MultiChoice Nigeria is preparing to return to the streaming market with a new platform, months after shutting down Showmax as part of a broader push to improve financial sustainability under CANAL+.
The company says it is reviewing available technologies before launching a new streaming service designed to deliver a better user experience while remaining commercially viable.
The announcement was made by MultiChoice Nigeria CEO Kemi Omotosho during the unveiling of the company’s new DStv and GOtv subscription packages in Lagos.
“We’re doing now an audit of what is the best streaming platform to launch. Once we complete that audit, we will launch the streaming platform, because we cannot leave that space empty,” Omotosho said.
The move signals MultiChoice’s determination to rebuild its streaming strategy after exiting Showmax earlier this year.
Why MultiChoice is returning to streaming
Showmax officially shut down on April 30, following a review of the platform’s performance under its new parent company, CANAL+.
The company had cited significant annual losses as the reason for discontinuing the service, describing the decision as part of efforts to improve financial discipline and optimise investments.
Since then, some Showmax Originals and selected content have been moved to DStv Stream. However, subscribers have complained about missing episodes and incomplete content libraries.
Omotosho acknowledged that the migration had not fully replaced the Showmax experience, explaining that DStv Stream currently serves as an interim solution while the company develops a more comprehensive streaming platform.
The planned service is expected to offer improved content discovery, personalised recommendations and a stronger streaming experience beyond what DStv Stream currently provides.
New DStv packages launch in November
Alongside its streaming plans, MultiChoice confirmed that new DStv and GOtv packages will take effect from November 5.
Under the revised pricing structure, DStv will offer four subscription tiers:
- Starter – ₦6,000
- Select – ₦11,000
- Sports – ₦21,000
- Premium – ₦44,500
Existing subscribers will be automatically migrated to corresponding packages without losing the value of prepaid subscriptions.
The company also indicated that another price increase is not currently planned, saying the focus is on offering customers more flexible options rather than raising subscription costs.
CANAL+ integration could expand Nigerian content globally
Beyond subscriptions, MultiChoice says its integration with CANAL+ will create more opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers by expanding the international distribution of local content.
The company plans to leverage CANAL+’s presence across Africa and Europe to introduce Nigerian productions to new audiences while also bringing content from other markets onto its platforms.
According to Omotosho, investing in Nigerian storytelling remains central to MultiChoice’s strategy.
For content creators, wider distribution across CANAL+ markets could increase visibility beyond Nigeria’s traditional entertainment audience.
The new streaming platform is expected to become a key part of that strategy as MultiChoice works to balance profitability with growing demand for digital entertainment.
