report
By Dipo Olowookere
A report by PwC titled ‘Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2017 – 2021: An African Perspective’ has revealed that during the period under review, Nigeria will contribute about $2.8 billion to the Entertainment and Media industry.
According to the report, “In terms of total E&M revenue, Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing countries in our Outlook, but this figure must be treated with caution, as a huge proportion of that growth comes from Internet access revenue alone–specifically mobile Internet access revenue.
“Of the $2.8 billion that the Nigerian market will add between 2016 and 2021, all but $452 million will come from Internet access revenue. The combined elements of TV and video will add nearly $200 million in revenue growth to 2021.”
PwC, in the report, explained that the Outlook was a comprehensive source of analyses and five-year forecasts of consumer and advertising spending across five countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania) and 14 segments: Internet, data consumption, television, cinema, video games, e-sports, virtual reality, newspaper publishing, magazine publishing, book publishing, business-to-business publishing, music, out-of-home, and radio.
The report further pointed out that it observed significant shifts are underway in how Africa’s E&M companies compete and generate value, as the quality of the experience they deliver to consumers becomes their primary basis for strategic differentiation and revenue growth.
To thrive in a marketplace that is increasingly competitive and crowded, companies are focusing on implementing strategies and building capabilities to engage with consumers.
It said for Kenya, “The E&M industry was worth $2.1 billion in 2016, up 13.6 percent on 2015. Revenue is forecast to grow at an 8.5 percent CAGR over the next five years, hitting the $3 billion mark in 2020, and totalling $3.2 billion in 2021.
“Internet access is the most established industry within the Kenyan market, boasting the largest revenues and one of the highest growth rates to 2021.”
However for Ghana, its E&M industry is beginning to gear up.
“In 2012, total revenue was just at $214 million, but four consecutive years of year-on-year growth above 25 percent have led it to revenues of $685 million in 2016. This is forecast to more than double over the next five years, with revenues of $1 billion being surpassed in 2019 and a total of $1.5 billion forecast for 2021, thanks to a 16.5 percent CAGR,” the report stated.
According to PwC, “Tanzania’s total E&M revenue stood at $504 million in 2016, but is set to more than double to $1.1 billion in 2021, a 17.2 percent CAGR over the coming five years.
“The symbolic crossing of the $1 billion mark is set to occur in 2021. This is significant growth from 2012 where the industry stood at just $175 million.”
The report, in its analysis of the South African market, said by 2021, total E&M revenue in the country is expected to reach R177.9 billion (about $13.4 billion), up from R132.7 billion in 2016.
It noted that internet access remains the key growth driver and will account for R27 billion of this increase.
The fastest growing sectors will be virtual reality (VR) and e-sports compounded annually at 72.6% and 39.6%, although these segments are still new revenue lines and remain the smallest in terms of absolute revenue numbers. Although overall growth in revenue will hold up, it is expected to slow down by the end of 2021.
“Companies that wish to capture value amid shifting consumer preferences and business model disruptions must focus on an increasingly prominent source of competitive advantage: the user experience. They must harness technology and data to attract, retain and engage users–and convert them into devoted fans,” says Vicki Myburgh, Entertainment and Media Industry Leader for PwC Southern Africa. These imperatives assume a larger importance because, as we document in the Outlook, the entertainment and media industry is confronting several challenges to continued top-line growth.
Digital spend will continue to drive the overall growth. Nearly 40% of total spend will be derived from Internet access in revenue. South Africa’s mobile Internet penetration is forecast to rise to 77.8% by the end of 2021 from 52.3% in 2016. This increased Internet penetration will drive mobile Internet access revenues, which are projected to grow by a CAGR of 10.7% to nearly R62 billion.
South Africa can expect a CAGR of 7.2% for consumer revenue over the forecast period, rising from R87.4 billion in 2016 to R123.7 billion in 2021. The largest contributor will be Internet access, with a 48% share in 2016 rising to 56% in 2021.
South Africa continues to remain the largest TV market on the African continent, with total revenues of R40.9 billion in 2016. The total TV market is estimated to be worth R51.2 billion by 2021. At this time, end-user spending (Pay-TV subscriptions, physical and Internet home video and license fees) will account for 56.7% of the total TV market.
