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Canal+’s New “super app” will Merge DStv, Netflix, and Other Services
Canal+’s new “super app” will merge DStv, Netflix, and other services into one easy-to-use platform. This means people won’t have to switch between many apps to watch their favorite shows, movies, or sports. Instead, they will find everything they want to watch in one place. This is great news for millions of viewers in Africa and beyond.
Canal+ recently became the new owner of MultiChoice, the company that owns DStv. They made this move by buying most of the company’s shares for R125 ($7) each. More than 90% of the shareholders agreed to this deal, so Canal+ now controls almost all of MultiChoice. Together, they serve over 40 million people in 70 countries, with a strong presence in 40 African nations. This makes them one of the biggest entertainment companies on the continent.
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Canal+’s new super app is designed to make life simple for subscribers. Maxime Saada, the CEO of Canal+, explained that their goal is to make it easy and fun to find and watch content from all over the world. This includes both international shows and local African sports and entertainment.
Right now, Canal+ and MultiChoice have separate streaming services. Canal+ works mainly in French-speaking countries, while MultiChoice offers DStv Stream and Showmax for African audiences. With Canal+’s new super app, they want to bring all these services together under one roof. They might also add popular platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and Paramount+. This means viewers could watch shows from different services without leaving the app and even get discounts for bundling these services.
The super app will make it easier to search for shows, manage subscriptions, and enjoy a mix of African and global content. We don’t yet know if the app will be called DStv, Canal+, or a brand-new name. Even though Canal+ doesn’t work directly in South Africa, it competes with DStv in other African markets.
Another important question is what will happen to Showmax, MultiChoice’s streaming service that was revamped in 2024 with help from NBCUniversal. MultiChoice owns 70% of Showmax, and NBCUniversal owns 30%. The relaunch included a big investment of around R4 billion ($231 million), improving the app with better video quality and more content. Showmax is now the third most popular streaming service in Africa, just after Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Even so, Canal+ is still reviewing its partnership with Showmax. Maxime Saada said they need more details before deciding what to do next. So, for now, it’s not clear if Showmax will stay the same, change, or become part of the new super app. Since many Showmax shows already air on DStv, merging them into the super app would be simple if needed.
The launch of Canal+’s new super app could change the way millions of Africans watch TV and movies. Instead of juggling many apps and subscriptions, they will get everything in one place. Whether it’s Premier League football or a Netflix drama, people will be able to watch it all more easily. This merge also makes Canal+ stronger against other big streaming services like Netflix and Amazon as they grow in Africa.
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With the super app, subscribers get more choices and easier access to shows that fit their tastes. This should keep viewers coming back for more. However, some concerns remain about how much the prices will change, how data will be shared, and how local content will be supported. Showmax’s investment in original African shows makes people wonder what will happen to these projects under Canal+’s control.
In summary, Canal+’s new “super app” will merge DStv, Netflix, and other services to give African viewers a better, more convenient way to enjoy entertainment. This is a big move toward bringing streaming together so people can watch what they love without the hassle. Viewers can look forward to a simple, one-stop app for all their favorite content.
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