MultiChoice Nigeria Now French-Owned, CEO Kemi Omotosho Clarifies

The company powering DStv and GOtv in Nigeria is now under French ownership, operating as part of CANAL+, a global media and entertainment group. Kemi Omotosho, the first Nigerian woman to steer MultiChoice Nigeria, clarified the company’s structure, emphasizing that despite the September 2025 acquisition, the business remains “deeply Nigerian” with its operations and strategy firmly rooted in the local market’s realities.

Omotosho, who brings experience leading teams across various African markets, highlighted her focus on building a strong local team, prioritizing the customer, and accelerating business growth. She stressed that her leadership aims to make a tangible impact on customers, employees, and the business itself. The company has been a fixture in Nigeria for over three decades, building a substantial ecosystem of Nigerian teams, partners, producers, and creatives.

The ownership structure means MultiChoice Nigeria operates within the framework of its parent company, which boasts operations in 70 countries. This integration, Omotosho explained, grants MultiChoice Nigeria access to greater scale, advanced technology, diverse content, and international expertise. Yet, she maintained that the day-to-day decision-making and commercial strategies in Nigeria are still tailored to meet the specific needs and demands of the Nigerian audience.

MultiChoice’s evolution in Nigeria extends far beyond its origins as a pay-TV provider. Over 30 years, it has transformed into a significant investor across the entire media and creative value chain. This includes substantial investments in local content creation and production, technological advancements, infrastructure development, and crucial skills training. The ripple effect of these investments supports a wide network of producers, actors, production crews, dealers, and small businesses, thereby creating jobs and sustaining livelihoods across the country.

Initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory are central to this strategy, focusing on developing young filmmakers and production talent. The program equips them with practical skills, enabling them to build careers, launch their own businesses, and subsequently create employment opportunities for others. This shows MultiChoice's commitment to fostering the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy, moving beyond mere content distribution to active investment in its foundational elements.

Local content, talent, and investment are described as fundamental to MultiChoice Nigeria’s long-term vision. The company aims to cultivate an environment where Nigeria’s vast creative talent can flourish and achieve global recognition. This involves continuous investment in Nigerian storytelling, filmmakers, actors, and production capabilities, with an eye on nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. The ambition is to produce content that not only resonates with Nigerians but also gains traction across Africa and the international market, positioning Nigeria as a global creative powerhouse.

Regarding operational autonomy, Omotosho affirmed that MultiChoice Nigeria retains significant flexibility in making its own commercial and operational decisions. This adaptability is crucial for responding effectively to the unique and dynamic realities of the Nigerian market, ensuring that the company's strategies remain relevant and impactful.