MultiChoice Group, Africa’s leading pay-TV provider, is considering the introduction of weekly DStv subscription packages across its major markets, including Nigeria, following a promising pilot program in Uganda. The potential rollout comes as the company works to adapt to changing customer spending patterns and address subscriber losses across the continent.
Weekly DStv Subscriptions Designed to Match Customer Cash Flow
MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela revealed the company’s plans during an interview with South Africa’s Sunday Times, noting that the Uganda pilot began seven weeks ago and could be extended to other African countries within three to six months if successful.
“It’s a big change, and we think when people are struggling, as we have seen, offering them weekly passes will help, in the same way prepaid mobile services changed the telecoms industry,” Mawela said.
The weekly subscription model aims to align payment options with the daily or weekly income patterns common in many African markets. This flexible model could help retain price-sensitive customers, especially during tough economic conditions.
Customizable DStv Packages Under Consideration
In addition to the weekly plans, MultiChoice is also exploring customisable channel packages, a long-standing request from customers. While a full à la carte offering has been ruled out, Mawela confirmed that the company is working on a modular package structure, where users can:
- Start with a base plan
- Add specific channels or themed bundles such as sports or entertainment
MultiChoice is also re-evaluating its sports content packaging. Mawela hinted at a future where sports channels may be unbundled and offered as a standalone package, similar to international models used by Sky and other global pay-TV platforms.
DStv Subscriber Decline and Financial Pressure
MultiChoice’s strategic review follows a period of significant subscriber losses, particularly in Nigeria and other Rest of Africa (RoA) markets. According to the company’s 2025 financial results:
- RoA’s subscriber base declined from 9.3 million in 2023 to 7.5 million in 2025
- Nigeria accounted for 1.4 million of the 1.8 million total losses over the last two years, 77% of RoA churn
- Group subscription revenue fell by 11% year-on-year
MultiChoice Financial Performance FY 2025
Despite declining revenue, MultiChoice reported a net profit of R2.02 billion for the year ended March 31, 2025, a sharp reversal from a R2.52 billion loss the previous year. The turnaround was largely driven by the sale of a 60% stake in its insurance business to Sanlam in November 2024.
Key financial highlights:
- Group revenue dropped 9% YoY
- South Africa operations remained stable, with revenue rising slightly to R41.73 billion
- Streaming platform Showmax and RoA markets faced revenue and user pressure
What This Means for DStv Customers
If successfully expanded, the weekly DStv plan could:
- Offer more affordability and payment flexibility
- Attract new and returning subscribers
- Support lower-income households with prepaid-style access
- Reinvent DStv’s competitive position against streaming services and IPTV
