Canal+ completes $2 billion takeover of DStv

French media powerhouse Canal+ has officially taken control of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv, Showmax and SuperSport, in a landmark $2 billion deal that reshapes Africa’s broadcasting landscape.

The takeover, finalised last week, hands Canal+ a combined footprint of over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries, positioning the company as a serious rival to global streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+.

Regulatory Workaround in South Africa

Because of South Africa’s strict foreign ownership laws in broadcasting, MultiChoice has created a locally controlled entity known as “LicenceCo” to hold its broadcasting licence, ensuring compliance while still enabling Canal+ to consolidate operational control.

Leadership Shake-Up

Key leadership changes followed swiftly after the acquisition:

• David Mignot becomes CEO of Canal+ Africa.


• Nicolas Dandoy has been appointed CFO.


• Calvo Mawela, who stepped down as MultiChoice CEO, stays on as Chair of Canal+ Africa — providing continuity amid the transition.

What It Means for Africa

The merger comes with pledges to invest heavily in local content, support historically disadvantaged groups in South Africa, and maintain the group’s strong backing for sports and entertainment programming.

Analysts suggest that the deal could:

• Strengthen Africa’s content pipeline with new original productions.


• Give Canal+ greater financial power to bid for premium broadcasting rights, particularly in sports.


• Expand Showmax as a pan-African streaming challenger.

Viewer Impact

For now, subscribers will see little immediate change: subscription fees and channel line-ups remain the same.

However, in the long term, Canal+’s global reach is expected to reshape viewing habits across Africa, with potential changes in pricing, expanded streaming options, and a richer blend of international and African content.