DStv is reducing top-tier subscription prices by up to 42% in some African markets, with changes expected to take effect from November 5, 2026. However, Nigerian customers will not see a reduction in the country's highest subscription price, which remains at ₦44,500.
The restructuring follows DStv's September 2026 package overhaul in South Africa and is expected to reach most African markets from November 5, 2026. Canal+, the new owner of MultiChoice, is introducing sweeping changes to DStv subscription packages across Africa as the pay-TV operator seeks to attract and retain subscribers.
Price Reductions Across Nine African Markets
According to a review of DStv's country websites by TechCentral, nine African markets outside South Africa have introduced new four- or five-package structures. Uganda recorded the largest reduction, with its highest-priced package dropping from USh320,000 to USh185,000, representing a 42% decrease. Kenya followed with a 38% reduction, while Zambia and Ghana recorded cuts of 35% and 33%, respectively.
- Uganda: USh320,000 to USh185,000 (−42%)
- Kenya: KSh11,700 to KSh7,300 (−38%)
- Zambia: K1,670 to K1,090 (−35%)
- Ghana: GH₵854 to GH₵570 (−33%)
- Malawi: MK138,000 to MK106,000 (−23%)
- Zimbabwe: US$75 to US$60 (−20%)
- Botswana: P860 to P800 (−7%)
- Namibia: N$1,045 to N$979 (−6%)
- Nigeria: ₦44,500 to ₦44,500 (0%)
Nigeria Retains Current DStv Premium Price
Unlike subscribers in several other African countries, Nigerians will not immediately benefit from a reduction in the highest subscription price. DStv's Nigerian website lists the new top package at ₦44,500, matching the existing Premium subscription. The platform also continues to display Compact Plus at ₦30,000 under its alternative decoder subscription options.
Although Nigeria is among countries receiving a simplified four-package structure, details of how existing subscribers will transition remain unclear. This means customers must await further communication before determining whether the restructuring will deliver additional content or better value.
New DStv Packages Arrive This November
Canal+ confirmed that the restructuring is part of efforts to simplify DStv's subscription offerings across multiple African markets. According to the company, the changes are intended to provide clearer choices and improve access to entertainment.
"The changes are being introduced in phases, with package structures, pricing and implementation dates tailored to individual markets," Canal+ stated. The company added that subscribers would receive information about applicable packages and prices before implementation.
Kenya provides the clearest indication of the restructuring. Under its revised offering, Starter replaces Access, Select replaces Family, Sports replaces Compact, while Ultimate takes over from Premium. The changes translate into reductions ranging from 29% to 48% across the affected Kenyan subscription categories.
Canal+ Moves to Reverse Subscriber Losses
The subscription overhaul comes amid financial pressure on MultiChoice, particularly in South Africa. Canal+ recently disclosed that MultiChoice's revenue declined by 3% on a like-for-like basis during the first nine months of 2026. The decline was largely attributed to weaker subscription revenue in South Africa, although stronger performance in other English-speaking African markets helped cushion the impact.
Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada said the restructuring would provide subscribers with greater choice and improved value. For Nigerian subscribers, however, the biggest question remains whether the new packages will eventually translate into lower subscription costs or simply offer revised entertainment options at existing prices.
