# The 50 largest subscription businesses in Africa

Tamtam tracks 111 subscription businesses headquartered in Africa. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Telecom Egypt, Telkom and Discovery Limited. Their median headcount is 1,623. Half of them were founded in 1999 or later. The most common headquarters are Johannesburg (8), Lagos (5) and Pretoria (4).

This selection of subscription businesses in Africa is dominated by large telecommunications companies, alongside a few large financial services groups. Among them are Telkom, a South African telecommunications company, and Discovery Limited, a global company innovating in health and life insurance. MultiChoice Group provides entertainment platforms across 50 countries, while OUTsurance offers insurance with cash back bonuses. The companies listed are primarily large groups, with several employing over 10,000 people.

A clear pattern is the concentration of these large subscription businesses in South Africa, with headquarters in cities such as Centurion, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Other prominent locations include Cairo in Egypt, Lagos in Nigeria, and various cities in Algeria and Tunisia. Many of these companies were founded between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, indicating a common era of expansion for these sectors on the continent.

🌍 Africa · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Telecom Egypt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telecom-egypt) (te.eg)<br>Extensive telecom infrastructure supporting fixed and mobile services, wholesale capacities, and integrated consumer bundles across domestic and international markets. | Telecommunications | 🇪🇬 Smart Village | 19,061 | 1854 |
| 2 | [Telkom](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telkom) (telkom.co.za)<br>South African telecommunications company offering affordable network services, enabling everyday ambitions through reliable connectivity and innovative communication solutions. | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Centurion | 16,006 | 1991 |
| 3 | [Discovery Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/discovery-limited) (discovery.co.za)<br>Leading global company innovating in health, life, and short-term insurance, promoting wellness and shared value through Vitality program. | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 14,735 | 1992 |
| 4 | [MultiChoice Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/multichoice-group) (multichoice.com)<br>Provides entertainment platforms and content security services, delivering African storytelling to over 19 million people across 50 countries. | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇿🇦 Randburg | 13,144 | 1995 |
| 5 | [e& Egypt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/e-and-egypt) (eand.com.eg)<br>An Egyptian digital telco enhancing connectivity and digital experiences, empowering customers with a wide range of services and pioneering future-forward spaces | Telecommunications | 🇪🇬 Cairo | 11,619 |  |
| 6 | [MTN Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mtn-nigeria) (mtn.ng)<br>Leading provider of telecommunications solutions in Nigeria, focusing on delivering high quality services to customers and driving community prosperity through connectivity and innovation | Telecommunications | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 8,048 | 2001 |
| 7 | [OUTsurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/outsurance) (outsurance.co.za)<br>An insurance company offering cash back bonuses for claim-free customers, multiple product lines, and a history of industry awards and recognition | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Centurion | 5,704 | 1998 |
| 8 | [Ooredoo Algerie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ooredoo-algerie) (ooredoo.dz)<br>Provides mobile telephone services, broadband solutions, digital futures, and fiber technologies to consumer and business markets in MENA. | Telecommunications | 🇩🇿 Chéraga | 5,229 | 2004 |
| 9 | [Airtel Nigeria](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/airtel-nigeria) (airtel.com.ng)<br>Leading mobile telecommunications provider offering affordable voice, data, and broadband services, empowering Nigerians with innovative communication solutions. | Telecommunications | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 5,056 | 2001 |
| 10 | [Clientele Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/clientele-limited) (clientele.co.za)<br>A diversified financial services group in South Africa, offering easy-to-understand financial products through direct marketing channels, with sustained growth and high returns | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 4,636 | 1997 |
| 11 | [ATM Mobilis](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/atm-mobilis) (mobilis.dz)<br>Mobile telecommunications company operating extensive network infrastructure, offering innovative mobile services and prepaid solutions to millions of subscribers. | Telecommunications | 🇩🇿 Bab Ezzouar | 4,617 | 2003 |
| 12 | [Djezzy](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/djezzy) (djezzy.dz)<br>A leading mobile telecommunication operator in Algeria with over 4000 employees and 17 million subscribers, favored by Algerians in all aspects | Telecommunications | 🇩🇿 Alger | 4,018 | 2001 |
| 13 | [Ooredoo Tunisie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ooredoo-tunisie) (ooredoo.tn)<br>A leading mobile telecommunications operator in Tunisia, focusing on innovative services, quality customer service, and expanding network coverage for its subscribers | Telecommunications | 🇹🇳 Tunis | 3,714 | 2002 |
| 14 | [Virgin Active South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/virgin-active-south-africa) (virginactive.co.za)<br>A part of the Virgin Group, Virgin Active Africa aims to make exercise irresistible through innovative gym experiences and a passion for customer service | Wellness and Fitness Services | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 2,488 | 2000 |
