Event Preview: DISCOP Africa

DISCOP Africa has seen much growth since its first event in 2008. The market, which is held twice a year, is gearing up for its 11th edition, taking place from November 4 to 6 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“With $1 billion in estimated TV-content sales across Africa, the continent still represents a very, very small percentage of global TV-content trade,” says Patrick Zuchowicki, the CEO of event organizer Basic Lead. “However, this amount is twice as much as two years ago, meaning that Africa’s growth potential is phenomenal, and the fact that we have 42-percent more companies from outside of Africa attending DISCOP Africa this year over last shows that Africa is on everybody’s mind.”

The event plays host to a mix of independent producers, regional and global distributors, as well as broadcasters, pay-TV and mobile operators and alternative distribution platforms that are part of Africa’s multiscreen entertainment industry. More than 2,500 delegates representing around 1,750 companies from 85-plus countries take part in DISCOP Africa’s two annual editions, in Abidjan and in Johannesburg.

Zuchowicki says, “Looking at the level of preregistration for DISCOP Joburg, and considering the fact that we had 45-percent more participants than expected this past June in Abidjan, we are certain that Africa needs two industry gatherings a year to accelerate the growth of its already impressive TV content production and distribution sectors.”

There are a number of new national and regional groups being represented at the market. The event will feature umbrella pavilions from Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya and Nigeria; from France and other parts of the European Union; and from China, Canada, Russia and Turkey. Distributors will have the chance to meet with the 500-plus key buyers expected over the course of the three-day market, as DISCOP Africa offers plenty of opportunities for networking and one-on-one meetings.

The parallel conference and informative program will include three thematic days. Wednesday, November 4, is dubbed China Day. This program will explore partnership opportunities between Africa and China in the TV sector. Thursday, November 5, is dedicated to Following the Stars. It will feature eight innovative, forward-thinking and influential players in the international TV industry who will share case studies, presentations and their unique business models. Friday, November 6, spotlights What Brands Want. The track will take a look at what consumer brands expect from televised-entertainment creators and content distribution platforms.

The conference program will also feature the Country Spotlight series, focusing on three African countries under the current radar: Kenya, Tanzania and Senegal. The DISCOP Africa Welcome Cocktail Party, open to all attendees, will take place November 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. The same evening will play host to the DISCOP Africa Gala Reception, which is meant to celebrate Sino-South African bilateral cooperation.

Attendees can expect “a more dynamic marketplace looking for quality content to meet the continent’s digital transition programming needs and looking for more intra-regional co-production opportunities,” says Zuchowicki. “Independent producers attending DISCOP Africa can expect an expanded pitching, learning and matchmaking program. Finally, DISCOP Africa will also be targeting ‘industry influencers’ with the Meet Your Stars program, a sidebar event showcasing new series and marquee shows, running parallel to the three-day market and co-production forum. Designed to help advertisers, brand managers and media buyers optimize airtime purchase decisions, the Meet Your Stars program will introduce, in advance of South Africa’s next television season, premiering and returning hit shows as well as the talent attached to each of them.”