MultiChoice has confirmed the shutdown of its Showmax streaming platform, with March 31, 2026 set as the final day for subscription renewals and voucher redemptions. From April 1, 2026, new subscriptions and renewals will no longer be available.
Existing subscribers will not lose immediate access. Users will be able to continue streaming content until their current subscription expires or until the end of April 2026 whichever comes first.
The closure follows a strategic review conducted after French media giant Canal+ officially completed its acquisition of MultiChoice Group in September 2025 in a deal valued at approximately $3 billion, handing Canal+ control of MultiChoice’s television and streaming assets across Africa, including DStv, GOtv, and Showmax.
The financial case for closure was stark. In the three years leading up to the Canal+ takeover, Showmax accumulated losses of approximately $428.9 million. In 2025 alone, trading losses widened by 88% to $297 million, while revenue fell to $48.5 million significantly missing the platform’s $1 billion annual revenue target.
A high profile relaunch in early 2024, backed by a $309 million investment from Comcast’s NBCUniversal and leveraging the technology powering Peacock, failed to reverse its fortunes.
MultiChoice has said Showmax content will not disappear entirely. The company is consolidating its streaming strategy by migrating Showmax’s catalogue including Originals and exclusive titles to DStv Stream. In a message to subscribers, the company stated it would “soon share how you can keep enjoying Showmax Originals and more on DStv Stream.”
All Showmax subscriptions will end on March 31, and users will be required to subscribe afresh for DStv Stream. The migration marks the first major integration since the Canal+ takeover, signaling cost-cutting measures as the media giant seeks sustainable growth in Africa’s competitive but price-sensitive market.
The pricing gap between the two platforms is notable. In Kenya, DStv Stream’s premium tier starts at KSh 11,700 per month, with the lowest tier at KSh 1,450 compared to Showmax’s pricing of KSh 720 for its top tier. Even global platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video cost less than DStv Stream’s lowest tier.
The consolidation also comes alongside plans to cut staff through a voluntary severance package for employees in support roles, as part of a $115 million turnaround investment. MultiChoice has not confirmed a precise migration pathway for existing Showmax subscribers, with further details on pricing, packaging, and access to DStv Stream expected to be communicated in the coming weeks.
