The new owner of MultiChoice, Groupe Canal+, has moved swiftly to reassure DStv and GOtv subscribers across Nigeria and Africa, firmly stating that there are no immediate plans to increase subscription fees following its recent acquisition of the pay-TV giant. This announcement comes amidst widespread concerns that the change in ownership might accelerate the annual price adjustments that have become a familiar feature for MultiChoice customers.
Canal+ Addresses Subscriber Anxiety Over Pricing
Canal+ Africa CEO, David Mignot, explicitly addressed these fears in a recent interview with the Sunday Times, declaring, "We don't have any price increase planned at this moment." This direct statement aims to calm nerves among the millions of subscribers who rely on DStv for entertainment, news, and sports content. The anxiety was partly fueled by the shift in MultiChoice's financial year-end from 31 March to 31 December to align with Canal+'s corporate calendar, raising speculation that price hikes might be brought forward from their traditional April timing.
Why Subscribers Feared Earlier Price Increases
Canal+ officially took control of MultiChoice on Monday, 22 September 2025, after completing a lengthy mandatory buyout process. This transition has triggered significant apprehension within the subscriber base, largely due to the financial restructuring involved. Previously, MultiChoice's financial year ran from 1 April to 31 March, with DStv price adjustments typically implemented at the start of that cycle. Under the new ownership, the alignment of financial calendars sparked fears that annual increases could be moved earlier in the year, potentially affecting household budgets. Despite inquiries from media outlets like MyBroadband, MultiChoice has not publicly clarified how this calendar shift will impact future pricing strategies.
Promises of Expanded Content Library
Beyond addressing pricing concerns, Canal+ is positioning the acquisition as a major content upgrade for DStv customers. Mignot emphasized that subscribers should anticipate access to a significantly broader range of international programming, as Canal+ plans to merge its extensive content library with MultiChoice's existing catalogue. "MultiChoice content is incredible. We will have the ability to use the strengths of the two groups," he stated, highlighting the synergistic potential of this merger.
According to Mignot, Canal+ boasts the largest European content library, featuring thousands of movies and a substantial volume of American productions. When combined with MultiChoice's offerings, the two companies are expected to deliver approximately 10,000 hours of content annually across 20 to 35 languages. Over the next decade, this collaboration could result in a catalogue exceeding 100,000 hours of content, designed to be distributed across markets where Canal+ operates, thereby enriching the viewing experience for African audiences.
Showmax Under Review as Streaming Strategy Evolves
Canal+ is also conducting a thorough reassessment of MultiChoice's streaming ambitions, particularly focusing on the future of Showmax. Group CEO Maxime Saada revealed that Canal+ is considering the introduction of its own streaming app in markets where MultiChoice operates, though a final decision remains pending. The Canal+ app is already available in more than 30 countries, but Saada indicated that the company is still evaluating options for Showmax, which he described as commercially unsuccessful.
"Showmax is not a commercial success. It's quite obvious," Saada remarked, adding that Canal+ plans to significantly reduce further investment in the platform as part of expected synergies. This move reflects the intensifying competition in the streaming sector, with giants like Netflix posing significant challenges. Canal+ aims to streamline its digital offerings to enhance competitiveness while protecting subscriber interests.
Growth-First Strategy with Subscriber Protection
Despite planned cost reductions and strategic shifts, Canal+ insists it will proceed cautiously to avoid alienating its subscriber base. Saada stressed that the group's strategy is centered on long-term growth, with any changes designed to strengthen revenues without triggering customer losses. This approach underscores a commitment to balancing financial objectives with customer satisfaction, ensuring that subscribers feel valued amidst the corporate transitions.
The overarching message from Canal+ is clear: no immediate DStv price hikes are on the horizon, subscribers can look forward to an expanded content library, and the company is taking a measured approach to reshaping MultiChoice's streaming future. This reassurance is particularly timely as MultiChoice recently extended a promotional offer giving DStv customers on lower packages access to higher-tier content until December 31, 2025, a move that has sparked mixed reactions among Premium subscribers.
