Showmax to shut down, Multichoice announces
By Mustafa Juma, March 5, 2026MultiChoice has announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform Showmax after a comprehensive review of its digital streaming operations.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the company cited unsustainable financial losses and the need to refocus its long-term strategy in a highly competitive global market.
The decision, approved by the board of the service and the parent company MultiChoice Group, comes as the company intensifies efforts to streamline investments and strengthen its position in Africa’s rapidly evolving entertainment sector.
“MultiChoice, part of CANAL+ SA (LSE: CAN, the “Company” or the “Group”), the global media and entertainment company, today announces the forthcoming discontinuation of the Showmax service, following a comprehensive review of its streaming activities,” the statement reads in part.
“This decision was made by the Showmax Board of Directors and reflects the continued focus of MultiChoice, a CANAL+ Company, on financial discipline and investment optimization, in an increasingly competitive and capital – intensive global streaming environment.”
MultiChoice is now part of the French media giant CANAL+, which has been expanding its footprint across the continent.
Strategic shift after mounting losses
The company said the decision to phase out Showmax followed a detailed review of its streaming activities and the broader global market.
According to MultiChoice, the streaming business had been recording substantial annual losses, making it financially unsustainable to maintain the service in its current form.
“The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable,” the company said, noting that discontinuing the platform aligns with its renewed focus on financial discipline and investment optimisation.
The firm added that the move is intended to help build a stronger and more sustainable entertainment business capable of competing in the capital-intensive streaming industry.
No job losses expected
Despite the shutdown, MultiChoice said the transition will not lead to retrenchments. Instead, the company plans to engage affected employees and offer various transition options within the organisation.
The company emphasised that its broader streaming ambitions remain intact. It intends to deploy its in-house large-scale streaming platform designed to better serve African audiences while also appealing to international markets.
“The decision to discontinue Showmax services will not involve any retrenchments. The Group will be engaging and supporting employees through various transition options. This evolution is also consistent with the ambition of MultiChoice, a CANAL+ Company, to deploy its in -house large – scale streaming platform capable of meeting the expectations of African and international consumers,” the statement read.
Continued investment in content
MultiChoice said CANAL+ will continue investing in premium content, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships to strengthen its leadership in Africa’s entertainment market.
The company also assured subscribers that they remain a priority during the transition period and that additional details about new content offerings and platform upgrades will be announced in the coming months.
Launched as Africa’s homegrown streaming service, Showmax had grown into one of the continent’s most recognised platforms, offering local productions, international series, and live sports in partnership with SuperSport.
However, rising production costs and stiff competition from global streaming giants forced the company to reconsider its strategy.