Pay-TV giant MultiChoice, now majority-owned by French media group Canal+, has announced a significant 40% reduction in DStv decoder prices, effective November 1, 2025, in a bold move to reclaim its shrinking subscriber base amid intensifying competition from streaming platforms.
The pricing overhaul represents Canal+’s first major strategic intervention since finalizing its acquisition of MultiChoice earlier this year. The company said the adjustment is aimed at making satellite television more affordable for African households, particularly the middle-income segment, which has been steadily migrating toward lower-cost, internet-based entertainment options such as Netflix, Showmax, and YouTube.
In recent years, MultiChoice has faced subscriber attrition and declining average revenue per user (ARPU) across several key markets, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. Analysts attribute this to economic pressures, currency devaluations, and the rapid expansion of mobile streaming services offering flexible and cheaper content packages.
By reducing decoder prices, Canal+ hopes to revive DStv’s market penetration while complementing its existing digital transformation strategy, which includes expanding hybrid viewing options through the DStv Stream app and enhanced content bundling across TV and online platforms.
Industry experts view the price cut as a decisive step to restore competitiveness in Africa’s evolving entertainment landscape. They say Canal+’s entry could usher in a new era of pricing innovation, localized content investment, and improved customer experience for DStv users across the continent.
The company is expected to roll out additional promotional offers and marketing campaigns leading up to the festive season to further stimulate decoder sales and reconnect with millions of former subscribers.
