DStv introduced new subscription packages in several African countries from 5 November 2026, including Kenya, Ghana, Uganda and Zambia. The change brought cheaper ways for viewers to watch top football, IOL reported.
In Kenya, a new Sports package costs KSh3,000 (US$23.09) a month. It includes every Premier League and UEFA Champions League match.
In Ghana, the same kind of package costs GH¢250 (US$21.47). Viewers there used to pay GH¢563 (US$48.34) for the full football offering, a cut of about 56%.
MultiChoice Kenya chief executive Nzola Miranda explained the thinking behind the new prices. “You either increase prices, you get more money from less people, or you increase the number of customers, even if they pay lower,” he said.
Canal+ completed its takeover of MultiChoice in December 2025. According to the report, it wanted to split subscriptions into more separate tiers. Viewers no longer need the most expensive package to watch top football.
The changes were not the same in every country. South Africa moved content between packages but did not lower existing prices, IOL reported.
Nigeria kept its old top package price but added a separate Sports package. The report said each market faced different buying power, conditions and pressure from regulators.
In Ghana, the new prices followed a long fight between the government and MultiChoice over costs. In 2025, Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George demanded lower prices and threatened action by regulators.
The broadcaster also widened the ways people can watch. In June 2026, DStv Stream came pre-installed on new Samsung Smart TVs in 18 African countries. This lets DStv reach homes without a satellite decoder.
Not every partnership held. In July 2026, Canal+ confirmed it would remove seven TF1 Group channels from its African offering. These included TF1, TMC, TFX and news channel LCI, after the two sides failed to agree on new terms.
Telecom companies have also joined the race. MTN launched MTN One TV in June, a mobile service with local stories, live television and international shows.
In October 2026, MTN One TV released its first original series, 100 Ways to Stay Single in Lagos. Nigerian filmmaker Mimi Bartels produced it, with creative talent from Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana.
“Entertainment is increasingly becoming an important gateway to digital participation,” said Selorm Adadevoh, MTN Group’s chief commercial, strategy and transformation officer. He said MTN was using its networks and payment services to widen access to content.
Research quoted in the report estimated that streaming revenue across sub-Saharan Africa will grow from US$1.8 billion in 2026 to US$3.1 billion by 2031.
The MTN series is already available to viewers in South Africa, Ghana and Zambia. MTN plans a wider rollout across its other markets.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Entertainment. Image: IOL Entertainment. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.