CANAL+ Group has cut the prices of DStv and GOtv decoders for new subscribers by as much as 40% in a bid to boost customer numbers and strengthen the recovery of MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV company.
The price reduction comes as MultiChoice returns to profit after battling declining subscriber numbers, weak consumer spending, and stiff competition from international streaming platforms.
CANAL+, the French media company that completed its acquisition of MultiChoice in September 2025, said its turnaround strategy is already producing encouraging results.
In its half-year financial report released on Tuesday, the company announced that new subscriber acquisitions across MultiChoice markets increased by 40% compared to the same period last year.
South Africa also recorded its highest monthly subscriber growth in 10 years during June 2026.
According to CANAL+, its combined African subscriber base grew by 7%, driven by lower entry costs, an expanded distribution network, and the integration of MultiChoice into the group.
MultiChoice’s adjusted operating profit also jumped by 160% to €143 million (about $162.6 million).
CANAL+ Group CEO Maxime Saada said the strong first-half performance reflects the company’s strategic progress. He noted that reducing the cost of joining DStv and GOtv, alongside expanding sales outlets, has contributed to subscriber growth across Africa.
The company said lowering decoder prices is a key part of its recovery strategy, as many customers have been discouraged by the upfront cost of purchasing decoders and installation equipment before paying monthly subscriptions.
By making the devices more affordable, CANAL+ hopes to attract more price-conscious consumers while competing more effectively with streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
In addition to the price cuts, the company has increased its retail presence by expanding its sales network by more than 15% since March.
Live sports remain central to CANAL+’s strategy for retaining and attracting subscribers.
The company recently secured long-term broadcasting rights for South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, as well as the 2027 Men’s and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cups across sub-Saharan Africa.
Saada said the company will continue prioritising live sports, believing exclusive live events offer an advantage over on-demand streaming platforms.
The financial report also revealed that Showmax ceased operating as a standalone business in April 2026 and is now classified as a discontinued operation.
While CANAL+ did not disclose its future streaming plans, the move signals a greater emphasis on improving profitability after years of heavy investment in the platform.
The company added that it has already achieved about half of its targeted €250 million annual synergies, with MultiChoice contributing €120 million in profit improvements during the first half of the year.
However, it cautioned that part of the improvement was influenced by seasonal trends and deferred content payments.
CANAL+ said the success of its turnaround plan will depend on whether lower decoder prices, wider retail access, and premium sports content can continue driving subscriber growth in the coming months.
