MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has announced a second price increase within a year, raising subscription costs by at least 20%.
The new pricing, which takes effect on March 1, 2025, comes as the company reported a 9% drop in total active subscribers and economic difficulties across its key African markets.
According to an official customer notification, the updated subscription prices are as follows; DStv Premium which was formerly ₦37,000 will now be ₦45,000, DStv Compact Plus formerly ₦30,000 will now be ₦35,000 while DStv Compact will be ₦19,000 as opposed to ₦15,700.
Notably, subscriber numbers in Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Zambia fell by 13%, largely due to currency devaluation and economic downturns. In Nigeria, the sharp depreciation of the naira contributed to a 32% decline in MultiChoice’s USD revenue, further compounding financial pressures.
MultiChoice has cited inflation and foreign exchange volatility as the primary factors behind its latest price adjustments. In response to these challenges, the company has introduced a cost-cutting strategy aimed at saving $113 million while implementing an “inflationary pricing” model to sustain its revenue stream.
The back-to-back price hikes have sparked concerns among consumers, many of whom are already struggling with rising living costs. Netflix, a key competitor, also increased its prices in 2024, further influencing consumer choices in Africa’s shifting entertainment landscape.
So far, there has been no official response from Nigeria’s Consumer Protection Commission or broadcasting regulators. However, previous price increases by MultiChoice have drawn backlash from both consumers and lawmakers, given the company’s dominant position in the pay-TV market.
With ongoing economic volatility and reduced household spending power, MultiChoice’s ability to maintain its subscriber base in the face of higher costs remains uncertain. As competition in the streaming and pay-TV industry intensifies, the company will need to balance profitability with affordability to sustain its market share.
