Canal+ is looking to acquire Comcast’s 30% stake in Showmax. The French media company already controls the majority of Showmax through MultiChoice Group Ltd., and this move could give it full ownership of Africa’s largest streaming platform.
Showmax has grown steadily across the continent, delivering movies, TV shows, and local content to millions of subscribers. The business is now a core part of MultiChoice’s digital strategy, which builds on the legacy of its satellite TV business.
As competition intensifies in the African streaming market, Canal+ aims to acquire Comcast’s holdings amid growing interest from global players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
The deal is still pending consideration, and Canal+ is seeking advisers to weigh the purchase. The acquisition, if it happens, will bolster Canal+’s market position in Africa, giving the company more freedom in decision-making and content policy.
Who is Comcast, and why its exit could matter
Comcast Corporation is a leading US media and technology company. It owns NBCUniversal, operates cable networks, and has a huge global presence in film, television, and broadband services. Its involvement in Showmax represents an international investment in Africa’s fast-growing streaming market.
The tech company, through its subsidiary, NBCUniversal, acquired a 30% stake in Showmax as part of a strategic partnership with MultiChoice to enhance the streaming service. This deal provides Showmax with access to content from NBCUniversal and Sky, as well as the Peacock streaming platform’s technology.
Partnering with a global company like Comcast provides expertise, technology, and content, enhancing credibility with investors and attracting international content deals. However, Comcast’s potential exit signals a shift towards full African management under Canal+ control, potentially reducing Comcast’s influence on strategic decisions, global partnerships, and technology support.
Comcast’s departure could alter Showmax’s international content offerings and its negotiation leverage with global studios. The move signals a shift in the streaming market toward regional consolidation, with local players gaining dominance over international partnerships.
Canal+ moves to solidify its grip on Africa’s streaming market
Canal+ already controls MultiChoice (DStv), Africa’s largest pay-TV platform. Acquiring Comcast’s stake in Showmax would give Canal+ full ownership, enabling faster decisions on pricing, content, marketing, and expansion throughout Africa. This allows closer integration with existing services, offering attractive bundled packages and exclusive content deals.
The acquisition aligns with Canal+’s strategy to expand its digital services in Africa. The continent’s rapidly growing streaming market, fueled by increased internet access, mobile subscriptions, and demand for diverse content, presents a significant opportunity. Full control of Showmax will strengthen Canal+’s competitive position against Netflix and Disney+, enabling tailored content and pricing strategies for African consumers.
For consumers, this could mean a more focused strategy on African audiences, featuring more local shows, improved app experiences, better DStv integration, and potentially new subscription packages or price changes. The market may also see Showmax become less influenced by global streaming giants, allowing Canal+ greater flexibility to respond to local trends.
Also read: MultiChoice’s new owner Canal+ to develop super app to unify DStv, Netflix, and more
The timing also matters. Global streaming platforms are increasingly looking at Africa as a market for growth. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are investing in local content, partnering with studios, and improving mobile streaming options. Showmax has managed to keep pace by combining international films with local productions, creating a hybrid model that appeals to African viewers. Full ownership by Canal+ could accelerate these efforts, making the platform more competitive.
Analysts say that if Canal+ fully owns Showmax, it can run things faster and cheaper than if it still had a partner. For example, it can plan marketing campaigns, choose which movies or series to show, and run promotions more quickly. It could also spend more on African-made content, which many viewers are asking for.
This move could change Africa’s streaming scene. Other local companies might try the same, either by joining forces with big regional players or building their own streaming services. Viewers could get services tailored just for them, but some international shows might be harder to get without a global partner.
Showmax is already playing a key role in Africa, offering movies, series, and live sports all in one subscription. Canal+ buying Comcast’s stake shows that African companies want to lead the streaming market instead of relying on foreign investors.
The deal is still being discussed. If it happens, Canal+ could change how Showmax works, make it more competitive, and influence how streaming services operate across Africa. Viewers might see more local shows, new partnerships in Africa, and possibly different subscription plans.
