Showmax to be replaced by Canal+ app
On Techpoint Digest, we discuss Showmax being replaced by the Canal+ app, the ongoing conflict between Qatar and Iran, and China threatening Nigeria's satellite shutdown over a $11.44 million debt.
Sabai dii,
Victoria from Techpoint here,
Here’s what I’ve got for you today:
Showmax to be replaced by Canal+ app
Inside Qatar as Iran conflict escalates
China threatens Nigeria’s satellite shutdown over $11.44M debt
Showmax to be replaced by Canal+ app
Showmax
French media giant Canal+ says it plans to replace Showmax with its own streaming platform, the Canal+ app, in markets like South Africa. The move follows an announcement by MultiChoice that Showmax will be shut down, with the company promising a smooth transition for existing subscribers. Until now, it wasn’t clear what would take the streamer’s place.
The decision comes after years of mounting losses. Showmax has reportedly lost about R8.7 billion over the past three years, including R4.9 billion in 2025 alone, making it one of MultiChoice’s most expensive bets. Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described the service as a “severely loss-making activity,” saying the company saw little sign of a turnaround despite heavy spending on content, marketing, and technology.
For viewers, the shift could mean a new streaming experience. Canal+ plans to migrate subscribers to its OTT platform while also integrating Showmax content and features into DStv Stream. The broader strategy is to ensure that satellite TV subscribers can also access streaming through the same ecosystem, reducing the risk of losing customers to global platforms like Netflix.
The move also highlights how tough the streaming market has become. Platforms now require massive spending on original content and technology to stay competitive, and even well-funded players struggle to turn a profit. For Canal+, which is in the process of deepening its relationship with MultiChoice across Africa, shutting down Showmax and consolidating around its own app appears to be a bet on building a more sustainable streaming strategy across the continent.
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