MultiChoice has announced that it will discontinue its streaming platform, Showmax, marking the end of what was once considered Africa’s most ambitious attempt to build a home-grown competitor to global streaming services.
The announcement marks a significant shift in the company’s digital entertainment strategy, bringing an end to a platform that has operated for nearly a decade as one of Africa’s most prominent subscription video-on-demand services.
According to the company, the decision follows ongoing financial losses associated with the platform.
In a statement widely reported by financial and technology publications, MultiChoice explained that “the substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable.”
The company indicated that the closure forms part of a broader reassessment of its operations as the business adapts to a rapidly changing global streaming environment.
Furthermore, the decision to discontinue Showmax comes during a period of major structural change within MultiChoice. French media company Canal+ recently completed its acquisition of the South African broadcaster, prompting a review of the group’s operations and investment priorities.
While MultiChoice has confirmed that Showmax will be discontinued, the company has stated that employees working within the platform will be supported through internal transition processes within the organisation.
When looking back, Showmax first launched in 2015 as a subscription streaming service designed to serve African audiences with a mix of international television series, films and locally produced content.
Over the years, the platform became known for investing in African productions and expanding its catalogue of regional programming. MultiChoice also introduced upgrades to the service in an effort to improve technology and expand its digital offering as competition within the streaming industry intensified.
Despite these efforts, operating a large-scale streaming platform has become increasingly expensive as companies compete globally for subscribers, content rights and technological infrastructure.
Nevertheless, MultiChoice has indicated that the Showmax service will not shut down immediately.
Instead, the platform will remain operational during a transition period while the company prepares for its eventual closure.
Further information regarding the timeline for discontinuation and arrangements for subscribers is expected to be communicated directly to users.
The closure of Showmax reflects the broader challenges faced by regional streaming platforms operating in a market increasingly dominated by global competitors with significant financial resources.
For many African viewers, Showmax represented one of the few streaming platforms focused heavily on locally produced content and African storytelling.
As MultiChoice restructures its digital strategy following the Canal+ acquisition, the company has indicated it will continue to evaluate how best to serve audiences within the evolving media and entertainment landscape.
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FAQs
MultiChoice stated that the streaming platform experienced substantial annual losses, which the company said had become unsustainable.
The platform will not close immediately. MultiChoice has indicated that the service will remain operational during a transition period while preparations are made for its eventual closure.
Subscribers will continue to have access to the service for now. MultiChoice is expected to communicate further details about timelines and subscription arrangements.
Showmax launched in 2015 as a subscription streaming service focused on African audiences and local productions.
