Subscribers to DStv may not face an immediate hike in subscription fees following Groupe Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice, as the company has confirmed that no price increases are currently planned.
The assurance was given by Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot during a recent briefing with investors and the media, where Groupe Canal+ outlined its post-acquisition strategy for MultiChoice. Responding to questions about potential adjustments to DStv pricing, Mignot said the company had no intention to increase prices at this time.
The takeover, completed in September 2025, had sparked speculation that Canal+ might alter MultiChoice’s long-standing pricing cycle, particularly given the shift in the group’s financial calendar. MultiChoice previously operated a financial year from 1 April to 31 March, with DStv price increases typically taking effect at the start of April.
Following the acquisition, MultiChoice’s financial year-end is being moved to 31 December to align with Canal+, raising concerns that future price increases could be introduced earlier in the year. While MyBroadband had earlier sought clarification from MultiChoice on whether the change would affect the timing of price adjustments, the broadcaster has yet to comment.
Groupe Canal+ officially took control of the MultiChoice Group on Monday, 22 September 2025, after the completion of a mandatory buyout process. The final phase of the transaction began on 13 October, with MultiChoice subsequently integrated into Canal+ Africa’s operations.
Beyond pricing, Canal+ has signalled plans to enhance DStv’s content offering. Mignot said customers should expect access to a broader range of programming as Canal+ combines its extensive European content library with MultiChoice’s catalogue. According to him, the merged offering will include thousands of movies and a wide selection of international content.
He noted that Canal+ holds one of the largest libraries of European productions, alongside significant American content, and that the combined catalogues of Canal+ and MultiChoice would deliver approximately 10,000 hours of programming annually across 20 to 35 languages. Over time, he said, this could grow into a catalogue exceeding 100,000 hours of content designed for global distribution.
Streaming Strategy Under Review
Canal+ is also reviewing its streaming strategy in Africa, including the potential rollout of its proprietary streaming app in markets where MultiChoice operates. However, Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada said no final decision has been taken, as the company is still evaluating the future of Showmax.
Saada revealed that the Canal+ streaming app is already available in more than 30 countries, but stressed that its expansion into MultiChoice territories would depend on strategic conclusions around Showmax. He added that competition in Africa’s streaming market remains limited, making the continent attractive for continued pay-TV growth.
Addressing Showmax directly, Saada described the platform as commercially unsuccessful, citing heavy investments in marketing, content, and technology that failed to deliver the expected returns. He said Canal+ plans to significantly reduce further investment in the streaming service as part of broader cost synergies following the acquisition.
Despite plans to cut back on underperforming investments, Saada emphasised that Canal+’s overall approach remains growth-focused. He said the company would proceed cautiously to avoid alienating subscribers or negatively affecting revenue, noting that there is still room to improve MultiChoice’s performance without drastic measures.
As Canal+ settles into its new role as MultiChoice’s parent company, subscribers are likely to see gradual changes focused on content expansion and operational efficiency, while pricing stability remains intact for now.