MultiChoice is set to unveil the upgraded Showmax platform, Showmax 2.0, in February 2024, replacing standard and Pro subscriptions with three new plans: Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile, and Showmax Premier League.
This development follows NBCUniversal’s acquisition of a 30% stake in Showmax, leading to the formation of Earth UK Holdings Limited (EarthCo) in partnership with Sky Group.
Showmax Entertainment Mobile, exclusively for mobile devices, limits video resolution to standard definition and allows only one simultaneous stream per subscription.
On the other hand, Showmax Entertainment supports streaming on various devices, allowing two simultaneous streams and access to high-definition content.
Neither entertainment plan provides access to content from competitors or live Premier League matches.
However, Showmax Premier League, the first standalone mobile streaming service of its kind in Africa, offers live coverage of every Premier League match and additional content, exclusive to mobile devices.
In preparation for the relaunch in February, Showmax plans to expand its content lineup across Africa in December.
This expansion includes locally produced stations like Africa Magic, Mzansi Magic, and Maisha Magic, along with international content from Sky, NBCUniversal, HBO, Warner Brothers, and Sony.
This strategic move by Showmax follows a report by Omdia in August 2023, indicating that Showmax has gained market share in Africa’s streaming market, surpassing Netflix.
In 2021, Netflix held over 40% of the market, but by 2022, its share had dropped to 35%, with Showmax taking the lead at 40%.
The competitive landscape is evolving, with Showmax and Amazon Prime driving this shift.
Introduced in 2015, Showmax is available in over 40 African markets. Notably, starting December 1, 2023, Showmax will no longer be accessible outside Africa, marking a strategic focus on the continent.
