MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv, has announced a major price cut on its decoders by up to 40 percent across Africa starting November 1, 2025, in a bid to win back millions of subscribers lost in recent years.
The move, which will apply to both online and retail purchases, is part of a renewed strategy to make DStv more affordable and competitive amid growing pressure from global streaming services.
Big Discounts on DStv Decoders
In Kenya, the DStv Explora decoder will drop from KSh 22,500 to KSh 13,500, marking a KSh 9,000 reduction.
MultiChoice says online decoder prices will be lowered by 40 percent, while retail outlets will see reductions of around 30 percent in key markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
MultiChoice Responds to Subscriber Losses
The price reduction follows reports that MultiChoice lost nearly 2.8 million subscribers over the past two years, largely due to economic challenges and increased competition from streaming platforms such as Netflix, Showmax, and Amazon Prime Video.
Industry experts believe the decoder price cuts could attract new customers and re-engage dormant users who had switched to cheaper or more flexible digital alternatives.
Canal+ Drives Affordability Push
The strategy is said to be spearheaded by Canal+, the French media giant that recently acquired a significant stake in MultiChoice.
Canal+ is focusing on pricing accessibility and regional expansion, signaling a more customer-centric approach aimed at revitalizing DStv’s position in Africa’s fast-changing media landscape.
Will Lower Decoder Prices Be Enough?
While the decoder price cuts will reduce entry barriers for new customers, analysts warn that MultiChoice must also address its high monthly subscription fees to remain competitive.
In markets like Kenya, where consumers are increasingly favoring streaming and mobile viewing, success will depend on affordable subscription bundles and flexible content access options.
