By Goodluck Ikiebe.
The Southern African Times has announced its strategic expansion into Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the publication’s seven-year history.
The Editor at Large, Mercy Gilbert, who is facilitating the expansion project, said it is to strengthen the publication’s presence in the West African media landscape.
The project being executed in partnership with Naijoinfo News and the Global Migration Research Institute (GMRI), under the leadership of Professor Williams Ijoma, President of GMRI, the Southern African Times aims to tap into Nigeria’s vast and dynamic market of 218.5 million people, aligning with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promising substantial growth and development.
Professor Williams Ijoma, a Veteran Editor and global migration advocate, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating that, “Our vision for Africa’s wealth is colossal.
“We believe in telling our own stories, our own way, and highlighting Africa’s rich culture”, Ijoma stated.
CEO of the publication, Farai Muvuti, echoed the same sentiments, emphasizing the growth potential of the Nigerian market.
“Nigeria presents a great growth opportunity for the Southern African Times. The partnership with Prof Ijoma, who will spearhead our operations in the country and entire West Africa, enables us to tap into a growing market.
Reports suggest that Nigeria’s market revenue in the Newspapers & Magazines sector is forecasted to hit US$433.20 million by 2025, with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 4.53%, leading to an estimated market volume of US$540.50 million by 2029,” Muvuti noted.
The digital segment is particularly promising, with the Digital Newspapers & Magazines market projected to reach a volume of US$258.20 million in 2025. User penetration in this sector is expected to be at 13.8%, with the number of readers projected to reach 28.8 million users by 2029. The average revenue per user (ARPU) is forecasted to be US$33.32.
Globally, the United States is set to generate the most revenue in this sector, amounting to US$41.08 billion in 2024. The Nigerian market, however, is experiencing a significant shift towards digital platforms due to increased internet penetration and changing reader preferences, making this an opportune moment for the Southern African Times to expand its digital footprint.
Mercy Gilbert expressed excitement about the expansion, stating that, “We are eager to tap into the vast potential of the African market and contribute to the region’s growth and development.”
The launch will be marked by a hybrid global event, reflecting the publication’s commitment to embracing modern technology and connecting with audiences worldwide. Professor Ijoma’s recent successful hybrid global event on bringing BRICS to Nigeria further underscores his dedication to promoting African growth and development.
This expansion into Nigeria is not just a business move but a commitment to fostering African unity and showcasing the continent’s diverse heritage through quality journalism.
