Ghanaian DStv and GOtv subscribers are facing another price hike, with MultiChoice Ghana announcing increases of up to 18% starting in April 2025. This change marks the third time the company has raised its rates in less than two years, prompting consumer frustration.
The new pricing structure sees DStv Premium rise by 15% to $134, while Compact Plus moves up by 15% to $52. Compact and Family packages will also see a 15% increase, rising to $30 and $16, respectively. Meanwhile, DStv Access subscribers will pay $15, reflecting a 16% hike, while DStv Lite customers will face the sharpest increase of 18%, bringing their fee to $10. The French Plus add-on is not exempt either, increasing by 14.9% to $43.
This price surge is not limited to Ghana—MultiChoice is implementing similar hikes across Africa, with some packages increasing by over 18% in Zambia, while Nigeria and Malawi are experiencing spikes exceeding 22%.
Ghana’s consumer rights organisation CUTS International has strongly criticised the short notice given for the price adjustment, which was announced less than a week before implementation. Appiah Kusi Adomako, the West African regional director for CUTS International, expressed concern regarding the lack of warning. “Subscribers should have had more time to evaluate their options and adjust their budgets accordingly,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of clear and timely communication, particularly in industries where services are paid for in advance. “Trust and transparency are key to maintaining good customer relationships. Sudden price changes without adequate notice can feel exploitative, especially in markets with limited competition.”
As MultiChoice proceeds with its latest price revision, Ghanaian consumers have little choice but to absorb the increase or reconsider their subscription options.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, MultiChoice has announced its annual price and product adjustments for DStv and Showmax for 2025, focusing on providing exceptional value and diverse entertainment options to customers. Recognising the financial pressures faced by South African households, MultiChoice has implemented considered adjustments, with certain products receiving no increase.
All DStv Stream packages, Box Office movies, and Showmax Entertainment packages will not receive a price increase. Additionally, Showmax Entertainment with the ADD Movies premium movie bolt-on is being reduced to R49 per month, a 38% price reduction.
For Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact subscribers, an additional concurrent stream on any device has been added, allowing customers to enjoy world-class entertainment on more devices and in more environments. Compact customers will also be getting five brand new channels, including the SuperSport Action channel and four new general entertainment offerings.
In addition, Compact customers can look forward to the new season of Shaka Ilembe, which will be the Group’s biggest ever local production spectacle. There will also be three new channels added for the Family package and two new channels for Access customers.
MultiChoice has detailed the adjustments in pricing, with Premium increasing by R50 to R979, Compact Plus by R40 to R659, Compact by R10 to R479, Family by R10 to R339, Access by R11 to R150, and EasyView by R1 to R30. Access fees will also see an increase of R5 to R125.
Interestingly, the Add Movies package will decrease by R30 to R49. The adjustments are necessary in light of the recent announcement that the South African VAT rate will increase by 0.5% to 15.5% from 1 May 2025. MultiChoice stated that it will communicate the impact of this VAT increase on package pricing during April 2025.
Byron Du Plessis, CEO of MultiChoice SA, highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality content and exceptional value to its diverse audience. He stated, “We encourage customers to take advantage of the great price lock deals we have available, which offer amazing value.”
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, MultiChoice remains focused on reviewing its suite of products in line with customer preferences and conditions, as well as the economics of the South African business overall.
For more information on the new package pricing and changes, customers can visit dstv.com and showmax.com.
