Featured post

Beyond Duplication: Building Stronger Institutions

By Fred Nwaozor Nigeria’s law-enforcement institutions remain central to the protection of lives, property, public resources and the rule of law. However, concerns about overlapping mandates, institutional weaknesses, inadequate coordination and the cost of maintaining numerous agencies performing closely related functions have continued to generate debate. Strengthening these institutions should therefore go beyond increasing personnel or procuring equipment. It should involve structural reforms that improve effectiveness, accountability and public confidence. One important area for reform is the rationalisation of agencies with substantially overlapping responsibilities. The existence of several institutions dealing with corruption, financial crimes, economic offences and related misconduct can create duplication, jurisdictional confusion and unnecessary administrative expenditure. A carefully designed merger of related agencies could pr...

Canal+ acquires MultiChoice for $3bn

Frank Musa
The French media giant, Canal+ has reportedly acquired MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion deal.

The acquisition gives Canal+ full control of MultiChoice, the parent company of pay-TV services, DStv and GOtv.

Canal+ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Maxime Saada confirmed the acquisition via a statement issued on July 23, 2025.

However, the transaction is expected to close by October 8, 2025, pending final approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.

The total acquisition received the green light from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday after a long-anticipated takeover.

ALSO READ >>>
US set to withdraw from UNESCO

The deal, valued at approximately 55 billion rand, was confirmed following months of regulatory scrutiny and negotiations.<,p> Canal+, which already held a 45.2% stake in MultiChoice, moved to acquire the remaining shares after investing €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) since 2020.

“The approval by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal marks the final stage in the South African competition process and clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline." Saada stated.

“This acquisition represents a significant step in expanding our presence across Africa, particularly in English-speaking markets.” the CEO said.

The MultiChoice Chairman, Elias Masilela also described the deal as a vote of confidence in the company’s growth strategy.

Masilela said: “The offer from Canal+ endorses MultiChoice’s 40-year track record and our compelling continental growth strategy.

“It is gratifying to note that foreign investors share our view that South Africa and Africa remain attractive growth markets.”

Fred Nwaozor, popularly known as TheMediaAmbassador, is a Nigerian tech expert, author, creative & content writer, media strategist, policy analyst, blogger, public speaker and rights activist. The renowned columnist regularly writes for the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and is the Founder & Convener of Right Thinkers Movement (RITMO), Nigeria. He's a chartered industrial physicist, engineer and IT personnel. As a media guru, he enjoys an active presence in all media segments - including electronic, print & online - since two decades ago till date. As a full-time researcher and educator, he's a regular contributor and peer reviewer for various internationally-noted engineering journals. As Telecommunications and Automation engineer, his research interest mainly lies in System Modelling, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart city, Cybersecurity, Wireless networks, and Machine Learning (ML).