The video game market is also performing well and revenue is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% to reach R5.4 billion in 2021, up from R2.6 billion in 2016. The primary growth driver in the video games market is social/casual gaming revenue, which will be worth R3.7 billion by 2021. Furthermore, the console and PC markets are experiencing a significant shift towards digital and online/micro transaction revenue, which will exceed physical sales for the first time in 2020.
The growing interest in gaming is helping to fuel the rapid growth in the related segment of VR and e-sports. As a segment that only reached consumers in 2016, almost the entire VR market is new. According to the Outlook, the consumer VR content market will be worth R455 million by 2021. Of this, R282 million will be spending on VR video.
Alongside video, the B2B market is showing continued growth. In 2016 revenues grew by 3.8% to R9.7 billion and by 2021 this is forecast to rise to R11 billion, a CAGR of 2.6%. The slowdown in growth is largely attributable to ongoing macroeconomic challenges which are likely to weigh on B2B revenues.
The South African cinema sector currently presents a mixed picture. Overall revenue, including box office and cinema advertising, is expected to reach R2.2 billion in 2021, up from R1.9 billion in 2016. South Africa continues to be an attractive destination for international filmmakers. Although some short-term economic and political issues are impacting the film sector, it is expected in the long term to continue to expand.
South Africa’s music industry is on a growth curve with live music being a key driver. Live music revenue is expected to rise from R1.2 billion in 2016 to R1.7 billion in 2021, a CAGR of 7.4% over the forecast period.
It is notable that only one digital subcomponent is seeing a significant decline in the entire Outlook – digital music downloading revenue, which is forecast to see a -15.7% CAGR, as consumers shift from ownership to access. Digital music streaming revenue is forecast to rise at a CACR of 34.5% to 2021, reaching R518 million in that year. This growth rate is only beaten by new revenue lines from VR and e-sports.
Among the largely non-digital segments, magazines and newspaper revenue are set to continue their decline. Total newspaper revenue in the South African newspaper market has been unpredictable. The market showed growth in 2013, declined in 2014 and bounced back marginally in 2015, contracting at a slower rate. In 2016, total newspaper revenue was worth R8.9 billion, but this figure is forecast to drop to R7.4 billion in 2021. Marginal growth is expected for the book publishing industry over the next five years. The educational book market will contract by a -0.1% CAGR. On the contrary, professional titles and consumer books will exhibit some growth as e-book revenues continue to grow.
The report shows that South Africa’s total entertainment and media advertising revenue is expected to rise to R54.2 billion by 2021 from R45.3 billion in 2016, representing a 3.7% CAGR. TV advertising remains dominant, but in terms of absolute growth it is Internet advertising that is almost an equal contributor, helped by a sizeable 12.9% CAGR.
Myburgh says: “It is clear that something fundamental has changed in the entertainment and media industry. E&M companies that have become accustomed to competing and creating differentiation, based primarily on content and distribution, need to focus more intensely on the user experience. The marketplace has increasingly become more competitive, slower-growing and dependent on personal recommendations.
“Thriving in this new world of intense competition and continual disruption will be challenging. The opportunities are, however, immense. Across the industry, the resulting quest to create the most compelling, engaging and intuitive user experiences is now the primary objective for growth and investment strategies, with technology and data at the centre.
“Accordingly, companies will need to develop strategies to engage, grow and monetise their most valuable customers: their fans.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Five creators from Sub-Saharan Africa have been featured in TikTok’s annual global The Discover List 2026, marking a standout moment for the region’s growing influence in the global creator economy.
They were among the 50 most influential creators shaping culture worldwide across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators, and Originators.
From medical education in Lagos to culinary innovation in Nairobi and Cape Town, and from dynamic design studios in Johannesburg, African creators are not just being seen on the world stage — they are commanding it.
The Discover List 2026 reaffirms that TikTok is not only where trends begin, but where real opportunities take shape and creators turn influence into lasting impact.
