Starting in July, Netflix will increase its standard monthly subscription fee in Nigeria to ₦8,500, a move that has sparked conversations among subscribers and digital content enthusiasts across the country. This price adjustment reflects the streaming giant’s broader global strategy to support content expansion, invest in local productions, and enhance platform features. For Nigerian users, however, the new fee represents a significant monthly expense, especially in a country grappling with inflation and rising living costs.
Compared to other African countries, Nigeria’s new Netflix rate is on the higher side. In South Africa, for instance, users pay between R159 and R199, roughly $8.50 to $10.50, depending on the plan, which is noticeably cheaper than Nigeria’s $15 equivalent. In Kenya and several other sub-Saharan nations, Netflix continues to offer low-cost mobile-only plans, with prices ranging from $3 to $4, targeting budget-conscious users and expanding the platform’s reach. These mobile plans, initially piloted in Kenya, were part of a strategy to increase subscriptions in emerging markets.
Netflix says the price increase in Nigeria is necessary to fund its commitment to local storytelling, including Nollywood and other West African productions. The company has ramped up its investment in African content, with new series, films, and documentaries that resonate with local audiences. This means users may see more Ghanaian and Nigerian titles in their recommended lists—something that could justify the price hike for some.
However, the pricing disparity between Nigeria and other African nations raises concerns about affordability. While content value may be increasing, many Nigerian users might consider switching to the ad-supported plan (where available), sharing subscriptions with friends or family using Netflix’s new paid-sharing feature, or migrating to cheaper streaming alternatives such as Showmax, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
Globally, Netflix has been reshaping its subscription model, with more than 19 million new subscribers added in Q4 of 2024 alone. The company is transitioning into a more robust streaming platform that includes not just films and series, but also live events, sports, games, and documentaries. In Africa, this means viewers can expect more diverse content, but at a higher cost.
For Ghanaian and Nigerian users alike, this development signals a shift in how digital streaming is valued and monetized in the region. While some will embrace the higher price for access to premium content and better features, others may begin exploring more affordable platforms or demand better pricing alignment with other African countries.
