Broadcasting
Digital Revolution Needs Solid Analog Foundation

This past January the World Bank issued the Digital Dividends report, a comprehensive study of the state of digital developments around the world.
All in all, it’s a mixed picture. Digital technologies have been rapidly spreading in just about all nations, but their expected digital dividends– i.e., their broad development benefits–have lagged behind and are unevenly distributed.
“We find ourselves in the midst of the greatest information and communications revolution in human history,” notes the report in its foreword.
“More than 40 percent of the world’s population has access to the internet, with new users coming online every day. Among the poorest 20 percent of households, nearly 7 out of 10 have a mobile phone…” But, while this is great progress, much remains to be done. Many are still left behind due to their limited connectivity, and are thus unable to fully benefit from the global digital revolution.
While universal connectivity is necessary, it’s far from sufficient, the report adds. “[T]raditional development challenges are preventing the digital revolution from fulfilling its transformative potential… the full benefits of the information and communications transformation will not be realized unless countries continue to improve their business climate, invest in people’s education and health, and promote good governance.”
Let me attempt to summarize the salient findings and recommendations of this comprehensive (over 300 pages) report.
Promoting economic development
Digital technologies promote economic development by greatly lowering the overall costs of economic and social transactions. Such lower transactions costs translate into economic development through three key mechanisms:
Inclusion: Digital technologies have empowered consumers around the world, giving them more choices than ever in virtually every category of products and services as well as in the channels used to acquire them. In addition, ubiquitous communications, low transaction costs and highly scalable platforms are giving rise to a new on-demand economy, enabling individuals to exchange goods and services with each other.
Efficiency: By enabling the automation and coordination of business processes across the organization, digital technologies have significantly promoted efficiency across the whole economy. Companies can thus provide lower prices and better services to their customer, and governments can offer more convenient online services for a wide range of tasks.
Innovation: Digital technologies help develop and bring to market all kinds of innovative offerings. This is evident in the many new kinds of products and services we’ve seen over the past 20 years, including e-commerce platforms, digital payment systems, e-books, streaming music, social media, and on-demand companies.
Digital Dividends
The report introduces the concept of digital dividends. These are essentially the analog complements of the digital revolution, that is, the broad development benefits that countries should expect from deploying digital technologies. Three major such digital dividends are identified: business growth, individual opportunities, and public services.
Business growth: Digital technologies, and the Internet in particular have promoted the inclusion of small firms in the world economy by expanding trade and productivity.
About two years ago, the McKinsey Global Institute published an excellent study, Global Flows in the Digital Age, which took an in-depth look at the expansion of cross-borders flows in the economy. It carefully analyzed these flows in 5 different categories: goods, services, finance, people and data and communications.
The study noted that in the not too distant past, global flows were concentrated in the more advanced economies, as well as in large, global companies. But digital technologies and rising prosperity are combining to significantly disperse global flows, making it possible to include a larger number of countries as well as a larger number of participants across all countries.
“Governments and multinational companies were once the only actors involved in cross-border exchanges. But today, digital technologies enable even the smallest company or solo entrepreneur to be a micromultinational, selling and sourcing products, services, and ideas across borders. Individuals can work remotely through online platforms, creating a virtual people flow. Microfinance platforms enable entrepreneurs and social innovators to raise money globally in ever-smaller amounts.”
Individual opportunities: Digital technologies have had a major impact in improving the overall standard of living in emerging and developing economies. Their reduced transaction costs have helped to lower the job barriers for hundreds of millions, going to billions, around the world.
A few years ago, the US National Intelligence Council conducted a study to identify the key global trends in the 2030 timeframe. Its report, Global Trend 2030, identified individual empowerment as its top megatrend.
“Absent a global recession, the number of those living in extreme poverty is poised to decline as incomes continue to rise in most parts of the world. The number could drop by about 50 percent between 2010 and 2030, according to some models. . . Middle classes most everywhere in the developing world are poised to expand substantially in terms of both absolute numbers and the percentage of the population that can claim middle-class status during the next 15-20 years. Even the more conservative models see a rise in the global total of those living in the middle class from the current 1 billion or so to over 2 billion people.”
Public services: Digital technologies are also making governments more capable and responsive. Given that governments are not subject to market competition, they have generally lagged business in the efficiency and quality of their service. However, there are quite a number of critical services that only governments can provide to all their citizens. The World Bank report cites India’s Aadhaar digital identification system and Nigeria’s e-ID initiative as examples of government-sponsored programs that expand the participation of all citizens.
