MultiChoice Announces Decision to Pull the Plug on Showmax

In a major shake-up of Africa’s streaming landscape, MultiChoice has announced that it will shutter its video-on-demand platform Showmax, marking the end of a decade-long attempt to compete with global streaming giants. The decision follows the French media giant Canal+ taking control of MultiChoice in September 2025, and comes as part of aggressive cost-cutting measures across the combined group.

Showmax, which launched in August 2015, was initially designed to complement MultiChoice’s pay-TV offering and counter the rise of Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ in Africa. The platform was relaunched in February 2024 in partnership with NBCUniversal, using the technology behind Peacock, and backed by significant investments totaling roughly $309 million to drive content creation and platform development. Despite these efforts, the platform failed to hit growth and revenue targets, with losses increasing by 88% in its last financial reporting before the Canal+ takeover.

A statement from MultiChoice, now a Canal+ company, confirmed that the decision to discontinue Showmax was made after a thorough review of the platform’s performance. The company emphasized that the closure is financially motivated, citing the “substantial annual losses” and the capital-intensive nature of streaming in a competitive global market. Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada previously described Showmax as “not a commercial success,” noting that its failure as a stand-alone streaming service had become evident despite heavy investment in content, marketing, and technology.

The closure of Showmax will not result in any job losses. Employees will be reassigned to other roles within the MultiChoice group, and existing Showmax Originals will transition to established DStv channels such as Africa Magic and M-Net, ensuring continuity for the platform’s creative output.

The streaming service’s closure reflects a wider strategic shift under Canal+, which aims to consolidate its position in Africa through more cost-effective initiatives. This includes expanding partnerships such as its recently announced Netflix bundling across 24 Sub-Saharan African countries. Industry insiders suggest that Canal+ plans to leverage these collaborations rather than continuing to fund a struggling independent streamer.

In an email to subscribers, MultiChoice reassured users that their streaming service will continue uninterrupted for now, with clear communication and transition plans to follow. The company promised that further updates and guidance would be shared well in advance of any changes. At the same time, Canal+ reaffirmed its commitment to investing in premium content, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships to strengthen its entertainment offerings across the continent.

Showmax’s journey, from its 2015 launch to its 2024 relaunch and eventual closure, illustrates both the opportunities and challenges of building a pan-African streaming platform in an environment dominated by well-funded global competitors. While the platform will cease to operate, Canal+’s approach signals a focus on sustainable, financially disciplined growth for Africa’s pay-TV and streaming markets.