Paramount+ streaming service to launch in Africa through MultiChoice

Paramount Global Content Distribution has signed a deal that will see its streaming platform Paramount+ launched through the MultiChoice Group in Africa.

The new agreement is part of Paramount's strategy to expand the Paramount+ brand globally and will see MultiChoice create a Paramount+ branded destination on its platform.

Paramount said the branded destination will offer African audiences access to new and returning television series and feature films, marking the debut of the Paramount+ brand on the continent.

That means that MultiChoice viewers will have access to content from CBS, Paramount+ Originals, Showtime and Paramount Pictures.

Viewers will find films and television series such as Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Poker Face, Special Ops: Lioness, Lawmen: Bass Reeves and the upcoming new series Landman as well as returning series such as Survivor.

"The expansion of our long-standing relationship with MultiChoice from a traditional licensing deal to a fully dedicated, Paramount+ branded destination on the platform is a testament to the tremendous effort of Paramount Global to continue to build the offering from multiple content pillars," said , Lisa Kramer, Paramount's president for global content distribution and international content licensing.

"This agreement reflects our commitment to providing our viewers with world-class entertainment options and expands our offering with iconic content," added Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice South Africa's general entertainment CEO.

MultiChoice in the news

As the target of a takeover bid by French pay-TV company Canal+, the MultiChoice Group has been making headlines recently.

The Group rejected the French company's offer, saying that it would not continue talks with Canal+ after its board concluded that the pay-TV company's offer significantly undervalued MultiChoice.

MultiChoice has increased its commitment to online streaming platforms and recently signed multiple deals to make it Africa's largest pay-TV operator.

Just last week, the company signed a multi-year distribution deal with The Walt Disney Company Africa, allowing MultiChoice to retain its current portfolio of Disney linear channels until 2027.

In March 2023, MultiChoice partnered with US-based Comcast's NBCUniversal and UK-based Sky to create a pan-African streaming service.

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That partnership led to the companies relaunching MultiChoice's video entertainment streaming offering Showmax and committing to investing heavily in the platform.

Under the deal, 70% of the new version of Showmax is owned by MultiChoice and 30% by NBCUniversal and powered by Peacock's globally scaled technology.

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*Top image source: Image by Freepik

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa