MultiChoice is to discontinue its Showmax streaming service after what it described as a comprehensive review of its streaming activities, after substantial losses made it unsustainable.
The pay-TV operator, now part of Canal+, said the decision was taken by the Showmax board and reflects a renewed focus on financial discipline and investment optimisation in a capital-intensive streaming market. MultiChoice said the phase-out will not involve any retrenchments, with staff to be supported through transition options.
Showmax’s closure comes after MultiChoice attempted a major reset of the platform in 2024, relaunching the service with a new product suite and a technology upgrade tied to a partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky, and backed by a reported $177 million investment.
In its statement, MultiChoice said the move is consistent with its ambition to deploy an in-house large-scale streaming platform designed to meet the expectations of African and international consumers, with further details on content and platform upgrades to be shared later. Canal+ said it will continue to invest in premium content, technology and partnerships to consolidate its position in the African entertainment market.
A note to subscribers, seen by Broadband TV News said there would be “no interruption to your current service” and that “We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required.”
The decision comes as Canal+ continues to integrate MultiChoice following the completion of its takeover, a deal that expanded the group’s scale across Africa and underlined its strategic focus on the region.