“Lack of identity is an impediment for poor people to exercise their basic democratic and human rights. Where civil registration systems are weak or non-existent, many of the poor are simply not counted. Digital identification can help overcome barriers to participation. Many countries have introduced general-purpose digital identity (ID) schemes or specific systems for elections or to manage postconflict transfers – with numerous benefits, including making the public sector more efficient.”
Risks and challenges
The report argues that these important digital dividends are not spreading fast enough for two main reasons.
The first is limited connectivity, which makes it difficult for over 50% of people around the world to adequately participate in the digital economy. Persistent digital divides exist between advanced and developing nations, as well as across income, geography, gender and age within nations.
In addition, the benefits of digital dividends are being challenged by new risks:
Excessive concentration: The Internet’s economies of scale can lead to harmful concentration of market power in many sectors, inhibiting competition and innovation.
Automation and inequality: Automation can leave behind workers without the necessary skills, hollowing out labor markets and leading to greater inequality.
Government control: Without the proper accountability, governments can leverage digital technologies to exercise greater control over their citizens, rather than to empower them.
Analog Foundations
Beyond connectivity and access to digital devices, countries must strengthen the analog foundations of the digital revolution to help them realize the benefits of their technology investments. These include:
Regulations that promote competition: Lowering the cost of starting firms, avoiding monopolies, removing barriers to adoption of digital technologies, ensuring the efficient use of technology by businesses, enforcement of existing regulations, …
Education and skill development: Basic IT and digital literacy, helping workers adapt to the demands of the digital economy, preparing students, managers and government officials for an increasingly digital world, facilitate life-long learning, …
Institutions that are capable and accountable: Empowering citizens through digital platforms and information, e-government services, digital citizen engagements, increased incentives for good governance both in public sector and private firms, …
“Connectivity for all remains an important goal and a tremendous challenge,” the study says, “but countries also need to create favorable conditions for technology to be effective. When the analog complements are absent, the development impact will be disappointing. But when countries build a strong analog foundation, they will reap ample digital dividends – in faster growth, more jobs, and better services.”
Irving Wladawsky-Berger worked at IBM for 37 years and has been a strategic advisor to Citigroup and to HBO. He is affiliated with MIT, NYU and Imperial College, and is a regular contributor to CIO Journal.
Broadcasting
More Woes for MultiChoice as Ghana Orders 30% Price Cut

The government of Ghana has ordered MultiChoice Ghana to reduce DSTV subscription costs by 30%, noting the significant appreciation of local currency and growing dissatisfaction with current rates.
This comes as Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
According to Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, head Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC, the investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.
MultiChoice, which operates across Africa, continues to lose revenue and subscribers.
Ghana’s minister of communication, digital technology, and innovation, Samuel Nartey George, made the call last week during a meeting with a DSTV team led by Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, group executive for regulatory and corporate affairs.
According to a ministry statement, George said the government’s responsibility is to respond to Ghanaians’ concerns over high DSTV pricing and outdated content offers.
The Minister pointed out that despite a 30% increase in the cedi’s value over the past five months; DSTV prices have not reflected the positive economic trend.
The statement went on to say the minister is therefore calling for a 30% price reduction to match the cedi’s appreciation and to pass on economic benefits to consumers.
According to the statement, while MultiChoice has implemented promotional packages, people prefer a direct price reduction over temporary discounts.
George said feedback from public engagements revealed that many users are dissatisfied with DSTV’s content, describing it as outdated save for Premier League football. They also believe that the current cost is not justified.
”To address the concerns, he said MultiChoice Ghana has until July 21 to formally respond to the government’s request. The Minister expects a concrete proposal by this date, allowing time for further engagement before the end of July,” the statement said.
In response, Dr. Modimoeng acknowledged the government’s concerns and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to dialogue.
The MultiChoice team reacted positively to the minister’s request and committed to provide input by July 21st. They emphasised the need of balancing public interest and business sustainability.
This is the continent’s latest pricing conundrum for the pan-African pay-TV business, following fee disputes with Nigerian and Malawian authorities.
In Ghana, the demand for price cuts comes as MultiChoice is under pressure, having lost revenue and subscribers in the financial year that ended March 31, 2025. Last month, the company announced its financial year-end results.
