The 5th Harvard Kennedy School China Conference convened on April 20-21, hosting esteemed guests including Pang Xinxing, Chairman of StarTimes Group, who participated remotely in the evening session of April 21st.
Founded by the Harvard Kennedy Greater China Society, the conference serves as a pivotal platform fostering dialogue on the economic, political, and cultural dynamics of China and the world.
Under the theme “Sincerity and Cooperation,” the event featured nine sub-forums covering a spectrum of topics such as “U.S.-China Relations,” “Global Macroeconomics and the Chinese Economy,” and “China and Africa.”
In his online address within the sub-forum titled “China and Africa: Future Prospects,” Pang Xinxing shared the remarkable journey of StarTimes Group’s expansion and impact across the African continent.
Founded in 1988, StarTimes has evolved into a prominent player in broadcasting, television, and new media spheres. Pang highlighted the company’s pivotal role in revolutionizing Chinese cable television, transitioning from analog to digital, and emerging as a key influencer in the Chinese radio and television industry.
Venturing into Africa, StarTimes secured its first digital TV operating license in Rwanda in 2007, laying the groundwork for expansive growth. Over nearly two decades, the company has established a robust network transmission platform spanning 45 countries and serving 1.2 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Offering paid long video services in English, French, and Portuguese-speaking regions, StarTimes boasts a diverse content lineup, broadcasting 830 sets of mainstream African TV channels alongside its self-operated and international channels in over ten languages.
Pang emphasized StarTimes’ commitment to Africa’s information industry, breaking industry monopolies, facilitating digital TV adoption, and nurturing local media development. The company has played a pivotal role in promoting African culture through initiatives such as local language dubbing competitions and establishing dubbing bases, contributing to the preservation and enrichment of African heritage.
Today, StarTimes stands as a renowned brand synonymous with quality and innovation in Africa. As China-Africa economic and trade cooperation deepens and initiatives like energy infrastructure support gain momentum, Pang expressed optimism for the future.
With electricity becoming more accessible across Africa, Pang foresees the next decade heralding widespread adoption of digital household terminals, underscoring StarTimes’ confidence in Africa’s economic trajectory.
