MultiChoice has announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform, Showmax, bringing an end to the service after about 11 years of operation across Africa and other markets.
The company disclosed that the decision followed a strategic review of its digital streaming operations, noting that further details on the shutdown timeline and next steps would be communicated to subscribers in due course.
Showmax, launched in 2015 in South Africa, quickly expanded across the continent as MultiChoice’s answer to global streaming services such as Netflix. The platform offered a mix of international movies, series, sports content, and locally produced African originals targeted at the growing digital entertainment audience.
Industry observers say the decision reflects the increasing competition in the global streaming market and the need for media companies to streamline their digital offerings for sustainability.
The shutdown also comes amid broader structural changes within MultiChoice following its acquisition by French media giant Canal+, which has been reviewing the viability of multiple over-the-top streaming platforms within the combined group.
While the company has yet to confirm the exact closure date, subscribers have been assured that the current service will continue for now, with more information expected in the coming months.
Showmax had positioned itself as Africa’s leading homegrown streaming platform, operating in dozens of countries and competing directly with international streaming brands while promoting African storytelling and content production.
