Literacy has always been a pathway to freedom. It is the skill that unlocks knowledge, provides access to opportunity, and helps communities rise above inequality. UNESCO describes literacy as a basic human right because it is the foundation for all other rights. Without it, entire generations remain shut out.
Yet literacy is no longer only about reading and writing. The digital era has changed the definition. Access to education, information, and even daily participation in society now often depends on digital tools. Online classrooms, streaming platforms, and mobile apps have become the new gateways. Without access to them, millions risk being excluded.
This year’s International Literacy Day highlights this urgency under the theme Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era. With more than 739 million people worldwide still unable to read or write, digital platforms are now central to spreading knowledge and building inclusion.
Technology as a Lifeline
Technology is more than entertainment. For many, it is a lifeline. Digital platforms connect people to education, open opportunities for self-improvement, and give cultures a global voice.
In Africa, where literacy gaps and limited internet access remain major barriers, companies like MultiChoice are playing a critical role. The company is widely known for sports and Nollywood blockbusters, but its impact goes far beyond broadcasting.
MultiChoice has evolved into a bridge across the digital divide. It offers regional streaming services, flexible payment options for low-income households, and supports a digital payment ecosystem across the continent.
Empowering Creatives Through Training
One of the strongest examples of this commitment is the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF). This initiative provides young creatives across Africa with hands-on training, mentorship, and the chance to tell their own stories.
The results are tangible. Nearly 500 alumni have launched production companies and produced over 160 films. These works celebrate African cultures while giving audiences content that reflects their realities. It is literacy expressed through storytelling and visual creativity.
Education Beyond the Classroom
The company’s role in education also deserves attention. Through channels such as Mindset Learn, Disney Jr, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, children combine entertainment with learning.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, these platforms became lifelines for families. With schools closed, television often became the only teacher available. The continuity they provided ensured that children stayed engaged at a time of uncertainty.
MultiChoice also partners with global initiatives like the Earthshot Prize to showcase African innovation. By amplifying stories of local problem solvers, the company inspires communities while highlighting sustainable solutions to pressing challenges.
Access as a Tool for Equality
The fight against inequality now extends beyond basic reading and writing. It is also about ensuring that people can connect, participate, and thrive in a digital society. Access has become power.
From satellite technology to streaming apps, digital platforms are the engines of modern literacy. MultiChoice is positioning itself at the heart of this movement. Through its investments in content, training, and technology, it is helping millions across Africa take that vital first step toward freedom, equality, and opportunity.
