Sierra Leone’s population was approximately 8.86 million at that time. This means that about 7.02 million people did not use the Internet. The lack of access limits opportunities for youth, especially in creative industries.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory has trained hundreds of young filmmakers across Africa, including Sierra Leone. However, many still struggle to reach audiences due to poor connectivity. Alex Xolo, a writer who won a Safta for his work on the youth drama series LLB (Law, Love and Betrayal), noted that storytelling deals with human issues on all levels.

GlobalCorp seeks to sell its operations for $200 million amid these challenges. The company provides non-banking financial services such as direct leases and consumer finance solutions. Yet, the digital gap may hinder its growth potential in Sierra Leone.

Salima Monorma Bah emphasized that despite expanding the national fiber backbone to 14 of the country’s 16 districts, the usage gap remains high. This situation impacts not only personal connections but also access to essential services.

The future remains uncertain as Sierra Leone continues to grapple with its digital divide. Officials have not shared any specific plans to address these connectivity issues comprehensively.

The post MultiChoice Faces Challenges Amid Sierra Leone’s Digital Divide appeared first on newskenya.

Sierra Leone’s population was approximately 8.86 million, yet 7.02 million people did not use the Internet at that time. This gap highlights the challenges of accessibility and affordability.

The expansion of the national fiber backbone (NFB) to 14 out of 16 districts has not resolved the issue. Salima Monorma Bah noted, “Despite the national fiber backbone being expanded to 14 of the country’s 16 districts, the usage gap remains high.”

In film and television, initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory aim to empower young filmmakers across Africa. This program has trained hundreds of individuals, helping to develop local content and storytelling.

Alex Xolo, a participant in this program, won a Safta for his writing on the show LLB (Law, Love and Betrayal). He expressed his surprise at his achievement, stating, “It still feels surreal and unexpected.” He encourages others to pursue their passions despite uncertainties: “Start, even if you’re unsure. Do it scared.”

GlobalCorp is also involved in this landscape, preparing for a potential sale valued at $200 million. They provide non-banking financial services including direct leases and consumer finance.

The future remains uncertain as officials have not disclosed how these developments will impact the digital landscape in Sierra Leone. However, bridging this digital divide will be crucial for economic growth and access to essential services.

The post MultiChoice Faces Digital Divide Challenges in Sierra Leone appeared first on newskenya.

In response to these issues, Canal+, which finalized its acquisition of MultiChoice in 2025, has set a target for cost savings of €400 million by 2030. The restructuring efforts include the retirement of Showmax at the end of April 2026, a decision driven by ongoing financial losses that have contributed to a 49% decline in MultiChoice’s trading profit.

As part of its cost-cutting strategy, Canal+ has implemented voluntary severance packages for its staff in South Africa, affecting a workforce of around 17,000. Additionally, the DStv Delicious Festival has ended its partnership with DStv, further illustrating the impact of these measures on cultural and entertainment sponsorships.

David Mignot, a spokesperson for Canal+, acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Financially speaking, business-wise speaking, the thing is not flying.” He emphasized the company’s focus on building subscribers rather than increasing pricing at this time, indicating a cautious approach to revenue generation.

Canal+ is prioritizing its core satellite and hardware infrastructure over lifestyle branding, a shift that reflects the need to stabilize and grow the business amid these challenges. The company aims to achieve targeted synergies of €250 million across the combined business, which could help mitigate some of the financial strain.

Despite these efforts, uncertainties remain regarding the future of the DStv Delicious Festival’s naming rights, as organizers are currently seeking a new sponsor. Furthermore, the broader impact of Canal+’s cost-cutting measures on cultural and entertainment sponsorships remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed.

The post MultiChoice Faces Major Restructuring Amid Subscriber Losses appeared first on newskenya.

In a significant development for streaming services in Africa, MultiChoice has announced that Showmax will cease operations on April 30, 2026, as it transitions its content to the new platform, DStv Stream. This move aims to consolidate the company’s streaming offerings and retain existing customers amidst a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The transition comes with a promise of enhanced viewing options for subscribers. DStv Stream will feature over 100 live channels and provide full access to SuperSport, including coverage of the Premier League. Showmax Originals, which have been pivotal in showcasing African storytelling, will also be available on the new platform, marking a continuation of the content that many viewers have come to appreciate.

To facilitate this transition, existing Showmax users are being offered a free trial of DStv Stream Compact until May 30, 2026. After the trial period, subscribers can continue their service at a significantly reduced rate of KES 550 per month for the first 12 months, compared to the standard price of over KES 4,000. This promotional offer represents a substantial discount, making it an attractive option for users looking to maintain their streaming access.

However, not all Showmax users will benefit from the trial. Existing DStv customers who already receive Showmax through their subscription will not be eligible for the free trial and will need to actively sign up for DStv Stream, creating a new profile to access the service. This requirement has raised questions about the ease of transition for current customers.

As part of the new platform, DStv Stream will include features such as offline downloads and a ‘Watch From Start’ option, enhancing the user experience. The new Showmax section will offer a mix of local and international programming, catering to a diverse audience. The shutdown of Showmax marks the end of an era for one of Africa’s most prominent streaming services, which has played a crucial role in the region’s media landscape.

Industry experts note that this transition reflects a broader trend toward consolidation in streaming services, as companies seek to streamline their offerings and improve customer retention. The objective, according to MultiChoice executives, is to ensure continuity for users, with Willington Ngwepe stating, “The objective is continuity, with the combined platform carrying forward Showmax Originals alongside a broader on-demand library.” Nzola Miranda, another executive, emphasized the impact of Showmax, saying, “Showmax helped unlock a wave of world-class African storytelling.”

As the transition approaches, customers who choose not to migrate to DStv Stream will have the option to request refunds for any unused portions of their Showmax subscriptions. Details remain unconfirmed regarding whether audiences will perceive added value in DStv Stream compared to Showmax, as the streaming landscape continues to evolve.

The post DStv Stream Transition: What You Need to Know appeared first on newskenya.