DStv cuts top-tier prices by up to 42% across Africa, but Nigeria's ₦44,500 Premium stays unchanged

Canal+, the new owner of MultiChoice, is cutting DStv top-tier subscription prices by up to 42% in some African markets. The changes are expected from November 5, 2026, but Nigeria's highest subscription price remains unchanged at ₦44,500.

MultiChoice has also launched new and cheaper DStv and GOtv packages in Nigeria. The DStv restructuring follows a September 2026 package overhaul in South Africa and is expected to reach most African markets from November 5, 2026.

Uganda leads the cuts

Nine African markets outside South Africa have introduced new four- or five-package structures. Uganda recorded the largest reduction. Its highest-priced package dropped from USh320,000 to USh185,000, a 42% decrease.

Kenya followed with a 38% cut, from KSh11,700 to KSh7,300. Zambia fell from K1,670 to K1,090, down 35%. Ghana moved from GH₵854 to GH₵570, down 33%.

Malawi cut its top package from MK138,000 to MK106,000, down 23%. Zimbabwe dropped from US$75 to US$60, down 20%. Botswana moved from P860 to P800, down 7%. Namibia went from N$1,045 to N$979, down 6%.

Nigeria stays at ₦44,500

Nigeria recorded 0% change. DStv's Nigerian website lists the new top package at ₦44,500, matching the existing Premium subscription. The platform also continues to display Compact Plus at ₦30,000 under its alternative decoder subscription options.

Nigeria is among the countries receiving a simplified four-package structure, but details of how existing subscribers will transition remain unclear. Customers must wait for further communication before knowing whether the restructuring will deliver additional content or better value.

DStv announced a new channel lineup across four subscription packages as MultiChoice Nigeria prepares to introduce its revised offerings on November 5, 2026. The new packages, unveiled in Lagos on Tuesday, October 27, are Starter, Select, Sports and Premium.

Kenya and revenue pressure

Kenya provides the clearest picture of the restructuring. Starter replaces Access, Select replaces Family, Sports replaces Compact, while Ultimate takes over from Premium. The changes translate into reductions ranging from 29% to 48% across affected Kenyan subscription categories.

The overhaul comes amid financial pressure on MultiChoice. Canal+ recently disclosed that MultiChoice's revenue declined by 3% on a like-for-like basis during the first nine months of 2026. The decline was largely attributed to weaker subscription revenue in South Africa, although stronger performance in other English-speaking African markets helped cushion the impact.

Canal+ said the restructuring is part of efforts to simplify DStv's subscription offerings across multiple African markets and provide clearer choices and improved access to entertainment. The company stated: 'The changes are being introduced in phases, with package structures, pricing and implementation dates tailored to individual markets.' It added that subscribers would receive information about applicable packages and prices before implementation. Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada said the restructuring would provide subscribers with greater choice and improved value.

For Nigerian subscribers, the immediate effect is no price relief at the top end. The focus shifts to whether the new four-package structure will offer better content or clearer choices at the same ₦44,500.