MultiChoice has announced plans to retire its streaming platform Showmax following a comprehensive review of its streaming operations, as the company moves to refocus its investment strategy in an increasingly competitive global streaming market.
The decision, confirmed on 5 March 2026, was taken by the Showmax Board of Directors and reflects the media giant’s shift toward financial discipline and long-term sustainability within its digital entertainment portfolio.
Showmax to be phased out
According to a statement from MultiChoice, the decision to discontinue Showmax comes after years of significant financial losses within the streaming business.
The company said the scale of investment required to compete globally in streaming has grown dramatically, making the continued operation of Showmax unsustainable in its current form.
“The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable,” the company said in the statement.
The group added that the move forms part of a broader effort to optimise investment while building a more competitive and financially sustainable media business.
The streaming industry has become increasingly capital-intensive in recent years, with global platforms spending billions of dollars annually on original content, technology infrastructure and subscriber acquisition.
MultiChoice said the decision to phase out Showmax reflects the need to adapt to these realities while positioning the business for long-term growth.
No retrenchments expected
MultiChoice emphasised that the discontinuation of Showmax will not result in job losses.
Instead, the company said employees affected by the change will be supported through various transition options within the group.
The move is intended to ensure staff remain part of the company’s broader ecosystem as it evolves its streaming and digital services strategy.
Focus shifts to new streaming platform
As Showmax is retired, MultiChoice and its parent company CANAL+ say they plan to invest in a new large-scale streaming platform designed to better serve audiences across Africa and beyond.
The company said the new strategy will focus on deploying an in-house streaming platform capable of meeting the expectations of both African and international consumers.
CANAL+ also reaffirmed its commitment to investing in premium entertainment content, technological innovation and strategic partnerships.
The company said these investments will help strengthen its leadership in the African entertainment market while enhancing the viewing experience for subscribers.
Showmax subscribers assured
MultiChoice sought to reassure existing Showmax subscribers that they remain a priority during the transition.
Further details about expanded content offerings and platform upgrades are expected to be announced in the coming months as the company rolls out the next phase of its streaming strategy.
The group said its goal is to deliver a superior streaming experience while consolidating its position as one of Africa’s largest entertainment providers.
About MultiChoice
MultiChoice Group, now part of the CANAL+ Group, is one of Africa’s largest entertainment companies, providing television and streaming services to millions of households across more than 50 countries.
With a history spanning nearly four decades, the company distributes video entertainment through linear television platforms and digital streaming services, offering a wide range of local, international and sports content.
Its technology arm, Irdeto, also provides cybersecurity and digital platform protection services used by global media and technology companies, securing billions of connected devices worldwide.
Through its expanding ecosystem, MultiChoice continues to develop new services beyond traditional broadcasting, including sports betting, fintech services, internet connectivity solutions and interactive entertainment platforms.
