Mwah: Swapo and Canal’s MultiChoice marriage sealed

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has ruled that the merger between MultiChoice and French media giant Canal constitutes an indirect transfer of control, but carries no implications for MultiChoice Namibia’s broadcasting licence or ownership.MultiChoice Namibia remains majority-owned by Swapo’s commercial arm, Kalahari Holdings, which holds a 51% stake, with the remaining 49% owned by MultiChoice Africa.The decision strengthens the regulatory framework that allows foreign parties to hold minority stakes in local broadcasters, while preventing them from exercising full control.CRAN’s executive for communications and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesongano, said the merger between MultiChoice South Africa and Canal could reshape the Southern African Development Community (SADC) media landscape.“As CRAN, we are particularly interested in how this consolidation might enhance value for Namibian consumers, who remain the primary beneficiaries of any such market developments. We will continue to monitor developments to ensure that the interests of local consumers and industry players are safeguarded,” he said.Nesongano highlighted potential benefits for Namibia, including access to a wider range of high-quality content, improved broadcasting services, and investments in infrastructure, technology, and production.“The deal could also stimulate job creation in content production, broadcasting, and distribution, while driving investment in local content development. This has the potential to promote culturally relevant programming and give greater visibility to Namibian talent,” he said.He further noted that regional integration through the merger could foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, boosting the professionalisation of Namibia’s creative industries.The Namibian Competition Commission also approved the transaction, finding it unlikely to reduce competition or entrench dominance in the market. No public interest concerns were raised. However, the commission cautioned that this approval does not exempt the parties from complying with other statutory requirements under Namibian law.MultiChoice Namibia’s ownership remains politically significant. Since 1991, Kalahari Holdings’ stake has provided a major revenue stream for Swapo, with the investment arm reportedly earning large dividends over the years. Whether that will continue remains unclear, as questions to Kalahari Holdings went unanswered.Meanwhile, Canal has finalised its US$2 billion takeover of MultiChoice South Africa, announcing a new board for the company. The deal makes Canal the dominant force in Africa’s fast-growing pay-TV market, where MultiChoice operates in 50 countries.The acquisition is the largest in Canal ’s history, underscoring the French company’s ambition to cement itself as a leading global media player.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Mwah: Swapo and Canal’s MultiChoice marriage sealed

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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Mwah: Swapo and Canal’s MultiChoice marriage sealed

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-12

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