The five TikTok creators from Africa featured were Tamia Nontsikelelo from South Africa, Cherie Kihato of Savannah Space from Kenya, Wayne Chang from South Africa, Olawale Ogunlana of HealthKraft Africa from Nigeria, and Trevor Were from Kenya.
Ogunlana breaks down complex medical conditions into clear, engaging videos, turning digital platforms into powerful tools for better health across the continent. He is also one of TikTok’s Sub-Saharan Wellbeing Ambassadors.
As for Chang, he is celebrated for his vibrant culinary content that blends diverse Asian cuisines with locally sourced South African ingredients, while self-taught chef Were transforms simple, everyday meals into exciting and accessible creations. He shares approachable recipes and cooking inspiration from his home kitchen.
Also, Kihato, a creative entrepreneur, showcases heritage through furniture, art and interiors. Through content creation, she has expanded her business beyond Kenya, inspiring a global audience of design lovers and aspiring creatives, while Nontsikelelo fuses storytelling and marketing on TikTok to build powerful, engaged communities around her modest fashion brand.
Commenting on the latest development, the Global Head of Content Operations for TikTok, Mr James Stafford, said, “At TikTok, we are committed to celebrating our inspiring creator community. Today, we are thrilled to unveil The Discover List 2026 — a highlight of 50 creators to watch from around the world.
“From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Originators who share their businesses with global audiences on TikTok, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered, and authenticity and creativity can thrive.”
Business Post recalls that in 2025, Sub-Saharan African creators featured on the Discover List for the very first time, a milestone that unlocked unprecedented global visibility.
Those creators were spotlighted in international publications, including TIME Magazine and participated in major global moments such as Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
At Cannes Lions, Chef Abby (Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye) from Ghana engaged directly with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and the Mayor of London, further amplifying her global presence. Building on this momentum, she was also nominated at the 2025 TikTok Awards in Sub-Saharan Africa, where she emerged as First Runner-Up in the Food Creator of the Year category.
Pop culture collectibles have transitioned from niche hobby-shop items into highly sought-after products that drive ecommerce revenue and audience engagement. For entrepreneurs, affiliate marketers, and agencies targeting fandom-driven communities, knowing which items sell, how to verify authenticity, and where to promote listings is crucial. Working with Youtooz Collectibles provides insight into the types of figures and limited-edition items that modern collectors value, along with sourcing strategies, valuation and preservation essentials, and practical selling tactics—all presented with actionable guidance that businesses can use to boost traffic, conversions, and brand authority.
Why Pop Culture Collectibles Matter For Fans And Sellers
Pop culture collectibles matter because they bridge emotional value and market value. For fans, a collectible can be a tangible connection to a beloved franchise, a limited-run expression of identity, or an heirloom. For sellers, especially online store owners, dropshippers, and affiliate sites, those same emotional drivers create predictable demand cycles tied to film releases, anniversaries, conventions, and social trends.
From an ecommerce perspective, collectibles present several advantages: higher average order values, cross-sell potential (e.g., figure + display case), and strong content marketing opportunities. Niche-focused SEO and link-building campaigns can drive targeted traffic that converts at above-average rates: authoritative backlinks from fan sites, review blogs, and industry press amplify visibility for product pages and category hubs.
But, sellers must also navigate seasonality, counterfeits, and fickle trends.
Top Types Of Pop Culture Collectibles
Collectible categories vary in liquidity, storage needs, and audience. Below are the primary types modern fans and collectors pursue, with notes on market behavior.
Action Figures, Toys, And Vinyl Figures
Action figures and vinyl figures (e.g., Funko Pops, designer vinyl) remain top sellers thanks to broad fan bases and affordable price points. Limited runs, convention exclusives, and artist collaborations command premiums. For sellers, boxed mint condition items are easiest to monetize, while rarer loose figures can require restoration expertise.
Comics, Graphic Novels, And Books
Comics and graphic novels have both nostalgic and investment appeal. First issues, variant covers, and signed editions attract collectors and speculators. The comics market responds strongly to on-screen adaptations: a hit series or film frequently spikes demand for original runs.
