JOHANNESBURG, April 7 (Reuters) - MTN Group,

Africa's biggest mobile operator, said on Monday it has entered

into a strategic partnership with UK video software maker

Synamedia to develop a new streaming platform tailored for

mobile and fibre subscribers across Africa.

Launched in 1994, MTN Group has diversified from just

providing voice calls and data, to being a technology media

company that also provides fintech, digital and entertainment

services as voice declines.

"We see a unique opportunity to transform video consumption

in Africa with high-quality, accessible and relevant content,"

said Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer at MTN

Group.

MTN Group, which has 291 million customers across 16 markets

in Africa, is hoping to capitalise on the rapid uptake of

smartphones and improving telecommunications infrastructure on

the continent, which have both driven demand for video streaming

services.

The proposed service will leverage Synamedia's cloud-based

technologies to deliver both linear television and

video-on-demand content, the companies said in a joint

statement.

The platform will offer diverse monetization models,

including subscriptions, ad-supported content and free streaming

channels with targeted advertising, they said.

Each market will benefit from a curated content strategy,

adapted to local cultures, languages, and viewing habits, they

added.

The parties will enter a streaming market where not only

MultiChoice's Showmax has a strong foothold, but also

global competitors Netflix ( NFLX ), Disney ( DIS ), Amazon

Prime and Apple TV.