By Cynthia Masibo
In a groundbreaking move for the African streaming landscape, the new Showmax is set to redefine the streaming experience with a refreshed brand, robust content lineup, and competitive pricing. The introduction of the world’s first standalone Premier League plan for
mobile, offering all 380 live games for just Ksh 500 a month, marks a significant milestone. Marc Jury, CEO of Showmax, highlights the product’s game-changing nature, providing affordable access to football for millions of smartphone users across the continent.
With over 450 million smartphones in Africa, Showmax aims to be the top streamer on the continent, emphasizing affordability. The Showmax Entertainment plan drops to Ksh 650 a month, while the Showmax Entertainment Mobile plan is offered at an astonishing Ksh 300 a month. Bundled offers starting at Ksh 700 provide additional value.
The success of Showmax’s streaming ambitions hinges on a new technical platform, developed in collaboration with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky. Leveraging the expertise of thousands of engineers, the platform has a proven track record, streaming major events like Super Bowl LVI and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final. Patrick Miceli, EVP & CTO of NBCUniversal, assures a world-class streaming experience for Showmax audiences.
Showmax’s content expansion includes 21 new Originals launching in February, contributing to a 150% increase in production output. The international partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky ensures a diverse content lineup, featuring popular titles from Universal Pictures, NBC, Peacock, and more. Paramount, HBO, and other renowned brands add to the rich content offering.
Recognizing the importance of the African market, Showmax CEO Calvo Mawela states, “Nobody understands Africa like we do,” positioning Showmax as a service designed to cater specifically to the continent’s diverse audience.
The new Showmax app, set to launch on January 23, 2024, will be available in app stores across 44 markets. Existing customers will receive communication on the migration process, with full implementation expected by February 12, 2024. The introduction of mobile downloads for offline viewing and a mobile-only plan further enhances accessibility, while partnerships with Moment and DStv offer a broad range of payment options and discounts for subscribers. Showmax’s evolution marks a significant leap forward in the African streaming landscape, promising an exciting era for viewers across the continent.