| 15 | [Openserve](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/openserve) (openserve.co.za)<br>A telecommunications infrastructure provider in South Africa, offering the country's largest fixed broadband network as a subsidiary of the Telkom Group Email info@openservecoza | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 2,106 |  |
| 16 | [Vox Telecom](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vox-telecom) (vox.co.za)<br>Leading telecom operator offering voice, data, and collaboration services across southern Africa for both business and consumer markets. | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 2,101 |  |
| 17 | [Wadi Degla Clubs Company S.A.E.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wadi-degla-clubs-company-s-a-e) (wadideglaclubs.com)<br>Established in 2003, the company operates multiple leisure/sports clubs in Greater Cairo with a large member base and a focus on national/international competitions | Spectator Sports | 🇪🇬 Cairo | 2,005 | 2003 |
| 18 | [DStv](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dstv) (dstv.com)<br>Global entertainment and technology company, providing world-class entertainment and sport to over 11 million customers in 49 countries through TV series, documentaries, feature films, and online streaming | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 1,991 | 1995 |
| 19 | [The Unlimited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-unlimited) (theunlimited.co.za)<br>This company prioritizes values, purpose, and the well-being of its people to create an innovative and forward-thinking workplace culture #UnlimitYourLife | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Durban | 1,852 | 1994 |
| 20 | [Mugg & Bean](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mugg-and-bean) (muggandbean.co.za)<br>A welcoming place where people gather for bottomless coffee, giant muffins, generous portions, and a friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back | Food and Beverage Services | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 1,827 | 1996 |
| 21 | [Orange Cameroun](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orange-cameroun) (orange.cm)<br>Provider of mobile telecommunications and internet services, offering connectivity solutions for individuals and businesses across various regions. | Telecommunications | 🇨🇲 Douala | 1,775 |  |
| 22 | [Orange Maroc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orange-maroc) (orange.ma)<br>Provider of mobile, fixed, cybersecurity, and mobile money solutions with strong focus on customer experience, innovation, and employee well-being. | Telecommunications | 🇲🇦 Casablanca | 1,725 | 1999 |
| 23 | [CAMTEL (Cameroon Telecommunications)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/camtel-cameroon-telecommunications) (camtel.cm)<br>A national telecommunications and Internet service provider in Cameroon, expanding network with CDMA, digitization, and optical fiber projects, with numerous telephone exchanges and satellite earthlink stations | Telecommunications | 🇨🇲 Yaoundé | 1,707 | 1998 |
| 24 | [9mobile](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/9mobile) (t2mobile.com.ng)<br>A Nigerian telecommunications provider offering voice, data, and enterprise services with a focus on innovation, customer experience, and quality | Telecommunications | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 1,626 |  |
| 25 | [National Health Insurance Fund - Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/national-health-insurance-fund-kenya) (sha.go.ke)<br>The company provides health insurance in Kenya to ensure affordable and quality healthcare access for all citizens through a restructured autonomous parastatal | Insurance | 🇰🇪 Nairobi | 1,623 | 1966 |
| 26 | [Telkom Kenya](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telkom-kenya) (telkom.co.ke)<br>A telecommunications operator in Kenya offering integrated voice and broadband data services to residential and business customers since 1999 | Telecommunications | 🇰🇪 Nairobi | 1,457 | 1999 |
| 27 | [SETRAM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/setram) (setram.dz)<br>SETRAM aims to reinvent mobility through customer satisfaction, quality service, digital transformation, sustainable operations, and a focus on safety and environmental preservation | Rail Transportation | 🇩🇿 Kouba | 1,452 | 2012 |
| 28 | [Telecel Ghana](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/telecel-ghana) (telecel.com.gh)<br>A provider of digital and communications solutions in Ghana, offering mobile, fixed lines, internet, voice, and data services | Telecommunications | 🇬🇭 Airport City | 1,339 |  |
| 29 | [MAX](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/max) (maxdrive.ai)<br>Building Africa's largest mobility-tech platform, offering vehicle subscriptions for commercial drivers to empower millions and create wealth with high-performance, low-emission vehicles | Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 1,305 | 2015 |
| 30 | [RATP Dev Mobility Cairo](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ratp-dev-mobility-cairo) (mobilitycairo.com)<br>Established in 2020, RATP Dev Mobility Cairo is a key player in improving urban transport in Egypt with international standards and passenger safety | Urban Transit Services | 🇪🇬 Cairo | 1,235 |  |
| 31 | [ZAP - A minha TV](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zap-a-minha-tv) (zap.co.ao)<br>A leading provider of satellite TV services in Angola and Mozambique, offering high-quality content, social initiatives, production studio, and innovative TV + internet packages | Telecommunications | 🇦🇴 Luanda | 1,201 | 2010 |
| 32 | [Herotel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/herotel) (herotel.com)<br>A company founded in 2015 with the goal of providing faster and more affordable internet to South Africans by uniting top ISPs | Telecommunications | 🇿🇦 Stellenbosch | 1,195 | 2015 |
