MultiChoice To Shut Down Showmax Streaming Service After 11 Years, Laments Huge Losses

The platform also underwent a major relaunch in 2024 with fresh investment and technical upgrades aimed at strengthening its position in the increasingly competitive streaming market.

Media company MultiChoice Group has announced plans to shut down its streaming service Showmax, bringing an end to one of Africa’s most ambitious video-on-demand platforms after 11 years of operation.

The decision follows the takeover of MultiChoice by French media giant Canal+, which said the move was part of a broader review of the company’s digital investments and long-term strategy.

Showmax, launched in 2015 to compete with international streaming platforms, had sought to build a strong African audience by offering a mix of global titles and locally produced content. 

The platform also underwent a major relaunch in 2024 with fresh investment and technical upgrades aimed at strengthening its position in the increasingly competitive streaming market.

However, the company said persistent annual losses, growing competition from global streaming services and structural challenges linked to broadband access across Africa have made the business difficult to sustain.

In a statement, Canal+ and MultiChoice said the decision to wind down the platform followed a comprehensive evaluation of Showmax’s performance and reflects a shift toward tighter financial discipline and more efficient allocation of resources.

The companies noted that the streaming service will continue to operate for the time being and subscribers do not need to take immediate action.

According to the statement, the closure is not expected to lead to job losses. 

Canal+ said employees connected to the platform will be supported through transition options as the group redirects its focus toward new digital offerings and increased investment in premium content for MultiChoice customers.

The planned shutdown marks the end of a decade-long effort by Showmax to establish itself as a leading streaming hub for African audiences, combining international entertainment with locally produced films and television programmes.