Showmax, the African streaming platform owned by Multichoice, would shut down “in the near future,” the company said in an email sent to subscribers on Thursday, not giving a specific date. After 11 years as a leading African streaming platform, subscriptions to the platform staggered, and new Multichoice owners Canal+ decided it was time to move on.
“This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment,” the email says.
The decision comes just two years after Showmax relaunched in 2024 with an ambitious plan: expanded content, partnerships for Hollywood titles, English Premier League football streaming, and a promise to become the “number one streamer in Africa.”
Showmax told customers that “at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time.”
It added that it would share more details with customers in the future, but offered nothing on the fate of current subscribers and customers who like to resubscribe in the future, prior to when the app goes dark.
“Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes. We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required,” it said.
However, its ambition to offer a streaming product to customers has not ended. It added in the email that "streaming remains central to our strategy. We will continue to invest in premium content, technology innovation and partnerships to deliver the best possible entertainment experience to our customers.”
Louis Eriakha
