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Strategic shift follows industry consolidation and growing competition in Africa’s streaming ecosystem.
MultiChoice Announces Decision to Discontinue Showmax
African pay-TV giant MultiChoice Group has announced plans to discontinue its streaming service Showmax after eleven years of operation.
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The company communicated the decision to subscribers in an email on Thursday, informing them that the streaming platform will be phased out following a strategic review by the Showmax board.
“We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax,” the platform stated in its message to subscribers.
“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”
Strategic Refocus on Digital Services
According to MultiChoice, the decision reflects the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its digital offerings while adapting to an increasingly competitive global streaming landscape.
The company noted that the move is intended to ensure long-term sustainability in the fast-evolving streaming market, which is now dominated by international platforms with extensive content libraries and global distribution networks.
“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time,” the company said.
Although no specific shutdown date has been announced, MultiChoice assured subscribers that they will receive advance notice and clear communication ahead of any transition.
Showmax’s Expansion Across Africa
Launched in 2015, Showmax quickly expanded from its base in South Africa to multiple markets across Africa, becoming one of the continent’s most recognizable streaming platforms.
The service offered a wide range of entertainment content including sports, movies, television series, and documentaries delivered through internet streaming.
Over the years, Showmax positioned itself as a regional competitor to global streaming platforms while catering to African audiences with local programming.
Canal+ Acquisition Reshapes MultiChoice’s Strategy
The development comes amid major structural changes following the approved acquisition of MultiChoice Group by French media giant Canal+ Group, the parent company of StudioCanal.
The deal, approved by authorities in South Africa last year, enables Canal+ to acquire Africa’s largest pay-TV group, which operates popular services such as DStv and GOtv.
Under the terms of the agreement, Canal+ made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR125 ($7.11) per share to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of MultiChoice not already owned by the French media group.
Ownership Reforms and Local Industry Commitments
As part of the regulatory approval process, the companies agreed to several public interest commitments designed to support the South African audiovisual industry.
These include expanding opportunities for historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) within the country’s media ecosystem, as well as maintaining investment in local entertainment and sports programming.
To comply with Electronic Communications Act ownership requirements, the companies also unveiled a structural plan earlier this year that will separate MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licence holder into an independent entity with majority ownership by HDPs.
What It Means for Streaming in Africa
The discontinuation of Showmax signals another shift in Africa’s digital entertainment market, where consolidation, international investment, and intense competition continue to reshape the industry.
Analysts believe the move could allow MultiChoice and Canal+ to streamline their digital strategy and focus resources on scalable streaming models capable of competing with global platforms.
For now, Showmax subscribers can continue accessing the service while the company prepares a transition roadmap.