In a statement to shareholders last month on the Stock Exchange News Service, the company said the past two financial years have been a period of significant financial disruption for economies, corporates and consumers across Sub-Saharan Africa due to challenging macro-economic factors.
Combined with the impact of structural industry changes in video entertainment, such as the rise of piracy, streaming services and social media, this has materially affected the overall performance of the MultiChoice Group, it noted.
Over this period, MultiChoice said the group lost 2.8 million active linear subscribers and had to absorb a R10.2 billion negative impact on its top line due to local currency depreciation against the US dollar.
For the year, the company reveals that linear subscribers were down 1.2 million, or 8% year-on-year, to 14.5 million active subscribers, with the loss evenly split between South African (600 000) and rest of Africa (600 000).
Broadcasting
NDPC Slaps Multichoice with ₦766M Fine for Data Privacy Violations

Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
NDPC is a public institution that processes data in furtherance of its mandate as Nigeria’s data protection authority and relies on recognised lawful bases for data processing, such as consent, legal obligation, and contract.
The fine was contained in a statement signed by Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, head Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC.
According to him, the investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians.
“The NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.
The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.
The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate.
This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures.
However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory.
For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigerian Data Protection Act.
“Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws, as these have far-reaching implication for rule of law, national security, and economic growth.” the statement said.
Babatunde also revealed that, Vincent Olatunji, national Commissioner, NDPC, has directed that all outlets through which Multichoice is collecting personal data of Nigerian citizens should be investigated for non-compliance.
He added that any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act.
Broadcasting
IFC, AfDB Collaborate with EbonyLife Media to Explore Supporting the African Film Industry to Drive Job Creation

As part of their ongoing efforts to support the growth of Africa’s creative industries and drive job creation in the region, IFC and the African Development Bank have announced a collaboration with EbonyLife Media, Nigeria’s leading media company, to explore the conditions for the creation of a pan-African investment vehicle targeted at the region’s film sector.
The aim is to improve access to financing for productions that promote original African stories around the world. EbonyLife Media has built a reputation for bringing compelling African narratives to global audiences through innovative storytelling.
The company has produced some of the highest-grossing movies in the region and enjoys strategic collaborations with global media companies, including Sony Pictures Television, Westbrook Studios, Starz, Macro Film Studios and Idris Elba’s 22 Summers.
This effort is in line with IFC’s strategy to expand Africa’s creative industries, recognizing the sector’s potential to drive job creation – especially for youth – promote inclusive narratives, and stimulate economic growth across emerging markets.
Despite the growth of film production across the continent over the last few years, Africa’s film sector remains untapped. According to UNESCO, the sector currently supports approximately 5 million jobs and contributes $5 billion to the continent’s GDP.
However, the industry faces significant challenges that inhibit its growth potential, including persistent financing gaps, policy barriers and lack of a robust intellectual property regulatory framework and implementation, which results in up to 50 percent revenue loss to piracy by film producers in the region.
In this context, IFC, AfDB and Ebony Life are exploring ways in which they can crowd in more capital into African film productions and support the expansion of the film industry at scale in the continent, while working with governments to introduce protection of intellectual property and film incentives, essential to strengthen the economics of film production in the continent.
“Africa’s creative economy is a cultural asset and an engine for inclusive growth, youth employment, and global influence. Through this partnership, we aim to unlock new capital for the continent’s storytellers, helping them bring authentic African voices to international platforms while boosting job creation in one of the most dynamic sectors of the future,” said Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa at IFC.
Ousmane Fall, The African Development Bank Group’s Director for Private Sector Operations, said: “This collaboration reflects the African Development Bank Group’s growing interest in creative industries as a growth sector supporting entrepreneurship and job creation for young people and women in Africa.
“By joining forces with EbonyLife, Nigeria’s premium media conglomerate, and IFC, a like-minded DFI institution, we are seeking to support the creation of a sustainable investment vehicle for film production in Africa”.
“This has been a long time coming. For nearly two years, I’ve been quietly laying the groundwork—defining and building an ecosystem designed to scale, to unlock opportunity, and to provide the vital capital African filmmakers need to create stories that resonate across borders and generations.
“Today, I am thrilled and deeply proud to welcome the IFC and AfDB on this journey. Together, we will identify ways in which we can catalyze a new era of African storytelling that can thrive on the global stage” said Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Media.
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