At IBC 2024, TechAfrica News’ Founder and Chief Editor, Akim Benamara, had an engaging conversation with Cedric Pesier, VP of Sales, EMEA at Nice People at Work (NPAW). The discussion explored key trends shaping the industry, particularly in Africa. Pesier shed light on key developments such as AI’s growing influence, monetization challenges, and Africa’s expanding streaming market.
Pesier highlighted AI as a major trend, emphasizing that the industry is transitioning from merely talking about AI to understanding its practical applications. He explained that NPAW is leveraging AI through tools like NALA, an AI assistant that enables users to interact with data using natural language. This innovation simplifies the user experience by allowing customers to access crucial performance insights and diagnose potential issues without needing extensive technical expertise.
“At the NAB, we released our very first AI assistant, which is called NALA. It stands for “Natural Language” and came with the promise to allow our customers to access all the information that is available in our ecosystems and the solution that we provide” – Cedric Pesier , VP of Sales, EMEA, NPAW
He also touched on the monetization aspect, which remains a key concern for businesses, especially as markets mature. Companies are increasingly seeking innovative ways to monetize content. He emphasized that NPAW’s solutions provide clients with the flexibility and customization needed to maximize platform efficiency and profitability. Their new user interface, designed with advanced features and a focus on data analytics, further enhances these capabilities, enabling deeper insights into platform performance.
Discussing Africa’s market, he highlighted the region’s increasing streaming consumption, driven by expanding broadband and mobile infrastructure. With Africa’s youthful population and increasing consumption of local content, the market presents substantial opportunities for growth. However, Pesier noted that monetization strategies in Africa differ from other regions, with ad-based video on demand (AVOD) platforms being more prevalent. He stressed the importance of adapting business models and partnering with local entities to meet the unique needs of African customers.
NPAW intends to adapt its business model to align with the expectations of African consumers and collaborate with local partners to address the diverse needs of the continent’s markets.
“We aim to fit the expectations and monetization models of African customers, which are different from what we’re used to in EMEA or North America. Africa is a vast market with diverse regions and cultural differences, so we plan to rely on local partners to better serve our customers remotely. We’re actively seeking the right partners to help us, and we see significant opportunities for 2025 and beyond.” – Cedric Pesier , VP of Sales, EMEA, NPAW
