• Africa’s digital content market hits $5.1B, may reach $30B by 2032

• Growth fueled by youth, internet access, and social media use

• Monetization uneven; most creators earn under $62 monthly
  

Africa's digital content creation market is valued at $5.10 billion in 2025 and could reach nearly $30 billion by 2032, according to projections from the analytics firm Coherent Market Insights. With an estimated annual growth rate of 28.9%, the continent is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic hubs in the global creator economy.

This growth is driven by several key factors, starting with Africa's youth population. Nearly 60% of residents are under the age of 25, a generation that is highly connected and consumes digital content. The increasing access to the internet and the high penetration of smartphones have also paved the way for an explosion in content production. Social networks from Facebook to Instagram and YouTube act as catalysts for this economy, joined by local platforms like Boomplay and Mdundo, which enhance opportunities for distribution and monetization.

According to the study, the continent now accounts for 17% of the world's internet users and has approximately 385 million active social media users, a penetration rate of 27.7%. This momentum is fueling a rapid diversification of business models, including online videos, music, tutorials, podcasts, and influencer campaigns, as well as entrepreneurial ventures such as digital agencies, production studios, and digital training academies. Some creators are managing to generate several thousand dollars a month from YouTube alone, confirming the potential of this economy.

However, significant challenges remain. Monetization is highly uneven, with more than half of African creators earning less than $62 per month—a figure far below their potential. Low advertising rates on the continent limit financial returns, while the gradual saturation of platforms, regulatory uncertainties, and a lack of structured support mechanisms are hindering the emergence of viable ecosystems.

To transform this momentum into a genuine economic driver, Africa will need to strengthen digital infrastructure, encourage partnerships between platforms and local players, and, most importantly, create environments that are conducive to innovation and equitable monetization. This also requires better regulation, including copyright protection, adapted tax policies, and transparent compensation models.

Samira Njoya