MultiChoice invests millions into one major competitive advantage

Local content is one of MultiChoice’s big competitive advantages over international players like Netflix, and it is investing millions to maintain this lead.

In its interim results, MultiChoice revealed that it had produced 2,763 hours of local content, bringing its local content library to 86,215 hours.

Showmax Originals continued to excel, engaging viewers and earning local and international accolades.

Spinners won Best Foreign Series at the Shanghai TV Festival, while Afrikaans drama Wyfie received a nomination at the prestigious Seoul International Drama Awards.

Showmax local content received over 118 South African Film and Television Awards nominations, the most of any streaming platform.

MultiChoice also dominated the Kenyan Kalasha Awards with eight awards, including Best TV Show for The Real Housewives of Nairobi.

Showmax was also recognised as the home of the Best Scripted Series (Itura) and the Best Unscripted Series (GH Queens) at Nigeria’s 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

MultiChoice continued its investment in local African content through its Ombura-project in Namibia.

In April 2025, MultiChoice Namibia provided details on the project’s second phase, including new series, films, and documentaries.

The Ombura project has produced 19 films, a lifestyle series, and a documentary, empowering 800 local filmmakers.

MultiChoice Namibia has also launched a dedicated film festival in Namibia to showcase new local content and support the local film industry.

The Ombura project, now in its second phase, further drives local content production, with new series like Op Pad Met My Potjie and Bora Box.

Other locally produced content includes the film Crossover Hearts, Desert Film’s The Long Road, and the Afrikaans show Groen Namibië.

MultiChoice Namibia managing director Rogert Gertze said they invest in hyperlocal storytelling to serve their audience.

“Beyond storytelling, we are actively investing in the future of African film and television,” Gertze said.

This investment includes training, funding, and supporting the next generation of local talent. “This is because when Africa tells its own stories, the world listens,” he said.

This article was first published by Daily Investor and is reproduced with permission.