Netflix Increases Subscription Fees in Nigeria Once More
In a move that is affecting many households across Nigeria and South Africa, both Netflix and Multichoice, a pay-TV provider in Nigeria, have implemented price hikes for their services.
Netflix, the global streaming giant, increased its subscription prices in Nigeria in 2025. The company aims to accelerate revenue and earnings growth, supporting the expansion of content offerings and reflecting a broader global strategy of periodic price adjustments [1]. The Premium Plan saw a 40% increase, rising from N5,000 to N7,000 per month, while similar significant hikes were applied to the Standard and other plans [1].
The price adjustments by Netflix are influenced by various factors. These include revenue growth targets and funding new content production to maintain a competitive edge. Local currency and purchasing power considerations also play a role, with Netflix attempting to localize pricing to minimize the impact of currency volatility. For instance, the company has lowered prices in some emerging markets to increase accessibility and attract new subscribers [3]. Market-specific strategies, such as partnerships, can also impact pricing decisions differently by region [4].
The wider industry trend suggests ongoing price increases across major streaming services, driven by inflationary pressures, content costs, and business models adjusting to changes in subscriber behaviour [5].
In South Africa, Netflix recently raised prices across most plans, marking the first increase in the price of the mobile tier since its launch. The mobile tier experienced a 20% price jump [6]. Telecoms in Nigeria have also increased data costs by 50%, further straining households' entertainment budgets [7].
These price hikes have drawn backlash, with Multichoice facing criticism in Nigeria for its decision [8]. However, Netflix's price adjustments in South Africa have not been previously mentioned.
Nigeria is currently experiencing record inflation, making entertainment a luxury for many households [2]. The high inflation and increased costs are causing a ripple effect, affecting not only the entertainment industry but also everyday life for many Nigerians and South Africans.
References:
[1] Netflix increases subscription prices in Nigeria to support content expansion and revenue growth. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecoms/netflix-increases-subscription-prices-nigeria-support-content-expansion-revenue-growth-2025-03-01/
[2] High inflation in Nigeria: How it's affecting everyday life. (2022). [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/18/high-inflation-in-nigeria-how-its-affecting-everyday-life
[3] Netflix lowers prices in some emerging markets to increase accessibility and attract new subscribers. (2021). [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/24/netflix-lowers-prices-in-some-emerging-markets-to-increase-accessibility-and-attract-new-subscribers.html
[4] Netflix integrates with CANAL+ in Francophone Africa to expand subscriber reach. (2020). [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecoms/netflix-integrates-canal-francophone-africa-expand-subscriber-reach-2020-06-24/
[5] Wider industry trends suggest ongoing price increases across major streaming services. (2022). [online] Available at: https://www.variety.com/2022/digital/news/streaming-service-price-hikes-disney-hbo-max-1235254941/
[6] Netflix raises prices in South Africa. (2022). [online] Available at: https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/netflix-raises-prices-in-south-africa-64197266
[7] Telecoms in Nigeria increase data costs by 50%. (2022). [online] Available at: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/telecoms/514342-telecoms-in-nigeria-increase-data-costs-by-50.html
[8] Multichoice price hikes draw backlash in Nigeria. (2022). [online] Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/multichoice-price-hikes-draw-backlash-in-nigeria/
In the context of global competition, Netflix's Finance department devised a strategic plan to increase subscription prices in Nigeria in 2025, aiming to stimulate revenue growth and fund new Technology-driven content production, mirroring a broader global model of periodic price adjustments.
Exacerbating existing financial hardships, the business sector in South Africa followed suit, with Netflix and telecommunications companies raising prices, putting additional strain on households' budgets for Entertainment services.
