Canal+, the parent company of MultiChoice, is set to discontinue its streaming service, Showmax, across Africa. The decision, announced Thursday, comes after a comprehensive review of MultiChoice’s streaming activities and reflects a broader strategy focused on financial discipline in an increasingly competitive global streaming landscape. The move signals a significant shift for the company, which had relaunched Showmax in 2024 with ambitions to become the leading streamer on the continent.
Showmax, which launched in South Africa and expanded to 44 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, previously aimed to “change the game for streaming in Africa” and achieve the position of “number one streamer in Africa.” However, the service has experienced “substantial annual losses” that MultiChoice has deemed unsustainable. This decision aligns with Canal+’s plans to build a self-streaming platform for African and international consumers, according to reports.
Showmax’s History and Recent Relaunch
MultiChoice first launched Showmax across Africa in August 2015, seeking to compete with emerging streaming giants like Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon’s Prime Video, and Disney+. Two years ago, in February 2024, MultiChoice partnered with Comcast’s NBCUniversal to relaunch Showmax, leveraging the technology behind the Peacock streaming service. This relaunch included an expanded content lineup featuring local originals, Hollywood hits, and English soccer, alongside attractive pricing plans. Despite these efforts, the service failed to achieve profitability.
Canal+ Acquisition and Cost-Cutting Measures
The decision to shutter Showmax follows Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice in 2025. Canal+ has been actively pursuing aggressive cost-cutting measures since gaining effective control of MultiChoice on September 22, 2025. MultiChoice serves up to 100 million individuals across 50 countries in Africa, and the combined group now boasts 40 million subscribers globally, employing approximately 15,000 people across more than 70 countries Investing.com.
Impact on the African Streaming Market
The closure of Showmax leaves a gap in the African streaming market, potentially benefiting competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The move also highlights the challenges of operating a profitable streaming service in Africa, where factors such as affordability, internet access, and content preferences play a crucial role. The Hollywood Reporter notes the decision reflects a focus on “financial discipline and investment optimization.”
Future Plans for MultiChoice and Canal+
MultiChoice stated that the discontinuation of Showmax will allow the company to focus on building a “sustainable, competitive business for the long term.” While the exact details of Canal+’s plans for a new streaming platform remain unclear, the company is expected to leverage its existing infrastructure and content library to create a service tailored to the African market. Variety reports that the shutdown will occur “soon,” though a specific date is pending resolution of remaining legal implications.
The end of Showmax marks a significant moment in the evolution of the African streaming landscape. As Canal+ and MultiChoice navigate this transition, the focus will be on developing a viable and sustainable streaming strategy that can cater to the unique needs and preferences of African consumers. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of streaming entertainment on the continent.
What are your thoughts on the closure of Showmax? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network.
