MultiChoice to relaunch Showmax in 2024

African pay TV group MultiChoice has revealed ambitions to turn its OTT platform Showmax into the number one streaming service in Africa.

The SVoD service will be relaunched in February 2024 with a new look, app and product suite. The rollout comes after the announcement of the partnership between Showmax and Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky earlier this year.

The new Showmax group is 70% owned by MultiChoice and 30% by NBCUniversal following the partnership. In Nigeria, NBCUniversal will hold an indirect 23.7% stake in the local subsidiary.

The new Showmax will have three core offerings: Showmax Entertainment, Showmax Entertainment Mobile and Showmax Premier League. Powered by SuperSport and made for mobile users, Showmax Premier League is the first standalone Premier League mobile streaming service to launch in Africa, according to MCG.

Showmax was launched in 2015 and is available in more than 40 markets across the continent. It offers original African content, international series, movies, documentaries and kids’ shows.

In preparation for the relaunch, the streamer is ramping up its content slate in December. Programming will include the platform’s first 2D animation, Twende, as well as second seasons of Adulting, and reality series Kwa Mam’Mkhize.

“We can’t wait to share the new Showmax,” said Showmax CEO Marc Jury. “We have an incredibly powerful new technology platform, a bold brand that truly represents our driving spirit and a content slate that is unmatched. No other streaming service in Africa can offer what Showmax is bringing to the table in the new year.

“Streaming in Africa is about to take off and we’re ready to change the game. We have all the ingredients in place to become the number one streaming service for Africa.”