Malaysian video on demand (VoD) platform iflix has continued its global expansion by making Africa its third region of operation, offering 500 million consumers the chance to watch international and local shows and movies.

Less than two months after launching in MENA, iflix has launched iflix Africa, which is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.

Launches are planned in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, which will increase iflix's global footprint to 23 territories worldwide.

The commercial launch of iflix's SVoD service across Africa is planned over the second and third quarters of this year.

In addition to Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood and other regional and local programming, the service will additionally offer an extensive collection of African shows and movies, with iflix Africa planning to introduce exclusive African content series.

"The establishment of iflix Africa represents an incredibly exciting step in iflix's growth story. As Africa transitions from the margins to the mainstream of the global economy, there is a unique, 'once in a generation' opportunity to fundamentally shift the way a billion people consume and enjoy content. By 2020, Africa will have 720 million smartphone users. We aim to meet the entertainment needs of those growingly connected viewers," said Mark Britt, iflix co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

First launched in May 2015, iflix expanded rapidly in the Asian region, rolling out services to 18 markets across Asia and MENA in less than two years and acquiring over five million members. In March of this year, the company announced the completion of a funding round totalling over US$90 million from investors like Liberty Global Group and Zain Group to support its international expansion.

Its move into Africa will see iflix attempt to capitalise on the continent's large youth population, rapidly growing internet and smartphone penetration, and huge appetite for digital content and entertainment.

"As the fastest-growing mobile market on earth, Africa is without question one of the world's most dynamic regions. We are thrilled to introduce our first-of-its-kind SVoD service here," said Andre de Wet, iflix head of Africa.

"We are passionately focused on providing the broadest selection of premium content at a price everyone can afford. We can't wait to tackle both the enormous opportunities and challenges ahead, in serving this incredibly diverse and exciting region."