Showmax to Shut Down Streaming Service After 11 Years

Showmax, one of Africa’s most prominent video-on-demand platforms, has announced plans to discontinue its streaming service, bringing an end to more than a decade of operations in the region.

The development was communicated to subscribers via email on Thursday, where the company confirmed that the Showmax board had decided to shut down the platform after 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 company said in the message to customers. 

For now, the company says there will be no immediate disruption to the service, and subscribers can continue using the platform while transition plans are being prepared. 

Showmax was launched in 2015 by MultiChoice, the African pay-TV giant behind DStv and GOtv, as a response to the rapid rise of global streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. 

Over the years, the platform expanded across multiple African markets and introduced locally produced shows, international films, and sports streaming options. The service also partnered with global media companies including NBCUniversal and Sky to strengthen its content library and technology platform. 

Despite these efforts, the streaming landscape has become increasingly competitive, requiring significant investment in technology infrastructure, licensing rights, and original content.

The decision to discontinue Showmax comes after French media company Canal+ acquired MultiChoice, taking control of the broadcaster and its digital services.

Following the acquisition, Canal+ began reviewing MultiChoice’s streaming strategy as part of broader restructuring efforts aimed at improving financial performance and reducing costs.

Industry reports indicate that the streaming platform had been facing significant financial pressure, with rising production and licensing costs making long-term sustainability difficult. 

The shutdown has already sparked reactions within Africa’s creative industry. Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu called the move an opportunity for African creators to build new homegrown streaming platforms capable of competing globally.

She encouraged industry stakeholders to collaborate and invest in local technology and storytelling platforms that could showcase African content to global audiences.

What happens next for subscribers

While a specific shutdown date has not yet been announced, MultiChoice says customers will continue to have access to the service for now, with further updates expected as the transition plan is finalized. 

The closure marks a significant shift in Africa’s digital entertainment landscape, ending one of the continent’s most ambitious attempts to build a homegrown streaming competitor to global platforms.