By Judy Obae
- Canal+ has acquired MultiChoice in a bold move to dominate Africa’s digital entertainment market
- The deal comes as MultiChoice faces sharp subscriber losses, with 84% gone in Kenya and an 11% global decline
South Africa’s largest pay-tv provider, MultiChoice, is now officially part of the French media giant Canal+. The acquisition signals a major consolidation in Africa’s media landscape, where digital entertainment is becoming one of the fastest-growing industries. While Canal+ gains a bigger foothold in Africa, MultiChoice has been losing ground, especially in markets like South Africa, where 1.2 million of its subscribers have left. Ultimately, this move could reshape the way millions across the continent consume content.
Why This Matters: The Canal+ takeover of MultiChoice comes at a pivotal time. Pay TV operators in Africa are struggling to survive as rising living costs push households to cancel subscriptions they now consider non-essential. MultiChoice, once a symbol of premium television across Africa, has been bleeding subscribers at an alarming rate. Kenya alone recorded an 84% drop in its user base, highlighting the scale of the problem. Even across its wider footprint, the company saw an 11% global decline.
This isn’t just a MultiChoice issue; it reflects a global trend. Subscriptions everywhere are under pressure as consumers cut back on recurring expenses. In the U.S., surveys show nearly 60% of households are rethinking renewals. Yet, the subscription economy as a whole is far from dead. Valued at $487 billion in 2024, it is projected to surge to $2.13 trillion by 2034, according to market forecasts. That means the model still works, but companies must adapt by offering more flexible, affordable, and digitally driven products. Canal+ clearly sees this opportunity. By absorbing MultiChoice, it gains access to a massive African audience and positions itself to ride the continent’s streaming and digital wave. For African consumers, this could mean more competitive pricing, broader content options, and improved streaming services.
What’s Next: With the subscription economy set to grow fast, rising from $487 billion in 2024 to about $2.13 trillion by 2034, Canal+ now has a chance to reinvent MultiChoice for Africa’s digital future. If done right, this could protect market share and even expand access to millions who are currently priced out. But success will depend on how well Canal+ balances affordability with profitability in an economy where disposable incomes remain tight. Africa’s entertainment future is digital, and Canal+ just bought itself a front-row seat.
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