By MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV provider and operator of DStv, has warned shareholders of tougher times as the company faces economic challenges.
The company’s subscriber base has dropped sharply from over 23 million to 19.3 million in less than two years, with most of the losses occurring outside South Africa. Over 84% of affected users were DStv customers, according to sources.
MultiChoice attributed the decline to economic pressures, particularly in Nigeria, where inflation has remained above 30% for the past year. Additionally, frequent power disruptions in Zambia have worsened the situation.
In its latest voluntary operational update ahead of its financial results for the year ending March 31, 2025, MultiChoice acknowledged that the harsh economic climate had led to reduced subscriptions and sluggish revenue growth.
The crisis comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny, with Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently filing charges against MultiChoice for allegedly violating local regulations.
As the company struggles with financial strain, stakeholders are bracing for further challenges in the coming months.
