Canal+ acquires MultiChoice: What it means for DStv and GOtv subscribers
MultiChoice price hikes spark fears of repeat backlash as seen in Nigeria and beyond
In a landmark transaction that has the potential to reshape the African pay-TV landscape, French media powerhouse Canal+ has officially acquired 100% ownership of MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion deal. This acquisition, finalized in July 2025 after regulatory approval by the South African Competition Tribunal, marks a pivotal moment for the continent’s broadcasting and digital entertainment industry.
Previously holding a 45% stake in MultiChoice, Canal+ pushed for full acquisition after years of steady investment and stake increases. With this deal, the company now fully controls popular African TV platforms including DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net, Africa Magic, and the sports broadcasting giant SuperSport. As the dominant pay-TV operator across sub-Saharan Africa, MultiChoice reaches millions of households, particularly in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
The big question on everyone’s mind now is: what does this mean for subscribers of DStv and GOtv? What changes are coming to pricing, content, customer experience, and the future of streaming?
Local Content and Sports Will Get a Major Boost
One of the biggest promises made by Canal+ as part of the acquisition is an ambitious investment in African storytelling and sports content. The company has committed to injecting over R26 billion (approximately $1.4 billion) into local content production and sports broadcasting over the next three years. This will include original series, documentaries, movies, reality shows, and live sports events.
Subscribers of DStv and GOtv can expect a surge in homegrown entertainment tailored specifically for African audiences. Canal+ has emphasized its intention to elevate platforms like Africa Magic and SuperSport, not just by broadcasting international events, but by supporting grassroots leagues such as the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL).
This investment could address long-standing criticisms that MultiChoice has over-relied on foreign content. For viewers, the shift promises more relatable stories, new African stars, and a revitalization of the regional film and sports sectors.
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Showmax 2.0: Canal+ Eyes Streaming Dominance
With traditional satellite TV facing growing competition from streaming platforms, Canal+ is turning to Showmax—MultiChoice’s on-demand video service—to lead its digital transformation strategy. Showmax has already begun its revamp with the launch of Showmax 2.0, powered by Peacock’s technology from NBCUniversal.
Under Canal+, Showmax is expected to become more competitive with global streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Subscribers should expect a mobile-first design, faster load times, offline viewing options, and increased investment in exclusive African originals. Showmax will also aim to bridge the gap between live TV and on-demand content by offering hybrid packages that include DStv access, live sports, and internet streaming.
This transformation is particularly important for reaching younger viewers, who increasingly prefer mobile viewing and flexible schedules. If priced attractively and packed with compelling local content, Showmax 2.0 could become a go-to option for African streaming audiences.
Subscription Models: Will Prices Drop or Rise?
One of the most pressing concerns for DStv and GOtv users has been the frequent price hikes. In countries like Nigeria, steep inflation, economic challenges, and currency depreciation have made subscriptions unaffordable for many. In fact, MultiChoice lost over 1.4 million subscribers in Nigeria alone between 2023 and 2025.
To address this, Canal+ is expected to review and redesign the subscription model. Decoder prices have already been slashed in Nigeria as part of a recovery strategy, with HD decoders reduced from ₦20,000 to ₦10,000. The next step could be introducing more flexible and modular plans.
Anticipated changes include daily or weekly subscription options, customizable packages where users can pay only for the channels they watch, and sport-specific bundles. These measures could win back cost-conscious customers and make DStv and GOtv more accessible to low-income households and students.
Tackling Streaming Competition and Piracy
In the evolving media environment, DStv and GOtv are not just competing with each other but with the entire internet. Services like Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime have gained serious traction, offering affordable and flexible content options. Illegal IPTV services and pirated streaming sites have also eroded MultiChoice’s revenue.
To stay competitive, Canal+ will need to invest in anti-piracy technology while also enhancing the value proposition of its services. This may involve making legal streaming more attractive through superior user experience, lower prices, and exclusive content.
By focusing on convenience and relevance, Canal+ aims to transform MultiChoice from a traditional satellite operator into a full-fledged digital media platform.
Regulatory Compliance and Local Control Safeguards
One significant hurdle Canal+ had to overcome was South Africa’s broadcasting law, which limits foreign ownership of broadcast licensees to 20%. To meet this requirement, MultiChoice is spinning off its South African broadcasting operations into a new company called LicenceCo. This new entity will be controlled by South African citizens and will retain the broadcast licenses.
Additionally, Canal+ has pledged to preserve MultiChoice’s headquarters in South Africa and to retain existing jobs for at least three years. These moves are designed to allay fears that foreign control might undermine local priorities or lead to job losses.
This structure ensures that while Canal+ owns the broader MultiChoice Group, the core South African broadcasting license and operations remain under domestic control.
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What Subscribers Are Hoping For
Amid all these corporate changes, what really matters to millions of subscribers is the experience at home. Here’s what DStv and GOtv users across Africa are hoping to see:
- Lower Subscription Fees: With the economic challenges in many African countries, affordability remains key. Users want prices that match their income levels.
- Flexible Payment Options: Daily or weekly plans, pay-per-view services, and mobile-based bundles could make services more accessible.
- Improved Customer Service: Faster issue resolution, better self-service apps, and multilingual customer support are critical.
- Modern Content: Viewers are tired of repeated movies and old shows. They want fresh content, innovative formats, and original African stories.
- Reliable Service: Signal disruptions, especially during bad weather, need urgent resolution. Infrastructure upgrades are overdue.
Canal+ has the resources and experience to meet these demands—but execution will determine success.
The Road Ahead: A New Chapter for African Media
The full acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ signals a new era in African broadcasting. With over 22 million subscribers across 50+ countries, the combined entity is now Africa’s largest pay-TV and content production company.
Canal+ has ambitious plans—to transform MultiChoice into a digitally native, pan-African powerhouse that can rival global competitors. Whether it’s through Showmax’s growth, expanded sports coverage, or diversified subscription models, the pressure is on to deliver results.
For subscribers, the coming months will be crucial. Will prices drop? Will content improve? Will streaming become more seamless? The early signs are promising, but trust must be earned through consistent improvement and user-focused innovation.
Final Thoughts: Canal+ has taken a bold step in acquiring MultiChoice. For DStv and GOtv subscribers, this could mean better content, fairer pricing, and more digital convenience. But the impact will depend on Canal+’s ability to listen, adapt, and innovate in tune with Africa’s diverse and dynamic media audiences.
Stay tuned.
