Canal+ is swiftly making its presence felt within DStv‘s ecosystem. Just weeks after finalizing its takeover of MultiChoice, the French media powerhouse is unveiling a fresh approach that combines a sense of nostalgia, competitive pricing, and exclusive European programming to revitalize Africa’s leading pay-TV service.
MultiChoice has faced significant headwinds recently, grappling with subscriber attrition, financial setbacks, and intensifying competition amid challenging economic conditions. Over the last two fiscal years, the company has seen a decline of 2.8 million active linear subscribers, with the 2025 fiscal year alone accounting for a loss of 1.2 million subscribers-an 8% year-over-year drop-equally split between South Africa and other African markets.
These declines are largely attributed to the evolving hybrid pay-TV landscape in Africa, rising operational costs, and fierce rivalry from an expanding array of streaming platforms, which now number over 560 streaming services across the continent.
Celebrating 30 Years with a Nostalgic Twist
To commemorate DStv’s 30th anniversary, from November 7 to 9, 2025, all active DStv decoder users will be granted complimentary access to premium DStv content during an Open Time weekend.
This celebration will feature a reunion of iconic South African television personalities such as Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris, who originally hosted M-Net’s Open Time in the 1990s, rekindling fond memories for longtime viewers.
“DStv has evolved alongside its audience,” remarked Byron du Plessis, CEO of SA PayTV. “For three decades, we have been woven into the fabric of South African homes, weekends, and cherished moments.”
In addition, MultiChoice is reducing the price of its HD decoders by 30% in retail outlets and by over 40% through its new DStv online store starting November 1. This initiative aims to attract former subscribers and lower the barrier to entry amid stiff competition from streaming giants like Netflix, Showmax, and Disney+.
Enhanced Benefits and Expanded Football Coverage
DStv Premium customers will enjoy the perk of two extra simultaneous streams on all devices until December, increasing their total streams to four. The company has also upgraded its loyalty program, introducing perks such as BoxOffice rentals, exclusive event invitations, celebrity meet-and-greets, and VIP access to sports events.
To captivate Africa’s passionate football fans, SuperSport has secured broadcasting rights for French Ligue 1 matches through a new collaboration with Canal+. This top-tier French league, featuring renowned clubs like PSG, Marseille, Lyon, and Monaco, will be showcased with up to three matches each weekend on SuperSport channels and GOtv.
“Adding a prestigious competition like Ligue 1 enriches the value we offer our subscribers,” said Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport’s director of English sport content.
Expanding the Content Universe
“We produce approximately 4,000 hours of African programming annually in up to 15 languages,” explained David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa. “By combining this with MultiChoice’s 6,000 hours, we aim to deliver 10,000 hours of content yearly across 20 to 35 languages.”
The long-term vision includes building a vast library exceeding 100,000 hours within the next 10 to 15 years, with plans to broaden reach through dubbing and script adaptations.
Furthermore, Canal+ intends to introduce a super app that integrates Canal+, DStv, GOtv, and Showmax under a single login, creating what CEO Maxime Saada describes as “a unified entertainment ecosystem.” The group is also exploring the introduction of its content aggregation model in Africa, offering bundled subscriptions with third-party platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Paramount+, mirroring its successful strategy in Europe.