Showmax to Cease Streaming Services

Showmax, a leading video-on-demand service in Africa, has revealed that it will terminate its streaming platform. The announcement was made via an email directed to its subscribers on Thursday.

The platform was launched in 2015 and is primarily owned by MultiChoice. In the message sent to users, the company stated that this decision demonstrates their commitment to enhancing their overall digital offerings while ensuring long-term viability in a progressively competitive streaming landscape.

"This decision reflects our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment. 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 statement noted.

Furthermore, Showmax affirmed that streaming would remain fundamental to its strategy moving forward. It plans to keep investing in content development, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships to fortify its services.

In expressing appreciation to its users, the company stated, "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. We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required."

On the topic of the future of streaming in Nigeria, media mogul Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu reacted to Showmax’s decision, suggesting that this is the right moment for Nigeria to cultivate its own streaming platform. She emphasized the potential of Nigerian talent to successful build a local streaming service and urged collaboration and confidence going forward.

Abudu stated, "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. It is up to us to build sustainable business models that truly work for our market. It is still very early days for the new indigenous Nigerian streaming platforms that have launched recently."

She further elaborated on the commitment of her own company, EbonyLife ON Plus, saying, "We are committed to everything we can to grow and strengthen our platform. We understand that it is a long journey and we are prepared for the work and patience it requires. We are a continent rich in culture, tradition, and powerful stories. We must learn from global success stories, adapt what works, and create our own pathways because that is exactly what others have done."

The cessation of Showmax's streaming service occurs just seven months after the French media giant Canal+ finalized its purchase of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of Showmax. Reports indicate that after the acquisition, Canal+ Chief Executive Officer Maxime Saada announced a new board to lead the organization and implement strategies focused on elevating its status within the global entertainment industry.

Through this acquisition, Canal+ aims to enhance its footprint in Africa’s pay-TV sector, leveraging MultiChoice’s extensive operations across 50 nations on the continent. Recent reports also indicated that Canal+ received approval from the Competition Tribunal of South Africa to proceed with the acquisition under certain agreed conditions.