| 33 | [Orange Tunisie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orange-tunisie) (orange.tn)<br>Second largest private telecom operator in Tunisia offering fixed lines, mobile services, high-speed internet, mobile equipment, and value-added services. | Telecommunications | 🇹🇳 Tunis | 1,187 | 2010 |
| 34 | [King Price Insurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/king-price-insurance) (kingprice.co.za)<br>This company offers affordable and straightforward insurance solutions for cars, homes, businesses, and life, with a focus on fair payouts and customer satisfaction | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 1,164 | 2011 |
| 35 | [1Life Insurance](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/1life-insurance) (1life.co.za)<br>This company is a life insurer and financial services provider offering affordable and convenient insurance products to South Africans, with innovative solutions and digital services | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Morningside | 1,035 | 2006 |
| 36 | [Bidvest Steiner](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bidvest-steiner) (steiner.co.za)<br>Leading provider of integrated hygiene solutions for businesses in various industries, offering washroom hygiene, waste management, pest control, and deep cleaning services | Facilities Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 1,026 | 1958 |
| 37 | [MWEB](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mweb) (mweb.co.za)<br>Leading South African ISP connecting over one million homes via fibre and LTE, partnering with infrastructure providers for high-performance connectivity. | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Cape Town | 998 | 1997 |
| 38 | [MiX Telematics](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mix-telematics) (powerfleet.com)<br>A global provider of connected solutions for fleet management, offering safety, efficiency, sustainability, compliance, and security services to customers worldwide | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Midrand | 980 | 1996 |
| 39 | [Movicel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/movicel) (movicel.co.ao)<br>A pioneer in Angola's telecom industry, offering mobile and internet services with millions of subscribers, establishing a strong presence in Africa | Telecommunications | 🇦🇴 Luanda | 890 | 2003 |
| 40 | [SEESA (Pty) Ltd](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/seesa-pty-ltd) (bit.ly)<br>A nationwide industry expert in South Africa offering a range of services including IR & HR software, BEE strategies, legal advice, and employee training | Legal Services | 🇿🇦 Pretoria | 858 | 1998 |
| 41 | [Altech Netstar](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/altech-netstar) (netstar.co.za)<br>A leader in stolen vehicle recovery with the largest air and ground force in Africa Also provides digital fleet management solutions | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 837 | 1994 |
| 42 | [Wakanow](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wakanow) (wakanow.com)<br>Africa's leading travel tech platform offering affordable flights, hotels, visa assistance, and vacation packages with convenient trip planning and payment options | Travel Arrangements | 🇳🇬 Lekki | 801 | 2008 |
| 43 | [International Card Services](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/international-card-services) (icscards.nl)<br>Leader in issuing Visa and MasterCard credit cards in the Netherlands for over 25 years Providing outstanding service, financial products, and insurance | Financial Services | 🇳🇬 | 796 | 1988 |
| 44 | [Affinity Health RSA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/affinity-health-rsa) (affinityhealth.co.za)<br>Leading health insurance provider in South Africa offering affordable and comprehensive health plans including Day-to-Day, Hospital, and Combined Health Plans tailored to individual needs | Insurance | 🇿🇦 Benoni | 794 | 2009 |
| 45 | [MIP](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mip-johannesburg) (mip.co.za)<br>Provider of innovative IT solutions for the financial services industry, offering risk-based billing model, software-as-a-service technology, and extensive industry experience | Financial Services | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 737 | 1989 |
| 46 | [Spectranet Limited](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/spectranet-limited) (spectranet.com.ng)<br>A leading internet service provider in Nigeria, offering super-fast, secure, and reliable broadband services with extensive coverage in Lagos | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇳🇬 Lagos | 722 | 2010 |
| 47 | [SAICA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/saica) (saica.org.za)<br>A leading accountancy body in South Africa developing chartered accountants to become leaders in government, businesses, and communities Providing support services to members | Accounting | 🇿🇦 Johannesburg | 721 |  |
| 48 | [Emtel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/emtel) (emtel.com)<br>A pioneer in telecom and digital services, offering a wide range of products and solutions to meet the telecommunication needs of individuals, businesses, and smart cities | Telecommunications | 🇲🇺 Ebene | 683 | 1989 |
| 49 | [Correio Braziliense](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/correio-braziliense) (correiobraziliense.com.br)<br>A leading newspaper in Brasília, founded in 1960, delivering news as part of the Diários Associados group Find us on various social media platforms | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇿 Sig | 667 | 1960 |
| 50 | [Radio Africa Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/radio-africa-group) (the-star.co.ke)<br>A dynamic media company in Kenya with 6 national radio stations, a TV station, and a national newspaper, showcasing unique talent | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇰🇪 Nairobi | 654 |  |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Africa

