MTN Group Opened Content Commissioning Window
The streaming service One TV is seeking new African productions following its launch earlier this year.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Television
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MTN Group has initiated a commissioning window for African short-form and premium video content to support its One TV streaming platform. The company is actively seeking micro-dramas, limited series, and feature-length films from experienced producers.
Why it matters
The move capitalizes on a global surge in short-form video consumption as MTN aims to solidify its presence in the African media landscape. By replacing its former service MTN Vu with One TV, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the digital entertainment market.
Global short-drama app downloads rose by over 140% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2026. In Southeast Asia alone, these applications recorded 300 million downloads, significantly outpacing the 150 million downloads seen by conventional streaming apps.
The players
MTN Group
This is a multinational mobile telecommunications company that provides voice, data, and digital services to customers across Africa and the Middle East.
One TV
This is a streaming service launched by MTN that offers content through ad-supported, subscription, and pay-as-you-watch models.
Durban FilmMart
This is a premier pan-African film industry market that facilitates networking and project development for African content creators.
MIP Africa
This is an annual entertainment content market held in Cape Town that brings together global buyers and sellers of television and digital media.
The details
Producers with at least seven years of experience are invited to pitch projects at upcoming industry events including Durban FilmMart and MIP Africa. Content requirements include micro-dramas of 30 two-minute episodes, episodic series ranging from 45 to 60 minutes, and features lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Timeline
MTN launched the One TV streaming service in June 2026.
Producers can pitch projects at Durban FilmMart on September 28, 2026.
A secondary pitching opportunity is scheduled for MIP Africa on October 5, 2026.
The global short-form video market is projected to reach R423 billion by 2030.
Industry Dynamics
This initiative follows a pattern set by the rapid expansion of short-drama applications in Southeast Asia by applying a similar content-heavy model to the African market. The shift reflects a larger transition where mobile-first platforms increasingly compete with traditional legacy broadcasting.
Users in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia can access One TV content through flexible payment models including airtime and Mobile Money. The service is specifically optimized for a target audience aged 18 to 34 who consume content via mobile devices.
The takeaway
The rise of micro-drama highlights a shift toward high-frequency, bite-sized entertainment consumption globally. Aspiring creators should prioritize mobile-native storytelling techniques to align with the evolving preferences of younger digital audiences.
What happens next
Producers have specific opportunities to present their work at the Durban FilmMart on September 28, 2026, and at MIP Africa on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current state of digital distribution, visit the Television section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadcast Media Africa.
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