eBooks - South Africa

South Africa

Highlights

In South Africa, revenue in the eBooks market is projected to reach US$20.56m in 2024.
Revenue is expected to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 0.44%, leading to a projected market volume of US$21.02m by 2029.
The number of readers in South Africa's eBooks market is anticipated to amount to 5.4m users by 2029.
User penetration will be 8.6% in 2024 and is expected to decrease to 8.5% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) in this market is expected to be US$3.91.
In a global context, the majority of revenue will be generated the United States (US$5.34bn in 2024).
In 2023, a share of 36.6% of users in South Africa belongs to the Low income income group.
Additionally, in 2023, a share of 56.0% of users is Male.
In South Africa, the eBook market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a rising demand for accessible digital content.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The eBooks market in South Africa has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. Customer preferences have shifted towards digital reading, leading to an increased demand for eBooks. This trend is driven by several factors, including the convenience and accessibility of eBooks, as well as the growing popularity of e-readers and mobile devices.

Customer preferences: South African consumers have embraced digital reading due to its convenience and accessibility. eBooks can be easily downloaded and accessed on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. This allows readers to carry multiple books in a single device, eliminating the need for physical copies. Additionally, eBooks can be purchased and downloaded instantly, making them a convenient option for avid readers.

Trends in the market: The eBooks market in South Africa is experiencing steady growth due to the increasing popularity of e-readers and mobile devices. As the adoption of these devices continues to rise, more consumers are turning to eBooks as their preferred reading format. This trend is further supported by the availability of a wide range of digital content, including both local and international titles.

Local special circumstances: South Africa has a diverse and vibrant literary scene, with a rich tradition of storytelling. The rise of eBooks has provided an opportunity for local authors and publishers to reach a wider audience. Self-publishing platforms and digital distribution channels have made it easier for aspiring writers to showcase their work and connect with readers. This has contributed to the growth of the local eBook market, as consumers show a growing interest in supporting local talent.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the eBooks market in South Africa is also influenced by macroeconomic factors. The country has a relatively high smartphone penetration rate, with a large portion of the population having access to mobile devices. This has created a favorable environment for digital reading, as consumers can easily access eBooks on their smartphones. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in various sectors, including the publishing industry. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, physical bookstores faced challenges in terms of accessibility and operations. As a result, many readers turned to eBooks as a convenient and safe alternative. This shift in consumer behavior is expected to have a long-lasting impact on the eBooks market in South Africa. In conclusion, the eBooks market in South Africa is experiencing significant growth driven by customer preferences for convenience and accessibility. The rise of e-readers and mobile devices, as well as the availability of a wide range of digital content, have contributed to the increasing popularity of eBooks. Local special circumstances, such as the vibrant literary scene and the opportunity for local authors to reach a wider audience, have also played a role in the market's development. Additionally, macroeconomic factors, such as high smartphone penetration and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have further accelerated the growth of the eBooks market in South Africa.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the Books market, which covers paid publications in printed form and in the form of digital replicas (eBooks). Revenues from the consumer (of general interest), academic (for educational purposes), and professional (on specialized topics) markets are included here. All monetary figures refer to consumer spending on digital goods or subscriptions in the respective market. This spending factors in discounts, margins, and taxes.

Modeling approach / market size:

The market size is determined through a bottom-up approach. We use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies and industry associations, third-party studies and reports, survey results from our primary research (e.g., Consumer Insights), as well as performance factors (e.g., user penetration, price per product, usage) to analyze the markets. To estimate the market size for each country individually, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific industry associations, such as various macroeconomic indicators, historical developments, current trends, and reported performance indicators of key market players. In particular, we consider average prices and annual purchase frequencies.

Forecasts:

We apply a variety of forecasting techniques, depending on the behavior of the relevant market. For instance, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing are well suited for forecasting digital products and services due to the non-linear growth of technology adoption. The main drivers are GDP per capita, consumer spending per capita, and 4G coverage.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is considered at a country-specific level. The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year. In some cases, the data is updated on an ad hoc basis (e.g., when new, relevant data has been released or significant changes within the market have an impact on the projected development). Consumer Insights data is reweighted for representativeness.