DStv to roll out five restructured packages across Nigeria from November

Canal+ and MultiChoice will introduce five restructured DStv packages in Nigeria and other African markets from November. The new lineup is DStv Premium, DStv Starter, DStv Select, DStv Sports, and DStv Movies & Series.

The changes aim to simplify subscriptions, offer viewers more choices, and deliver better value for their money. DStv subscribers in Nigeria will see a major change to the pay-TV service from November. The restructuring adds four packages alongside DStv Premium, the top-tier offering, bringing the total to five.

New package menu

The announcement follows the introduction of the revised packages in South Africa on September 17, with other African markets preparing for the rollout. Kemi Omotosho, Canal+'s MultiChoice Nigeria CEO, announced the plan on Thursday evening while addressing advertising buyers and executives at The Royal Box in Victoria Island, Lagos.

She told attendees that "Nigeria is changing, and so are we", confirming that the new packages would be introduced across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa from November.

Under the revised structure, DStv Premium retains its position as the highest-end bouquet. Subscribers will have four other options: DStv Starter, DStv Select, DStv Sports, and DStv Movies & Series. Omotosho said the changes were part of a major effort to simplify DStv's offerings and give subscribers more flexibility when selecting packages at different price points.

"Our focus is on reaching more households, delivering compelling content and creating greater value for subscribers and commercial partners," she said. Specific prices and channel lineups for the new packages in Nigeria have not been detailed.

Why MultiChoice is simplifying

The rollout follows Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice and its push to streamline the group's pay-TV operations across Africa. David Mignot, Canal+ Africa CEO, said earlier this year that MultiChoice had too many subscription packages and price points, making simplification a priority.

The group operates several platforms, including DStv for satellite television, GOtv for digital terrestrial television, and Showmax and DStv streaming for internet-based entertainment. Mignot said Canal+'s experience in Europe and Africa had shown that viewers wanted simpler options and better value for money. He added that reducing the number of brands and streamlining the portfolio could strengthen the group's position in African markets while making marketing spending more efficient.

Nigeria will join several other African markets in adopting the new package structure from November. MultiChoice Kenya has confirmed that the changes will be introduced in phases, informing subscribers that its DStv offerings would be refreshed in November. Promotional adverts highlighting the changes have also begun appearing in countries including Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi and Tanzania. The rollout marks another step in Canal+'s plan to reorganise MultiChoice's services, simplify subscription choices and attract more households across the continent.

What it means for subscribers

For Nigerian subscribers, the immediate takeaway is that the package menu will change before prices and channels are known. MultiChoice previously decided to maintain its existing DStv subscription rates throughout 2026, breaking from its previous pattern of regular annual price increases. The decision forms part of the company's strategy to attract viewers back after losing subscribers. The pay-TV operator faces growing competition from international streaming platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.