Canal+ is evaluating the deployment of its streaming app to subscribers of MultiChoice Group, the African pay-TV operator it acquired in 2025 for approximately $3 billion.
This consideration, disclosed in late January 2026 during investor discussions, aims to integrate Canal+’s unified content platform with MultiChoice’s extensive subscriber base across southern and eastern Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
The Canal+ app serves as a centralized aggregator, embedding content from global partners including Apple TV and Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max within a single interface.
This approach eliminates the need for users to navigate multiple applications, enhancing convenience and potentially improving retention in a competitive media landscape.
All of the content is embedded on the Canal+ app, and as a user you do not have to go on another app
Amandine Ferre, Chief Financial Officer of Canal+
Strategic Context of the Acquisition
The acquisition created a pan-African media entity combining Canal+’s established presence in francophone West Africa with MultiChoice’s dominance in English- and Portuguese-speaking markets.
The combined group reaches over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries, positioning it as a leading player in African pay-TV and streaming.
Canal+ has outlined ambitious financial targets from the integration, projecting more than €400 million in annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITA) efficiencies and over €300 million in free cash-flow savings by 2030.
Early actions include renegotiated set-top box contracts, the introduction of more affordable hardware since November 2025, and content enhancements such as the return of NBA games to SuperSport channels after an eight-year absence and the addition of French Ligue 1 football matches.
These measures address MultiChoice’s recent challenges, including subscriber losses of nearly three million over two financial years, amid economic pressures and competition from global streaming services.
Implications for MultiChoice Customers
A rollout of the Canal+ app would offer MultiChoice subscribers, primarily DStv and GOtv users, access to a broader, aggregated content library without requiring separate logins or applications.
This unified experience could improve perceived value, particularly for premium packages, by incorporating international premium series and films alongside local and sports content.
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For existing users, the app would potentially simplify content discovery and consumption, reducing friction in a market where affordability and convenience are critical amid economic constraints.
However, no final decision has been confirmed on initial rollout markets or the app’s integration timeline.
Pending Decisions and Future Considerations
Key questions remain unresolved, including the future of Showmax, MultiChoice’s streaming service co-owned with Comcast, which has faced profitability challenges.
Canal+ executives have described Showmax’s losses as unacceptable and indicated advanced discussions with Comcast regarding its 30% stake, though no immediate shutdown is planned.
The proposed integration reflects Canal+’s broader strategy to streamline operations, enhance content delivery, and improve affordability across its African footprint.
By leveraging the Canal+ app’s aggregation model, the group aims to counter competitive pressures from global platforms while capitalising on Africa’s growing digital audience.
Future Outlook
The potential deployment of the Canal+ streaming app to MultiChoice subscribers represents a significant evolution in content delivery for millions of pay-TV users across Africa.
By offering a single, aggregated interface with premium global and local content, the initiative could enhance user experience, support subscriber recovery, and contribute to Canal+’s targeted benefits.
As of February 2, 2026, while evaluations continue, this development underscores the strategic focus on convergence and efficiency following the transformative acquisition. For the latest updates, consult official statements from Canal+ and MultiChoice Group.
CANAL+ Overview
The CANAL+ app is the mobile and smart-TV platform where subscribers stream live and on-demand content from CANAL+ TV channels.
CANAL+ TV offers a range of entertainment, movies and sports, and in Nigeria it’s available as Canal+ Nigeria with localised packages and billing options.
Canal+ SA refers to CANAL+ operations in South Africa, while Canal+ hu denotes the Hungarian branch of the CANAL+ network.
Viewers choose among CANAL+ plus packages that bundle channels like CANAL+ Sport and general entertainment, often including CANAL+ English channel lineups for Anglophone audiences.
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.
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