Africa Digest News

MultiChoice has announced the discontinuation of Showmax, its long-standing streaming platform, following a comprehensive strategic review.

The decision, approved by the Showmax Board of Directors and confirmed on March 5, 2026, reflects the unsustainable financial losses incurred by the service in a highly competitive and capital-intensive global streaming environment.

MultiChoice, now under the ownership of Canal+ SA following the completion of the acquisition in 2025, will phase out Showmax to refocus resources on building a more sustainable digital entertainment infrastructure.

The company has committed to developing an in-house, large-scale streaming platform designed to meet the expectations of both African and international consumers.

This shift prioritises financial discipline, premium content investment, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships, while ensuring continuity for subscribers through a managed transition.

Reasons for Showmax’s Discontinuation

Showmax, launched in 2015, struggled to achieve profitability despite multiple relaunches, including a significant 2024 reset backed by partnerships with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky, and investments reportedly exceeding R6 billion (approximately US$300 million).

Key challenges included:

• Substantial annual trading losses, escalating to approximately R4.9 billion (around US$308 million) in the financial year ending March 2025, driven by heavy content and technology expenditure.
• Intense competition from global platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, which benefit from larger scale, broader content libraries, and established global subscriber bases.
• Limited market penetration in Africa due to factors such as broadband affordability, device access, and payment constraints.
• An operational model that proved unsustainable amid the capital requirements of a global streaming landscape.

The decision does not involve retrenchments, with MultiChoice committing to support affected employees through internal transitions and other opportunities within the group.

Subscribers will receive detailed guidance on content access, platform upgrades, and migration options in the coming months.

The New In-House Streaming Platform Strategy

MultiChoice intends to deploy a unified, large-scale streaming platform developed internally, leveraging its extensive content library, local production expertise, and Canal+ SA’s global resources.

This platform aims to address the shortcomings of Showmax by focusing on:

• Scalability and Cost Efficiency: A more integrated architecture that reduces duplication of technology investments and optimises content delivery across markets.
• Content Differentiation: Continued emphasis on premium African originals, sports rights (particularly local and international soccer), and licensed international titles, combined with Canal+’s broader library.
• Regional Relevance: Tailored offerings for African consumers, including localised pricing, payment integration (such as mobile money), and offline viewing capabilities suited to variable connectivity.
• Technological Innovation: Enhanced user experience through improved recommendation algorithms, multi-device support, and potential bundling with DStv and other MultiChoice services.

While specific details on launch timing, branding, and features remain forthcoming, the strategy reflects a shift toward a more disciplined, internally controlled digital offering capable of competing sustainably.

READ ALSO:What a Canal+ App Rollout Means for MultiChoice Customers

Prospects for Success

The new platform’s potential for success hinges on several factors:

• Addressing Showmax’s Core Weaknesses: By internalising development and leveraging Canal+ synergies, MultiChoice can avoid the external partnership complexities and high content spend that contributed to Showmax’s losses.
• Capitalising on Existing Strengths: MultiChoice’s dominant position in African pay-TV (with millions of subscribers), local content production capabilities, and sports rights portfolio provide a strong foundation for differentiation.
• Navigating Market Realities: Africa’s streaming market continues to grow, but challenges such as broadband affordability, device penetration, and competition from global players persist. A localised, cost-effective approach will be essential.
• Execution and Timing: The transition period must maintain subscriber trust and minimise churn, while the new platform must deliver a superior experience to gain traction.

Historical precedents show that integrated media groups with strong regional content and distribution advantages can succeed where standalone streamers struggle.

Canal+’s global expertise, combined with MultiChoice’s deep African market knowledge, offers a credible path forward.

Future outlook

MultiChoice’s decision to discontinue Showmax, driven by unsustainable losses in a fiercely competitive streaming landscape, clears the way for a more focused, in-house platform capable of better aligning content, technology, and economics.

While challenges remain, particularly in achieving profitability and subscriber scale, the strategy leverages the group’s content assets, regional dominance, and Canal+ backing to pursue long-term sustainability.

The transition period will be critical, with subscriber communication and platform details expected soon.

The outcome will determine whether MultiChoice can succeed where Showmax struggled, delivering a viable African streaming proposition in a global market.

For the latest updates, refer to official announcements from MultiChoice or Canal+ SA.

Showmax Overview

Showmax Kenya is a video-on-demand platform owned by MultiChoice Group, offering movies, series, sports, and local content.

Users can follow Showmax news for updates on new releases and platform changes. A Showmax subscription allows access through mobile, smart TVs, or web browsers, while Showmax Mobile Kenya provides a lower-cost plan for smartphone streaming.

Payments can be made via M‑Pesa, and customers can reach support through official Showmax contacts on the platform’s website or help centre.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.