Movie, TV, And Music Memorabilia
Autographed posters, screen-used props, and concert-worn clothing are high-ticket items. Provenance and certificates of authenticity are critical here, buyers will pay for verified history. Sellers who can source items tied to cultural moments often find passionate, deep-pocketed buyers.
Video Games, Consoles, And Gaming Merchandise
Retro consoles, limited-run cartridges, and sealed games are appreciating assets. Gaming merchandise, soundtracks, artbooks, collector’s editions, performs well alongside new releases. Marketplace demand often clusters around nostalgia waves and remasters.
Limited-Edition Art, Statues, And Designer Toys
High-end statues, limited-run prints, and gallery toys appeal to collectors who prioritize scarcity and craftsmanship. These items require careful storage and targeted marketing: they often sell through specialty sites, auctions, and gallery drops rather than mass marketplaces.
How To Source Rare Finds And Build Inventory
Sourcing determines margins and differentiation. A mixed approach, online research, real-world hunting, and creator partnerships, works best for steady inventory flow.
Online Marketplaces, Auctions, And Market Research
Monitoring eBay, Mercado Libre, Heritage Auctions, and specialized auction houses uncovers underpriced lots and cross-border arbitrage opportunities. Use saved searches, completed-listing data, and market-watch tools to identify price trends. Competitor backlink profiles and topical content can reveal where collectors congregate, valuable intel for outreach and link-building.
Conventions, Local Stores, Estate Sales, And Thrift Hunting
Conventions and local comic shops are goldmines for exclusives and trade-ins. Estate sales and thrift stores sometimes hold miscataloged treasures, signed books, rare comics, original posters. Successful sellers develop quick authentication instincts and a network of local contacts to source before items hit public listings.
Working With Creators, Wholesalers, And Dropship Partners
Direct relationships with creators and licensed wholesalers secure early access and confirmed authenticity. Dropship partnerships reduce upfront inventory risk, useful for testing niche demand. For high-ticket collectibles, working with trusted consignors and offering pre-orders can minimize capital exposure while guaranteeing exclusivity.
Authenticity, Grading, And Valuation Essentials
Trust is the currency of the collectibles market. Clear authentication practices, standardized grading, and transparent valuation make listings more competitive and reduce disputes.
Authentication Methods And Common Certificates
Authentication methods include COAs (Certificates of Authenticity), third-party authenticator stamps (e.g., PSA/DNA for signatures), and provenance documentation (receipts, photos of original acquisition). Digital verification, serialized QR codes or blockchain provenance, has emerged for premium items and limited editions.
Grading Standards And Condition Notes Collectors Care About
Grading protocols differ by category. Comics often use CGC grades: trading cards use PSA: vinyl/statues rely on detailed condition notes (mint, near mint, very fine). Sellers must describe defects, yellowing, seam splits, box crushes, with photos and standard terminology. Accurate grading reduces returns and builds reputation.
Key Factors That Drive Market Value And Price Trends
Scarcity, cultural relevance (tie-ins to media releases), condition, and provenance drive value. Secondary factors include artist/designer notoriety, variant rarity, and international demand. Sellers watching pre-release hype, convention exclusives, and media calendars can anticipate price spikes and adjust inventory strategies.
Storage, Preservation, And Display Best Practices
Proper care preserves value. Whether storing inventory for sale or curating a showroom, small investments in preservation pay off when items sell for premium prices.
Proper Storage, Packaging, And Climate Considerations
Climate control matters: humidity and temperature fluctuations damage paper, vinyl, and fabric. Store comics and books in acid-free sleeves and boxes: keep figures in original packaging when possible and use silica packs to control moisture. For long-term storage, aim for stable, moderate temperatures and low humidity.
Display Strategies For Collectors And For Ecommerce Photography
Displays should protect while showcasing. Use UV-filtering cases for signed posters and dust-free shelves for vinyl figures. For ecommerce photography, shoot both staged lifestyle images and close-ups of condition details: include measurements and scale references. High-quality visuals improve conversion and reduce questions from buyers.
