- Showmax announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform as part of a broader digital restructuring strategy
- The company assured subscribers that services would continue without immediate disruption while transition plans were developed
- Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu described the development as an opportunity to build stronger indigenous streaming platforms across Africa
African video-on-demand service Showmax has announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform, marking a significant shift in the continent’s competitive digital entertainment landscape.
The platform, launched in 2015 and majority-owned by MultiChoice Group, disclosed the development in an email sent to subscribers on Thursday. The company said the decision forms part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening its digital offerings and ensuring long-term sustainability.
“This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment,” the company said in the message to subscribers.
Despite the announcement, Showmax assured users that there would be no immediate disruption to their viewing experience.
“Importantly, at the moment, there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time,” the company added.
The streaming platform also reiterated that digital streaming remains central to its overall business strategy. According to the company, it will continue investing in premium content, technological innovation and strategic partnerships to improve its entertainment services.
Showmax expressed appreciation to its subscribers for their loyalty, noting that plans were underway to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition as the process unfolds.
“We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes,” the statement said.
Reacting to the development, Nigerian media entrepreneur Mosunmola 'Mo' Abudu described the situation as an opportunity for Nigeria’s creative industry to build stronger indigenous streaming platforms.
In a message shared on her Instagram page, Abudu urged Nigerians to invest in local platforms and develop sustainable digital entertainment models tailored to the African market.
“I know many of you have heard the news about platforms like Showmax closing and have seen other streamers reduce their investment across the continent. Let me say this with complete sincerity: no one is coming to save us,” she said.
Abudu, founder of the EbonyLife Group, emphasised the need for confidence, collaboration and innovation in developing Nigerian-owned streaming services. She also reaffirmed her commitment to expanding EbonyLife ON Plus, the group’s digital streaming platform.
The decision to wind down Showmax’s streaming service comes months after French media company Canal+ completed the acquisition of MultiChoice Group in a deal valued at about $2 billion. Following the acquisition, Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada announced a new board to oversee the broadcaster and implement strategies aimed at strengthening its position in the global entertainment market.
Through the deal, Canal+ also sought to expand its footprint across Africa’s pay-TV industry, leveraging MultiChoice’s operations in more than 50 countries across the continent.