Finance

Canal+ unit MultiChoice ends streaming platform Showmax, citing losses

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 5, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 2, 2026

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Canal+ unit MultiChoice ends streaming platform Showmax, citing losses
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March 5 (Reuters) - MultiChoice, part of the Canal+ entertainment group, said on Thursday it was discontinuing Showmax streaming services across its business regions in Africa. "The substantial annual

MultiChoice Ends Showmax Streaming Service Across Africa Amid Heavy Losses

MultiChoice Discontinues Showmax Streaming Services in Africa

Announcement of Service Discontinuation

March 5 (Reuters) - MultiChoice, part of the Canal+ entertainment group, said on Thursday it was discontinuing Showmax streaming services across its business regions in Africa.

Financial Losses Behind the Decision

"The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable," the companies said.

Impact on Employees and Future Investments

No Job Cuts Planned

The decision will not involve any job cuts, Canal+ said, adding it would continue to invest in premium content for MultiChoice subscribers across the African continent.

Continued Investment in Premium Content

(Reporting by Leo Marchandon in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)

Key Takeaways

  • Showmax is being phased out because its financial losses—R4.9 billion in FY25, up 88% from R2.6 billion in FY24—proved unsustainable
  • Despite subscriber growth, revenue declined, highlighting structural challenges of streaming in Africa
  • No layoffs will follow; Canal+ will instead focus on investing in premium content and a new scalable streaming platform for African audiences

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is MultiChoice discontinuing Showmax?
MultiChoice is discontinuing Showmax due to substantial annual financial losses that have proved unsustainable.
Will there be job cuts as a result of Showmax shutting down?
No, the decision to shut down Showmax will not involve any job cuts, according to Canal+.
Will MultiChoice continue to invest in content after ending Showmax?
Yes, Canal+ said it will continue investing in premium content for MultiChoice subscribers across Africa.
Which regions are affected by the discontinuation of Showmax?
The discontinuation affects all business regions in Africa where Showmax was operating.

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