Insurance, Documentation, And Provenance Tracking
Insure high-value inventory and keep digitized records of COAs, receipts, and photos. A simple inventory management system that tags provenance data makes it easier to verify authenticity during sale and supports claims for insurance or dispute resolution.
Selling, Monetizing, And Promoting Pop Culture Collectibles
Turning a collection into recurring revenue requires platform strategy, listing optimization, and community engagement.
Choosing Platforms: Marketplaces, Your Store, And Niche Sites
Marketplaces (eBay, Etsy, StockX) provide reach and discovery: your own ecommerce store offers brand control and higher margins. Niche marketplaces and forums (comic consignment sites, collector communities) attract serious buyers for premium lots. An omnichannel approach, list flagship items on marketplaces and reserve exclusives for the store, balances traffic and margin.
Pricing, Listing Optimization, And SEO Tips For Higher Visibility
Price with data: use completed sales to set competitive ranges and factor in fees and shipping. Optimize listings with keyword-rich titles, structured bullets, and clear condition notes. For organic search, create content hubs, buying guides, value charts, and trend pieces, that naturally attract backlinks. Link-building campaigns targeting fan blogs, review sites, and pop culture publications increase domain authority and lift product pages in search results.
Building Community, Partnerships, And Repeat Customers
Community fuels collectible sales. Host drop announcements, run loyalty programs, and partner with influencers for unboxing content. Affiliate partnerships and guest posts on niche sites drive targeted referral traffic: agencies focusing on backlink strategy can tailor campaigns that place the seller in front of engaged fan audiences. Repeat customers often buy multiple items, offer bundles, pre-order lists, and restock alerts to capture lifetime value.
Conclusion
Pop culture collectibles combine emotional resonance with monetizable demand, an attractive proposition for ecommerce operators and marketers. Success hinges on sourcing smart, verifying thoroughly, preserving carefully, and promoting strategically. For businesses aiming to scale, investing in SEO, high-quality content, and targeted link-building amplifies reach to dedicated fans and converts interest into profitable sales. With the right systems, inventory controls, authentication processes, and promotional partnerships, collectibles can become a dependable, high-margin pillar of a modern ecommerce portfolio.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The 2023 Best Graduating Student of MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), Mr Oluwasegun Ogundeyi, is on his way to Italy to attend the New York Film Academy in Florence.
While at the academy, the filmmaker will hone his skills and be exposed to the latest innovations in the creative industry and meet others from across the globe.
His acceptance to the New York Film Academy’s Florence campus reflects not only personal advancement but also the continued success of MTF’s global training pipeline.
Through its partnership-driven approach, MTF continues to create pathways that position African filmmakers for international relevance while keeping their storytelling rooted in authentic local perspectives.
The fully funded scholarship provided by MTF marks a significant milestone in a career already defined by versatility, discipline, and award-winning storytelling.
The scholarship is part of an ongoing partnership between MTF and the New York Film Academy, designed to strengthen global exposure for emerging African filmmakers while building meaningful creative and industry connections between Nollywood and Hollywood.
“Storytelling is connection. It is expression, impact, and community. My mission is to tell African stories that are nuanced, human, and real, stories that remind us of who we are,” Mr Ogundeyi, who is a director, cinematographer, and storyteller, stated.
Since his time at MTF, Mr Ogundeyi has steadily built a portfolio that demonstrates both range and creative leadership. His directorial debut, Her Dark Past, earned top recognition by winning the MTF category at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), validating the promise he displayed during his training at MTF.
As Director of Photography on the short film Threshold, he contributed to a project that secured selections at both the Ibadan Indie Film Awards and the Malabo International Film Festival 2025.
He directed Bridging Hope, a documentary produced for Drug Aid Africa, demonstrating his ability to craft compelling narratives for social impact.
His commercial work includes directing the Máadán Lipgloss launch campaign, bringing cinematic sensibility to branded content. Currently, his cinematography work on Transparent Boy is in post-production, with festival submissions anticipated.
Beyond individual projects, his MTF experience yielded lasting professional partnerships. In June 2024, he co-founded NINE NINE Productions Limited with a fellow MTF graduate, transforming their collaboration on Threshold into a sustainable creative enterprise.
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