CANAL+ cuts DStv and GOtv decoder prices by 40% as subscriber base grows 7%
By Aboki Forex —
CANAL+ Group has reduced decoder prices for new DStv and GOtv subscribers by up to 40% as part of a turnaround plan for MultiChoice. The move comes as the French media group reported a 40% year-on-year increase in new customer acquisitions across African markets.
Decoder price cuts and subscriber growth
CANAL+ completed its takeover of MultiChoice in September 2025. In its half-year financial results released on Tuesday, the company said early signs indicate the recovery plan is gaining momentum. New subscriber acquisitions rose by 40% year-on-year, while South Africa recorded its strongest month for new sign-ups in a decade in June 2026. The combined African subscriber base grew by 7%, supported by lower entry costs, a wider sales network, and early benefits of integrating MultiChoice into the CANAL+ Group. MultiChoice's adjusted operating profit surged by 160% to €143 million (about $162.6 million) during the period.
"Our strong first-half results reflect our strategic progress," CANAL+ Group Chief Executive Officer Maxime Saada said. "In Africa, we have grown our combined subscriber base by 7%, and as part of the MultiChoice turnaround plan, we reduced entry costs for new subscribers and expanded our sales network."
Sports strategy and Showmax closure
A major part of the recovery strategy is making DStv and GOtv more affordable. Decoder prices have been reduced by as much as 40%, lowering the upfront cost of joining the platforms. In many African markets, customers must buy a decoder and installation equipment before paying monthly fees. That initial expense has been a major barrier, especially as streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube allow access through internet-connected devices. CANAL+ has also expanded its distribution network, increasing points of sale by more than 15% since March.
Beyond lower prices, CANAL+ is relying on premium live sports to retain and attract subscribers. The company secured long-term rights to South Africa's Premier Soccer League and broadcasting rights for the 2027 Men's and 2029 Women's Rugby World Cups across sub-Saharan Africa. Saada said live sports would remain a major pillar of the company's content strategy, focusing on live events that attract paying audiences and are hard to replace with on-demand content.
The results also revealed a major shift in MultiChoice's streaming strategy. CANAL+ confirmed that Showmax was discontinued as a standalone business in April 2026, with its financial contribution now classified as a discontinued operation. The decision suggests a stronger focus on profitability after years of heavy investment.
The integration is generating financial gains. CANAL+ said it had achieved about half of its €250 million annual synergy target, with MultiChoice contributing €120 million in profit improvements during the first half. However, the company warned that some gains were influenced by seasonal factors and deferred content payments.
What this means for Nigerian consumers
For Nigerian households, cheaper decoders could make DStv and GOtv more accessible at a time when consumer spending remains under pressure. However, competition from streaming platforms continues to grow. MultiChoice Nigeria recently unveiled Novelas+, a new television channel dedicated to telenovelas, launching on July 1. The channel will broadcast in English and Portuguese, offering drama series from Latin America, Turkey, the United States, and Portugal. The coming quarters will show whether lower entry costs and stronger sports content can deliver sustained subscriber growth in Nigeria and across Africa.