Canal+ weighs closure of Showmax after MultiChoice takeover

French media conglomerate Canal+ is reportedly considering shutting down African streaming platform Showmax following its acquisition of MultiChoice Group, as the company reassesses the economics of its streaming operations.

The move is understood to be part of wider cost-cutting measures and a strategic restructuring aimed at streamlining digital services within the newly expanded media group.

Sources familiar with the situation say executives are reviewing whether maintaining Showmax as a standalone streaming platform remains viable in a global market dominated by larger competitors such as Netflix.

Showmax was launched in 2015 by MultiChoice as Africa’s homegrown response to international streaming platforms. Over the years, the service expanded across multiple African markets and invested heavily in local content, including original series, films, and reality shows targeted at African audiences.

Cost pressures and streaming competition

Despite the ambitious vision behind the platform, Showmax has struggled to match the rapid subscriber growth seen by global streaming giants. Analysts say rising production costs, fierce competition, and shifting consumer habits have made profitability difficult for regional streaming platforms.

In 2024, MultiChoice attempted to reposition Showmax through a major relaunch backed by NBCUniversal. The revamp introduced a new app, upgraded technology, and expanded international content partnerships, including sports and entertainment programming aimed at attracting younger audiences.

However, industry observers say the relaunch did not significantly accelerate subscriber growth as expected. With Canal+ now in control of MultiChoice, executives are believed to be reassessing which digital products align best with the company’s long-term strategy.

The review comes at a time when global media companies are cutting spending on streaming projects that fail to deliver strong returns, after years of aggressive expansion across the sector.

Content may shift to existing TV channels

While discussions about Showmax’s future are ongoing, MultiChoice has reportedly started integrating some of the platform’s original titles into its traditional broadcast network.

Popular productions previously released on Showmax have begun appearing on channels such as Africa Magic and M-Net, suggesting the company may shift its focus back toward strengthening its satellite television ecosystem.

MultiChoice has also indicated that no layoffs are expected if the shutdown proceeds. According to the company, employment protections included in the takeover agreement with Canal+ ensure that staff working within the streaming division would be reassigned rather than dismissed.

If confirmed, the closure of Showmax would mark a significant shift in Africa’s digital entertainment landscape. The platform had long been positioned as the continent’s strongest challenger to global streaming giants, with a library built around African storytelling and regional productions.

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For Canal+, the decision will likely reflect a broader strategy to consolidate its media assets and focus on areas with stronger commercial returns as the global streaming market continues to evolve.