ZAP Company Profile

Background

Company Name: ZAP

Industry: Telecommunications

Headquarters: Luanda, Angola

Overview:

ZAP is a leading digital satellite television provider operating primarily in Portuguese-speaking countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2010, the company offers a subscription-based TV service that delivers a diverse array of channels, including numerous Portuguese-language options, catering to a significant audience of over 40 million people. ZAP's services are accessible via satellite, fiber optics, and internet, ensuring broad coverage and accessibility.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives:

• Market Expansion: ZAP aims to broaden its reach within sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on enhancing service availability and customer base.

• Content Diversification: The company is committed to providing a wide range of channels, emphasizing Portuguese-language content to serve its target demographic effectively.

Areas of Specialization:

• Satellite Broadcasting: Utilizing the Eutelsat 36B satellite, ZAP broadcasts in DVB-S2 with MPEG-4 compression and Nagravision encryption, ensuring high-quality signal delivery.

• Fiber Optic Services: Through ZAP Fibra, the company offers fiber-optic broadband services, enhancing internet connectivity for its subscribers.

Key Technologies Utilized:

• Satellite Technology: Deployment of advanced satellite communication systems for reliable and extensive coverage.

• Digital Compression: Implementation of MPEG-4 compression techniques to optimize bandwidth usage and improve picture quality.

Primary Markets Targeted:

• Angola: As the home market, ZAP holds a significant market share, serving a substantial portion of the population.

• Mozambique: ZAP has been expanding its presence, offering tailored packages and services to meet local demands.

Financials and Funding

Funding History:

• Initial Investment: ZAP was established as a joint venture between the Angolan company SOCIP, owned by Isabel dos Santos, and the Portuguese media company NOS.

• Recent Developments: In June 2022, ZAP added three Mozambican radio stations to its platform, indicating ongoing investment in content expansion.

Utilization of Capital:

The capital has been directed towards infrastructure development, content acquisition, and market expansion initiatives to enhance service offerings and customer experience.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives:

• Content Expansion: Ongoing efforts to diversify channel offerings, including the addition of local radio stations in Mozambique.

• Service Enhancement: Introduction of fiber-optic broadband services through ZAP Fibra to provide integrated communication solutions.

Anticipated Milestones:

• Market Penetration: Plans to increase subscriber base in Mozambique and other sub-Saharan regions.

• Service Upgrades: Continuous improvement of service quality and customer support to maintain competitive advantage.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies:

• Satellite Broadcasting: Utilization of the Eutelsat 36B satellite for direct-to-home broadcasting.

• Digital Compression: Adoption of MPEG-4 compression for efficient bandwidth management and enhanced picture quality.

Significant Scientific Methods:

• Signal Encryption: Implementation of Nagravision encryption to secure content and prevent unauthorized access.

AI-Driven Capabilities:

• Content Personalization: Potential integration of AI algorithms to analyze viewer preferences and offer personalized channel recommendations.

Leadership Team

José Carlos Lourenço – General Director

• Professional Background: José Carlos Lourenço has been serving as the General Director of ZAP, overseeing strategic operations and market expansion efforts.

• Contributions: Under his leadership, ZAP has successfully launched new services and expanded its content offerings, strengthening its position in the market.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics:

• Market Size: The sub-Saharan African pay-TV market is experiencing growth, driven by increasing demand for diverse and quality content.

• Industry Trends: There is a shift towards integrated service offerings, combining television, internet, and telephony to provide comprehensive solutions.

Competitor Analysis:

• DStv: A major competitor in the region, offering a wide range of channels and services.

• Startimes: Provides affordable pay-TV services with a focus on local content.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships:

• NOS: The Portuguese media company NOS collaborates with ZAP, contributing to content acquisition and technological advancements.

Operational Insights:

• Competitive Advantages: ZAP's emphasis on Portuguese-language content and its integrated service offerings position it favorably against competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap:

• Service Diversification: Plans to introduce additional services such as mobile telephony and internet packages to create bundled offerings.

• Market Expansion: Focus on increasing market share in Mozambique and exploring opportunities in other sub-Saharan countries.

Opportunities for Expansion:

• Content Partnerships: Engaging with local and international content providers to enhance channel offerings.

• Technological Upgrades: Investing in next-generation broadcasting technologies to improve service quality and customer satisfaction.

Contact Information

Official Website: [Removed]

Social Media Profiles:

• Facebook: @ZAPAngola

• Twitter: @ZAPAngola

• Instagram: @ZAPAngola

Note: The above information is based on available data as of December 15, 2025.