- [The largest companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-in-africa) (7,897)
- [Multinational companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-in-africa) (1,323)
- [Financial services firms in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-in-africa) (928)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-in-africa) (868)
- [Retail chains in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-in-africa) (825)
- [Manufacturers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-in-africa) (800)
- [Public sector organisations in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-in-africa) (723)
- [Education providers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/education-companies-in-africa) (690)
- [Financial Services companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-in-africa) (653)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-in-africa) (582)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-in-africa) (468)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-in-africa) (393)
- [Higher Education companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/higher-education-companies-in-africa) (388)
- [Distributors and wholesalers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/distributors-and-wholesalers-in-africa) (362)
- [Food and beverage companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/food-and-beverage-companies-in-africa) (312)
- [IT services companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-in-africa) (312)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-in-africa) (283)
- [Consumer goods companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consumer-goods-companies-in-africa) (275)
- [Publicly traded companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/publicly-traded-companies-in-africa) (266)
- [Energy companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/energy-companies-in-africa) (257)
- [Professional services firms in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-in-africa) (257)
- [Banking companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/banking-companies-in-africa) (248)
- [Healthcare providers in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/healthcare-providers-in-africa) (243)
- [E-commerce companies in Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/ecommerce-companies-in-africa) (225)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Subscription businesses in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-in-the-world) (11,417)
- [Subscription businesses in South Africa](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-south-africa) (53)

---

Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/subscription-businesses-in-africa