Who / What
Showmax is a subscription video‑on‑demand (SVOD) over‑the‑top (OTT) streaming service that provides on‑demand movies, series and other video programming.
Launched in South Africa on 19 August 2015, it is owned primarily by MultiChoice with a minority stake from NBCUniversal, and operates as a subsidiary of MultiChoice.
Background & History
Showmax was launched on 19 August 2015 in South Africa by MultiChoice as its entry into the subscription streaming market.
MultiChoice holds a 70 % majority stake, while NBCUniversal owns a 30 % share in most territories and an indirect 23.7 % stake in the Nigerian subsidiary.
Through this subsidiary, Showmax established a presence in Nigeria.
In 2023 the company announced a partnership with NBCUniversal and Sky to expand its content and distribution.
Why Notable
Showmax is among the earliest large‑scale subscription streaming platforms in Africa, positioning it as a regional pioneer in the OTT market.
Its ownership structure—majority control by MultiChoice and a significant minority stake by NBCUniversal—creates a unique cross‑media partnership linking MultiChoice's media operations with NBCUniversal's content resources.
The 2023 partnership with NBCUniversal and Sky signals an effort to secure premium global content and broaden its subscriber base.
These factors have made Showmax a key competitor in Africa's rapidly expanding streaming landscape.
In the News
Recent industry news highlights Showmax's 2023 partnership with NBCUniversal and Sky, aimed at enhancing its content library and distribution reach.
The partnership is being discussed in media as a strategic move to strengthen Showmax's competitive position in the African streaming market.
