by Thinus Ferreira
Angola has given China's StarTimes permission to start its pay-TV in the South-Western African country.
Following a presidential decree signed by Angolan president João Lourenço, China's StarTimes will finally be able to compete with Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice's DStv, ZAP and TV Cabo as existing pay-TV operators.
The decision to allow StarTimes into the country and to provide a subscription TV distribution service is set out in Angola's Presidential Decree No 408/26 of 6 November and was published in the Angolan government's gazette, Series I, No. 211.
It gives a specific concession to StarTimes Angola, Limitada to run a pay-TV operation.
It's part of the Angolan government's 2026 strategic plan on loosening the licensing regulation for electronic communications operators in the country.
The move is intended to break up existing monopolies, expand content options and stimulate sector growth.
StarTimes is a Chinese media and pay-TV company with an extensive and ever-expanding presence across the African continent, funnelling mostly Asian telenovelas, drama series and Chinese TV channels into the continent.
Last year, StarTimes executives said the company has "great interest" in working with Angola's National Radio (RNA) and Public Television (TPA).
