Canal+ completed its takeover of MultiChoice in September 2025. The French media company now inherits a Nigerian pay-TV business that has struggled with subscriber losses and revenue decline. To recover lost ground, Canal+ must address affordability, improve content relevance, and adapt to Nigeria’s unique market realities.
The Challenge
MultiChoice Nigeria lost about 1.4 million subscribers between 2023 and 2025. Subscription revenue fell by 44% year-on-year. The main causes were repeated price hikes, high inflation, power shortages, and growing competition from streaming platforms and piracy.
Pay-TV is increasingly seen as a luxury in Nigeria, and households are turning to cheaper or more flexible options. Canal+ cannot afford to continue with the same model that led to this decline.
Recovery Strategy
Flexible Pricing
Canal+ should reintroduce affordable tiers such as weekly or daily passes. Lower-commitment packages will appeal to consumers struggling with rising costs.
Telco Partnerships
Bundled offers with MTN, Airtel, and other providers can reduce effective costs and make billing easier. Airtime billing and mobile money integration will help reduce churn.
Local Content Investment
Nigerian audiences value Nollywood and local sports. Canal+ must commission more original productions and secure rights that matter to Nigerian viewers.
Mobile-First Approach
Apps should be optimised for low data use and allow offline downloads. A lightweight streaming tier for mobile-only users will capture younger, cost-sensitive audiences.
Affordable Hardware
Introduce cheaper decoders and flexible activation options. Energy-efficient or solar-compatible devices can help overcome power challenges.
Sports and Live Events
Focus on securing rights for local and regional sports that resonate with Nigerian fans. Premium global rights should be pursued selectively, with attention to affordability.
Trust and Goodwill
Regulatory approvals for the takeover came with public-interest commitments. Canal+ must deliver on these promises, from job protection to community investment, to rebuild trust with Nigerian consumers.
Short-Term Priorities
- Freeze further price increases in Nigeria.
- Launch a “Welcome Back Nigeria” campaign with discounted packages and bundled offers.
- Roll out a mobile-first, low-cost streaming option within six months.
Conclusion
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest media markets, but affordability and competition have reshaped consumer expectations. Canal+ has the opportunity to reset MultiChoice’s Nigerian operations with flexible pricing, local-first content, and strong telco partnerships. If executed well, these steps can turn subscriber losses into renewed growth and position Canal+ as a trusted entertainment provider in the country.
