CANAL+ Group has slashed decoder prices for new DStv and GOtv subscribers by up to 40% as part of a broader turnaround strategy for Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, MultiChoice. The move comes as MultiChoice returns to profitability after years of subscriber losses and mounting competition from global streaming platforms.
Massive Decoder Price Cuts
The French media giant, which completed its takeover of MultiChoice in September 2025, reduced the upfront cost of joining DStv or GOtv by as much as 40%. In many African markets, customers must purchase a decoder and installation equipment before paying monthly fees, a barrier that has long deterred price-sensitive consumers. By lowering these entry costs, CANAL+ aims to compete more effectively with streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, which require no hardware investment.
CANAL+ also expanded its sales network, increasing points of sale by more than 15% since March 2026. The company reported that early results show the plan is gaining traction, with new subscriber acquisitions rising 40% year-on-year and South Africa recording its strongest month for new sign-ups in a decade in June 2026.
Subscriber Growth Surges
In its half-year financial results released on Tuesday, CANAL+ disclosed that the combined African subscriber base grew by 7%, supported by lower entry costs and a wider retail footprint. MultiChoice’s adjusted operating profit surged 160% to €143 million (about $162.6 million) during the period.
“Our strong first-half results reflect our strategic progress,” said CANAL+ Group Chief Executive Officer Maxime Saada. “In Africa, we have grown our combined subscriber base by 7%, and as part of the MultiChoice turnaround plan, we reduced entry costs for new subscribers and expanded our sales network.”
Live Sports as a Key Differentiator
Beyond lower prices, CANAL+ is betting heavily on live sports to retain and attract subscribers. The company recently secured long-term rights to South Africa’s Premier Soccer League and obtained broadcasting rights for the 2027 Men’s and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cups across sub-Saharan Africa.
Saada emphasized that live sports remain a major pillar of the content strategy, noting that live events are difficult to replace with on-demand content and continue to draw paying audiences. Rather than competing head-to-head with streaming platforms on entertainment libraries, CANAL+ is focusing on exclusive sports offerings that drive loyalty.
Streaming Strategy Shift
The results also revealed a major shift in MultiChoice’s streaming approach. CANAL+ confirmed that Showmax was discontinued as a standalone business in April 2026, with its financial contribution now classified as a discontinued operation. Although no details were provided about future streaming plans, the decision signals a stronger focus on profitability after years of heavy investment in the platform.
Financial Performance and Synergy Gains
Integration of MultiChoice into CANAL+ Group is already generating cost savings. The group achieved about half of its €250 million annual synergy target, with MultiChoice contributing €120 million in profit improvements during the first half. However, the company cautioned that some gains were influenced by seasonal factors and deferred content payments.
The coming quarters will determine whether cheaper decoders, expanded retail access, and stronger sports content can sustain subscriber growth and secure MultiChoice’s long-term recovery. Meanwhile, MultiChoice Nigeria recently launched Novelas+, a new channel dedicated to telenovelas, airing in English and Portuguese starting July 1, targeting audiences in Nigeria and beyond.
