MultiChoice loses 4 million subscribers over economic hardship

MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and one of Africa’s top entertainment providers, has suffered a massive decline in its subscriber base, losing nearly 4 million customers in less than two years.

The company’s total number of subscribers has dropped from over 23 million to 19.3 million, marking a significant setback.

The sharp decline is attributed to economic challenges in key markets, particularly Nigeria, where inflation has remained above 30% for most of the past year, making it difficult for many households to afford pay-TV subscriptions. Additionally, severe power outages in Zambia have further disrupted operations, compounding MultiChoice’s struggles.

According to the company, more than 84% of the lost subscribers were from outside South Africa, with Nigeria taking the hardest hit. In a statement, MultiChoice explained:

“The loss in the rest of Africa has been primarily due to the significant consumer pressure in Nigeria, where inflation has remained above 30% for the majority of the last 12 months and, more recently, due to extreme power disruptions in Zambia.”

Beyond the economic downturn, MultiChoice is also grappling with regulatory pressure. Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently filed charges against the company for alleged violations of local regulations, adding to its challenges in the region.

With millions of subscribers lost and increasing scrutiny from regulators, the future of MultiChoice in Africa’s largest markets remains uncertain.