MultiChoice partners with Comcast to create new Showmax streaming service

South Africa-based pay TV operator Multichoice has teamed up with Comcast’s NBC Universal and Sky to form a new Showmax group which will deliver some of the world’s best content and technology to streaming customers across MultiChoice’s 50-market footprint in sub-Saharan Africa.

The companies said the new partnership is designed to create a leading streaming service in Africa which comes at a time when the continent is approaching an inflection point in terms of broadband connectivity and affordability.

The new Showmax group will be 70% owned by MultiChoice and 30% by NBCUniversal, however in Nigeria NBCUniversal will hold an indirect 23.7% stake.

Powered by Peacock’s globally-scaled technology, Showmax will offer an extensive premium content portfolio that will include both local and international programming.

MultiChoice’s portfolio will be combined with content licensed from NBCUniversal and Sky, as well as third party content from HBO, Warner Brothers International, Sony and others. Subscribers will also have access to live broadcast of the English Premier League (EPL) football.

African content will be available such as Showmax Originals and local content from MultiChoice’s proprietary channels including Mzansi Magic, Africa Magic and Maisha Magic.

Using a significant portfolio of global media assets and Peacock’s streaming platform, which finished 2022 with over 20 million paid subscribers in the US, NBCUniversal and Sky will provide ongoing support through the licensing of both technology and content.

A launch date of the streaming service is yet to be revealed.