MultiChoice Raises Prices 20% in Second Hike This Year

The DStv and GOtv bundles offered by Multichoice will see price increases starting on March 1, 2025. It told its consumers about this in a statement on Monday. As stated in the announcement headed “Price adjustments for DStv and GOtv packages,” “Dear Customer, please take note that all DStv packages will be subject to a price increase as of March 1, 2025. “This is to enable us to continue to offer our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology,” they stated, this coming almost one year after its last price review.

The parent firm of DSTV and GOTV, MultiChoice, asserted that the price hike was brought on by the rising expenses of operating a business in Nigeria. With the naira’s value sharply declining and its operating costs skyrocketing due to high inflation, it indicates currency devaluation. The following is the revised pricing structure, according to papers TechCabal saw and an email issued to clients:   DStv Premium: ₦45,000 (up from ₦37,000)  

DStv Compact Plus: ₦35,000 (up from ₦30,000)  

DStv Compact: ₦19,000 (up from ₦15,700)  

The recent pricing changes have been ascribed by MultiChoice to pressures from foreign exchange and inflation. MultiChoice is using “inflationary pricing” to maintain revenue while pursuing a cost-cutting strategy to save $113 million in order to combat these issues.   The most recent rise comes after MultiChoice experienced a challenging 2024 in which the number of active subscribers in Africa fell by 9%. Currency depreciation and economic downturns caused a 13% decline in subscribers in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia, according to the company’s fiscal year 2024 report. According to the corporation, MultiChoice’s USD revenue was impacted by the steep drop in the value of the Nigerian naira alone by 32%.   

Neither Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Commission nor the country’s broadcasting authorities have responded formally as of yet. Nonetheless, MultiChoice’s previous price increases have drawn criticism from both customers and legislators. Because of its strong position in pay-TV, the company’s pricing policies affect many people. It’s unclear if MultiChoice will be able to keep members despite rising pricing given the unstable economy and pressure on consumer spending.