In a transformative move that’s set to reshape Africa’s broadcasting landscape, Canal + has officially completed the MultiChoice acquisition, gaining full ownership of the continent’s largest pay-TV network. This strategic $3 billion deal has now received final regulatory approval, allowing the French media powerhouse to absorb MultiChoice’s operations across 50 sub-Saharan countries.
The Canal + MultiChoice acquisition, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, signals the end of a year-long process that began with a buyout offer and moved through several layers of shareholder engagement and regulatory scrutiny. The result? Canal+ now controls flagship platforms DStv and GOtv, along with premium content providers like SuperSport.
While the business implications are vast, the takeover also speaks to a broader shift in how global media groups are positioning themselves on the African continent.
What the $3 Billion Deal Means for the Industry
The Canal+ MultiChoice acquisition is far more than a financial maneuver; it’s a calculated expansion strategy targeting the high-growth potential of Africa’s media market. MultiChoice already boasts 14.5 million subscribers across sub-Saharan Africa, while Canal+ brings a footprint in 25 African countries and over eight million subscribers to the table.
Together, the merged group has the potential to serve over 50 million households, with ambitions to scale further. Canal Plus CEO Maxime Saada described the merger as “game-changing,” citing increased operational scale and deeper access to diverse language markets spanning English, French, and Portuguese-speaking audiences.
The integration will allow for a stronger multilingual content strategy and enhanced regional programming tailored to various African markets, a move analysts believe could position the new entity as the most powerful broadcaster on the continent.
Local Investment and Regulatory Compliance
One of the key conditions for regulatory approval was a commitment to local investment and industry sustainability. Canal+ pledged to inject 26 billion rand (approx. $1.4 billion) over the next three years into South Africa’s broadcasting ecosystem.
This includes:
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Keeping MultiChoice’s headquarters in South Africa.
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Sustained funding for local sports and general entertainment.
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Supporting historically disadvantaged individuals and small businesses within the audiovisual sector.
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Creating a new, majority-HDP-owned entity to operate the South African broadcast license, in line with local ownership laws.
These measures reflect the importance of maintaining media sovereignty while integrating into a global structure. The Canal+ MultiChoice acquisition will preserve a degree of national oversight, even as control shifts to an international player.
Strategic Positioning for a Digital Future
Beyond traditional broadcasting, this acquisition positions Canal+ to expand its digital streaming and on-demand offerings in Africa. With a rapidly growing youth population and increasing internet penetration, African consumers are shifting toward digital-first content consumption.
The merger provides both companies with the infrastructure and capital to compete against global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which have been making inroads into African content production.
Moreover, by consolidating their operations, the newly formed entity will benefit from cost efficiencies, streamlined content licensing, and enhanced marketing capabilities, particularly in high-growth regions like Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
Why This Matters on a Global Scale
The Canal+ MultiChoice acquisition also reflects a global trend: Western media firms aggressively pursuing ownership or partnership in emerging markets. As traditional TV revenues plateau in Europe and North America, Africa is becoming an attractive battleground.
Africa’s appeal lies in its untapped consumer base, rising mobile connectivity, and growing appetite for original local content. Canal Plus is not just buying a business, it’s buying long-term relevance in the global media conversation.
What’s Next?
With full control now secured and final regulatory milestones cleared, the deal is expected to close officially before October 8, 2025. The coming months will see operational restructuring, content integration, and possibly the rollout of new digital services that reflect the ambitions of the newly combined media force.
The industry will be watching closely to see how Canal+ leverages MultiChoice’s infrastructure and brand equity while delivering on its local investment promises. If successful, this could mark the beginning of a new era in African broadcasting, one shaped by global reach and local resonance.
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