The listing represents a notable milestone for the exchange, not only expanding its sectoral diversity but also strengthening financial ties between Africa and Europe. CANAL+ becomes the first French company ever to list on the JSE, and uniquely, the only global media and entertainment group currently traded on the exchange.
Market observers say the move reflects a broader strategy by the JSE to position itself as a gateway for global capital seeking exposure to African growth opportunities, while offering local investors access to internationally diversified businesses in rand-denominated form.
A Global Media Giant Expands Its Market Reach
CANAL+ enters the JSE with an already established global footprint. The company reports more than 42 million subscribers worldwide as of December 31, 2025, operating in over 70 countries and employing around 15,000 people.
Its operations span two key regions: Europe, where it serves over 18 million subscribers across 12 countries, and Africa, where it has built a strong presence over three decades. The company now counts 23 million subscribers across more than 40 African markets, offering content in more than 50 languages.
The listing follows its earlier debut on the London Stock Exchange in December 2024, using a fast-track framework that enabled it to extend its market presence while maintaining its primary European listing.
Executives Frame Listing as Strategic Bridge Between Continents
For CANAL+ leadership, the dual listing reflects a long-term strategy focused on growth in emerging markets—particularly sub-Saharan Africa, where demographic and economic trends are expected to fuel demand for digital content and connectivity.
Maxime Saada, CEO of CANAL+, said the listing signals both ambition and long-term commitment to the region. “Joining the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a statement of our ambition and illustrates our belief in Africa’s future and its creative industry,” he said.
He added: “We are proud to become the first French company ever to list in Johannesburg and the only global media and entertainment company listed on the exchange.”
Saada also emphasized the company’s financial scale and future direction, noting: “CANAL+ serves more than 40 million subscribers and generates €9bn in annual revenue. Africa will be our growth engine for years to come.”
JSE Highlights Growing Global Integration
From the exchange’s perspective, the listing is part of a broader effort to deepen liquidity and expand access to globally competitive companies.
Valdene Reddy, Group CEO of the JSE, described the development as a significant step in internationalising African capital markets. “We are proud to welcome CANAL+ to the JSE and to mark the first listing of a French company on our exchange,” she said.
Reddy added that the move reflects increasing connectivity between African and global markets, reinforcing the JSE’s role as a platform for international investment into the continent’s long-term growth story.
Strengthening Africa–Europe Capital Market Links
The listing was facilitated through recent regulatory enhancements on the JSE, including improved fast-track secondary listing processes designed to streamline inward listings while maintaining strict transparency and investor protection standards.
With CANAL+ now on board, the JSE continues to position itself as Africa’s largest exchange by market capitalisation, with 263 listed companies and a total market value exceeding R24.96 trillion.
For investors, the addition brings rare exposure to a global entertainment heavyweight with deep African operations—an intersection of media, technology, and emerging market growth that the exchange hopes will attract further international listings in the future.