Amazon Prime Video, an American streaming service, is reportedly streamlining its budget and implementing staff layoffs in Africa and the Middle East, according to a report from Variety, a Los Angeles-based publication. The company is currently undergoing a restructuring of its international business, with a renewed focus on European originals.
As outlined in an email shared with Prime Video staff, the streaming service is set to suspend the approval of local original content in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa in the near term.
Having entered the African streaming market in 2016, Amazon initially competed with Netflix and local players. Six years later, Prime Video introduced a localized version of its streaming service in Nigeria, and a year after its launch, Gangs of Lagos became the platform’s first African original movie.
While Ned Mitchell, the head of originals for Africa and the Middle East at Prime Video and Amazon Studios, had initially expressed optimism about expanding original content production in the region, the recent communication signifies a shift from Mitchell’s original vision. Initially outlining a plan to “create premium content that will attract all African storytellers, crews, and talent,” Mitchell had envisioned a limitless future for the platform.
As of this report, Mitchell has not responded to our inquiry regarding the recent cuts in staffing.
Despite the recent restructuring, the streaming platform will move forward with LOL ZA and Ebuka Turns Up Africa, two African originals it has commissioned. Additionally, the platform will maintain its presence in both regions and continue to upload non-original movies.
