Canal+ to Distribute MultiChoice’s African Content Globally Through StudioCanal
Your Favorite African Series is Going Global
The move will see Canal+ leverage its international production and distribution arm, StudioCanal, to bring MultiChoice’s African-made series to audiences around the world. StudioCanal already manages global film and TV rights for major European productions, giving MultiChoice content access to an established international network.
David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, said the goal is to elevate the visibility of African content globally, beginning with hit titles like Shaka Ilembe and Spinners. Both series have already earned acclaim for their production quality and storytelling depth, setting a strong foundation for global expansion.
This marks a strategic shift for Canal+, transforming its acquisition of MultiChoice from a regional consolidation move into a global content play.
The Canal+–MultiChoice Deal
The South African Competition Tribunal approved the takeover earlier in 2025 under several public interest conditions. Canal+ is required to maintain strong investment in local entertainment and sports content, and ensure participation from historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small media enterprises.
These conditions aim to protect South Africa’s creative ecosystem while allowing Canal+ to scale MultiChoice’s output internationally. Under the agreement, MultiChoice’s broadcasting license will remain under a local entity majority-owned by South Africans, satisfying local ownership laws.
Turning Local Hits into Global Franchises
Canal+ is betting on a growing global appetite for authentic African narratives. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Showmax have already proven that African content can travel well when supported by proper distribution and marketing. Canal+ wants to push that momentum further, using its European footprint to expose African productions to new audiences across France, the UK, Asia, and beyond.
For MultiChoice, this is a chance to transform from a regional broadcaster into a content exporter. The company has built a strong catalog through its DStv channels and Showmax streaming platform, but monetizing content beyond Africa has remained limited.
By tapping into Canal+’s distribution power, MultiChoice could turn local productions into global franchises, boosting revenues, creating opportunities for African filmmakers, and redefining how the continent’s stories are told and sold.
What It Takes to Compete with Hollywood
The partnership won’t be without challenges. Global success will require more than cultural authenticity; production standards must match global expectations. Localization, through subtitles, dubbing, and region-specific marketing, will be crucial for shows to resonate outside Africa.
There are also economic factors to consider. Licensing models, revenue-sharing agreements, and rights management can make or break the profitability of international expansion. The question remains whether African content can compete with global studios on both quality and marketing muscle.
Still, Canal+’s timing may be right. The demand for diverse storytelling is rising, and global platforms are more open than ever to sourcing content from emerging markets. If executed well, this collaboration could position Canal+ and MultiChoice as the leading exporters of African entertainment.
The New Era for African Content Exporters
Canal+’s strategy reflects a larger trend: African content is no longer viewed as niche or regional. It’s increasingly seen as a global product with commercial value. This move could catalyze investment across the continent’s film and TV industries, creating new distribution pathways for African creators and giving the world access to stories rarely told at scale.
For now, all eyes are on StudioCanal and how effectively it can market Africa’s most promising productions to the world. If successful, the Canal+–MultiChoice partnership could mark the beginning of Africa’s next major cultural export wave.
