MultiChoice Group, Africa’s leading pay-TV company, now owned by the French media conglomerate Canal+, has officially confirmed that its streaming service Showmax will be phased out.
The announcement was made on March 5, 2026, following a comprehensive review by the Showmax board of the platform’s performance and its long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
According to the companies, the primary reason for the decision is financial. Despite years of heavy investment, including a major relaunch in 2024 that introduced new content offerings, improved user interfaces, and partnerships with both local and international studios, Showmax struggled to generate consistent profits.
The global streaming market has also become more competitive. International platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video continue to dominate the space, attracting massive audiences and securing significant shares of subscription and advertising revenue.
Another major challenge has been infrastructure. In several parts of Africa, inconsistent or limited internet connectivity still restricts the widespread adoption of streaming services, limiting the growth potential of platforms like Showmax.
While confirming the shutdown, MultiChoice and Canal+ emphasized that the decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the company’s financial stability and long-term sustainability.
They also reassured employees and stakeholders that the closure will not result in job losses. Staff members affected by the shutdown will be offered alternative roles or projects within the company, reflecting a commitment to internal redeployment and employee retention.
For current subscribers, the immediate impact will be minimal. Showmax will continue operating normally for now, with users still able to stream content without interruption.
Although the company has not yet announced a final shutdown date, it said updates regarding subscription status, possible refunds, and timelines will be communicated directly to users through the app and email notifications.
Subscribers have been advised to monitor these channels for official instructions as the transition process unfolds.
Launched in 2015, Showmax quickly built a reputation for offering a diverse library of content. The platform featured a mix of African originals, international films and series, reality programming, and Nollywood titles.
Over the years, Showmax positioned itself as a homegrown alternative in a streaming market largely dominated by global platforms. It also provided an important distribution platform for African creators, helping bring local stories to audiences across the continent.
