In a landmark move that reshapes the African media landscape, French media conglomerate Canal+ has completed a $3 billion acquisition of MultiChoice Group, the South African pay-TV giant behind DStv and GOtv.
The deal, which secured final approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, gives Canal+ full ownership of MultiChoice after it acquired the remaining 55% of the company. With this, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator will now operate under new management, setting the stage for what industry insiders call a “media evolution” across the continent.
A Mega Merger with Local Impact
Valued at 55 billion rand (approximately $3 billion), the takeover is expected to be finalized by October 8, 2025. The Competition Tribunal’s green light comes with a series of public interest conditions designed to safeguard South Africa’s broadcasting industry and cultural production.
Among these conditions are commitments to:
- Keep MultiChoice’s headquarters in South Africa.
- Invest 26 billion rand over three years in local content production, general entertainment, and sports.
- Protect jobs and strengthen support for African storytelling.
In a joint statement, Canal+ and MultiChoice confirmed their commitment to maintaining and growing investments in local programming, with a focus on ensuring continuity in content creation, especially in South Africa.
“The package will maintain funding for South African general entertainment and sports content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success,” the companies stated.
What the Deal Means for Africa
Canal+, a subsidiary formerly under French media group Vivendi, operates in 25 African countries with 16 subsidiaries and serves eight million subscribers. With the acquisition, the company plans to expand its global subscriber base from 27 million to as many as 100 million in the coming years.
MultiChoice, with 14.5 million subscribers in over 50 sub-Saharan African countries, is home to brands like SuperSport and Africa Magic, and is widely known for distributing premium live sports, Nollywood movies, and local drama series.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described the merger as “transformative,” highlighting its potential to combine strengths across language, geography, and audience base.
“The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets, and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies,” Saada said.
He added that the union would create “a true champion for Africa,” merging Canal+’s French-language content with MultiChoice’s English and Portuguese offerings.
A Turning Point for Viewers and Creators
While no immediate changes are expected for DStv or GOtv subscribers, industry observers anticipate richer content offerings, increased localization, and deeper digital innovation across the platforms.
The deal is also expected to bolster Africa’s creative industries. Analysts say the influx of capital and global expertise could provide a major lift to content creators, film producers, and sports broadcasters.
Nkechi Ibeh, a Lagos-based media analyst, warned that while the deal is promising, it must prioritize African voices.
“This acquisition will only be successful if it protects the heart of African storytelling,” Ibeh said. “African audiences don’t just want foreign content—they want their own stories told with quality and pride.”
From Pioneer to Powerhouse
Founded in 1995, MultiChoice pioneered satellite broadcasting in Africa. Its services helped shape modern African television and brought global content to millions of homes. The acquisition marks the end of MultiChoice as an independent African brand, but also the beginning of a new chapter under Canal+.
As the deal enters its final phase, both companies face the challenge of balancing expansion goals with the responsibility of nurturing Africa’s cultural and creative identity.
What’s Next?
Subscribers, creators, and employees will be watching closely as the new management team begins to steer the platform’s direction. With promises of more investment and stronger cross-continental integration, stakeholders hope the new entity will keep its eyes on one thing: Africa’s diverse and growing audience.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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