22 November 2019
Showmax launches new plan aimed at increasing Africa’s access to Video on Demand
Updated on 19 April 2021 to reflect latest pricing.
Subscription video on demand services haven’t fully addressed the needs of the majority of consumers in Africa, and the end result is take-up running well behind that seen in other economies.
Showmax is now set to change this with the launch of a new product designed specifically for Africa featuring African content and live sport as well as TV series, movies and kids’ shows.
The subscription video on demand (SVoD) model originated in the USA and spread rapidly in countries where uncapped broadband is affordable and widely available. The model relies on consumers being comfortable with transacting online and having ready access to credit cards. None of these conditions are present for the majority of people in Africa. On top of that, smartphones and tablets are, for many in Africa, the primary, if not only, window to the internet, and up until now none of the most popular SVoD services has designed a product specifically for mobile usage.
In short, SVoD services haven’t adequately addressed the needs of the majority of consumers in Africa. The end result is these services have been out of reach for many, and take-up has been well behind that seen in other economies. But the African SVoD service Showmax is set to change this with the launch of a new product.
Showmax Mobile debuts
The new Showmax Mobile plan costs around 50% of the standard Showmax package but still features 100% of the same video content. What sets Showmax apart is a unique combination of four pillars: hit African content, first and exclusive international series, the best kids’ shows, and live sport, including weekly matches from the English Premier League, Italy’s Serie A, and Spain’s La Liga.
The new plan is specifically aimed at consumers who only use smartphones and tablets to watch video content. Video resolution peaks at standard definition to help reduce data consumption, and as a product for the individual, one concurrent stream is included in the plan. A full comparison of the mobile and standard plans is included in a table below.
Speaking about the launch of the new mobile plan for Africa, Niclas Ekdahl, CEO of the Connected Video division of MultiChoice, said:
“This is all about an African service developing a solution that meets the needs of African consumers. Customer feedback consistently points to local content and sport as some of the things that people value most from Showmax. That’s of course on top of the international series, movies, and kids’ shows that are our bread and butter. With all of that content now available in a product designed specifically for mobile usage, we’re doing something no other service can offer.
“On top of that, with groundbreaking deals like our new offer with Vodacom in South Africa, we solve the credit card issue through add-to-bill payment and the data issue by including data directly in the package. We’re looking to launch similar offers in Kenya and Nigeria soon.”
Comparison of Showmax plans:
| Mobile | Standard | |
| Price per month | R439 / N1200 / KSh300 / GHC16.99 / UGX11,499 / USD2.99 | R99 / N2900 / KSh760 |
| Watch on smartphone or tablet | Yes | Yes |
| Watch on smart TV and computer | No | Yes |
| HD streaming | No | Yes |
| TV series, movies, kids’ shows | Yes | Yes |
| Sport | Yes | Yes |
| Concurrent streams | 1 | 2 |
| Cancel anytime | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast and Airplay | No | Yes |
| Number of devices | 1 registered device | 5 devices can be registered, with 2 able to stream at the same time |
Original African stories by local talent
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream on Showmax from 5 December.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Made in South Africa
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Made in South Africa
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Made in Kenya
Ubuthe Uzobuya
Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Princess on a Hill
Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Nigeria
Brasse Vannie Kaap
Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.
Made in South AfricaYoungins S2, now streaming
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
More Mzansi gold
5 shocking scenes from Themba: My Inked World S2
Reality series Themba: My Inked World takes us back into the chaos that follows every move made by tattoo artist, musician and ex-Big Brother star Themba Broly.
Made in South Africa
Rising star Joshwin Dyson is hunting for ghosts in Spooksoeker
Rising star Joshwin Dyson talks about starring in his first Showmax Original series, Spooksoeker, coming to Showmax on 5 December 2024.
South African
Helen Zille on her drag transformation on Showmax
Helen Zille takes on a quickfire round, offering insights into her time in drag on Die Tollie & Manila Show. New episodes every Monday on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
Rising star Katleho Mabote on Youngins’ tearjerker start
Rising star Katleho Mabote talks about his role as Tokollo in the new season of Youngins, his third Showmax Original role. New episodes land every Friday!
South African