The future of Showmax is uncertain after reports that French media company Canal+ is considering shutting down the African streaming platform following its takeover of MultiChoice Group.
The video-on-demand service, launched in 2015 by MultiChoice, has operated for more than a decade across Africa as one of the continent’s major streaming platforms.
According to a statement reportedly issued on March 5, 2026, MultiChoice informed subscribers that the company had conducted a strategic review of its streaming operations.
“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future,” the statement said in emails sent to subscribers.
The move is linked to ongoing financial challenges and growing competition in the global streaming market. Industry reports indicate that the platform has recorded significant losses in recent years while competing with international services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Despite the announcement, the service is not expected to shut down immediately. Subscribers have been informed that streaming will continue for now while the company provides further details on timelines for the transition.
MultiChoice also indicated that employees will retain their jobs during the process, although the company has not yet outlined the long-term implications of the decision.