DStv, the flagship satellite television service from MultiChoice, is reportedly testing weekly subscription plans as a flexible alternative to its traditional monthly model amid economic challenges across sub-Saharan Africa.
The news, initially reported by various media outlets and eventually confirmed by MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela, signifies a proactive approach by the entertainment giant to adapt to the evolving economic realities of its key markets.
Why DStv Needs a New Playbook
Rising inflation and fluctuating currency rates significantly affect consumer budgets in Nigeria (DStv’s biggest client) and other key markets in sub-Saharan Africa. Inflation in Nigeria is currently hovering around 22.97%, according to May reports from CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria), with a minimum wage of ₦70,000 monthly and GDP per capita at $835.49.
When compared to the 8.5% inflation rate in 2013, the ₦18,500 minimum wage, and the GDP per capita at approximately $2,998, the standard of living has significantly depreciated, with households spending more on necessities than on luxury. Many Nigerian households are struggling to get by, and this makes it nearly impossible for these households to maintain subscription payments for DStv.
Between January and March 2025, DStv increased the prices of its packages by over 20%, which significantly affected its already dwindling number of subscribers, highlighting how financially strained households are becoming subscription-averse. Over the past 2 years, MultiChoice has lost over 1.8 million subscribers, with Nigeria accounting for 1.4 million of the cut.
Also, DStv has been facing regulatory scrutiny in countries like Nigeria and Ghana due to its subscription hike. In Nigeria, the FCCPC (Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) summoned MultiChoice over frequent price hikes, citing market dominance and consumer exploitation.
In Ghana, DStv hiked its packages by almost 15%, causing scrutiny by CUTS International (Consumer Unity & Trust Society) of its short-notice increases and consumer exploitation due to market domination.
What Could Weekly Look Like?
DStv has already introduced a “Ka Weekie” package in Uganda in April 2025 for all subscriber plans across Access, Family, Compact, Gotv Lite, Max, Supa, and Supa Plus. And so far the uptake has been promising.
Taking the Ka Weeki as a precedent, this is what a weekly subscription with DStv would look like if it extended to other parts of the sub-Saharan regions:
- A pay-as-you-view structure: subscribers would pay for weeks they watch, reducing idle expenses.
- In Uganda the weekly fee is just 30% of the usual monthly price; it is, however, not certain if this will be the same for other countries as well.
- Add-ons like Showmax are not included in the weekly subscription plan.
- Weekly subscriptions will be available for existing customers from the start date of the service. New customers will have to subscribe to a full monthly subscription before accessing weekly options.
What This Means for Subscribers and the Industry
For the average DStv subscriber living in sub-Saharan Africa, the introduction of a weekly model could be a game-changer. The flexibility it provides will allow greater control over spending, allowing families to subscribe during weeks they have disposable incomes or special events they would like to follow up on on-air.
The weekly package would make DStv more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, particularly those in the middle-class bracket. Should the weekly model prove successful, the industry has the potential to return to its previous heights, provided it can effectively balance profitability and affordability.
DStv’s exploration of a weekly subscription model in Sub-Saharan Africa is a clear indication of the company’s willingness to adapt to the shifting economic tides. While the full impact remains to be seen, the potential impact of this model is set to reshape the landscape of subscription TV.
