Canal+ is making its boldest move in decades, committing more than $3 billion to expand its African operations in a direct challenge to streaming giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The French media group is doubling down on satellite television even as global attention shifts to on-demand streaming, betting that the continent’s fast-growing population and improving connectivity will secure long-term dominance in pay-TV.
Betting on Broadcast in a Streaming Age
At a time when most Western entertainment groups are cutting costs and rationalising platforms, Canal+ is pursuing a contrarian strategy: expanding its satellite reach and local production base. The investment — spread over five years — will fund new satellites, studio facilities, and regional partnerships across more than 30 African countries.
Executives argue that while broadband streaming may dominate in Europe and North America, much of Africa remains better served by satellite, where infrastructure is more reliable and coverage more extensive. For millions of households, set-top boxes and prepaid smart cards still offer the most practical entry point into premium entertainment.
“Streaming is the future — but not everywhere and not for everyone yet,” a Canal+ executive remarked privately. “In Africa, distribution is still about reach, trust and localisation. We’re investing for where the market is going, not just where it’s loudest.”
A Continental Ambition
The expansion builds on Canal+’s strong foothold in francophone Africa, where the group already holds the largest pay-TV subscriber base. The new plan aims to extend that dominance into anglophone markets including Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana, with a focus on sport, African cinema, and family programming.
Local production will be central to the strategy. Canal+ has announced plans to launch new studios in Lagos and Nairobi, nurturing regional talent and developing series tailored to African audiences. The company is also boosting its investment in Nollywood films and pan-African co-productions, positioning itself as both a broadcaster and content originator.
The investment coincides with Canal+’s broader international push. Its parent, Vivendi, has sought to transform the network into a global player capable of competing with U.S. streaming giants while maintaining strong cultural links to Europe and emerging markets. Africa, with its young demographics and accelerating digital adoption, represents both the group’s largest growth opportunity and its fiercest competitive test.
The Netflix Question
Netflix, which entered the African market in 2016, has made steady inroads but continues to face hurdles around pricing, bandwidth, and payment systems. Its African subscriber base remains concentrated in South Africa and Nigeria, with growth limited by patchy internet coverage.
Canal+ sees this as its window. By combining linear channels with hybrid on-demand services delivered through satellite-internet hybrids, the group hopes to reach consumers who have been left behind by the streaming boom. Its latest decoders include offline viewing options and mobile integration, allowing users to move seamlessly between TV and smartphone without relying solely on broadband.
Analysts describe the strategy as a pragmatic “bridge model” — preserving the economics of subscription television while gradually introducing digital flexibility. If successful, it could enable Canal+ to dominate mass-market entertainment long before broadband coverage becomes universal.
Football, Film and Local Identity
Sport remains the biggest draw. Canal+ has long held broadcast rights to Ligue 1, Premier League highlights, and the African Cup of Nations. The new investment will expand its sports portfolio and improve production standards for local leagues, a move designed to cement loyalty among younger viewers.
In film and drama, the group is focusing on distinctly African narratives, recognising that authenticity often outperforms imported content. Its strategy contrasts with the global streamers’ one-size-fits-all model, which has sometimes struggled to resonate across diverse markets.
“Entertainment in Africa isn’t just about distribution — it’s about belonging,” said a Lagos-based producer working with the company. “Canal+ understands that to win hearts, you have to speak the language of the audience — literally and culturally.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite its confidence, Canal+ faces real headwinds. Economic pressures, currency volatility and political instability across parts of the continent complicate operations. Piracy remains widespread, and consumer affordability is limited in many regions. Moreover, competition from low-cost local streaming platforms is intensifying, especially among younger, mobile-first audiences.
Still, Canal+ is wagering that its early-mover advantage, combined with deep regional relationships and a mixed delivery model, will outweigh these challenges. The company’s bet is as much on timing as technology — that satellite still has a decade of relevance before full streaming penetration arrives.
A Continental Play for the Long Term
If the plan succeeds, Canal+ could emerge as the dominant entertainment network across Africa — a rare European success story on a continent increasingly targeted by global tech and media giants. The $3 billion commitment signals that, even in an era obsessed with apps and algorithms, old-school broadcast still has the power to reach the next billion viewers.
For now, Canal+ is betting that Africa’s skies — not just its screens — hold the key to the future of television.
