MultiChoice turns down CANAL+'s proposal for acquisition - along with other African news headlines
In a significant move, CANAL Plus, the Vivendi-owned pay-TV company, has extended a non-binding acquisition offer to MultiChoice Group Ltd, the South African media giant. The offer aims to acquire all the shares that CANAL Plus does not already own in MultiChoice, making the French company the sole owner. However, MultiChoice has rejected the offer, deeming it undervalued.
As the largest shareholder in MultiChoice, CANAL Plus currently holds a 30% stake in the company. CANAL Plus is also one of the largest satellite television services in Francophone Africa, making this potential takeover a strategic move to break into new markets like Nigeria and Kenya.
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has awarded a project for a Wireless Internet Cloud at Nasarawa State's College of Education Akwanga. The project includes a 10km Fiber Network, Network Operating Center, Dedicated Power Bank, 240 Mbps of Free Internet Service, and One Free Line Internet Bandwidth. This initiative is in line with the NCC's commitment following the recent enactment of the Right of Way Regulation 2023 in Nasarawa State, which eliminates charges for the installation, placement, laying, and maintenance of telecommunication network facilities.
Elsewhere in Africa, the story of Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, is far from over. Despite being active in Botswana and many other African countries, Starlink's application to operate in Botswana has been rejected. The rejection was due to a lack of necessary information in the application, leading to its rejection by the country's Communication Authority. Starlink is also yet to launch in South Africa, where regulatory hurdles remain.
However, Starlink's service provides internet speeds up to about 220 Mbps with affordable monthly plans and growing satellite coverage, enhancing connectivity in remote and underserved African regions. The service is currently available in over 20 African countries, including Lesotho, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia, and many more.
In a bid to transform the energy landscape in Africa, Dyque has launched Dyque Cube, the world's first 5-in-1 AI-powered solar powerhouse, in Nigeria. The Dyque Energy App ensures seamless energy management for Dyque Cube, maximizing savings and efficiency. Dyque Cube offers efficient and sustainable power solutions for homes and businesses with its 15-minute stackable installation and advanced features.
As the tech and media landscape in Africa continues to evolve, these developments highlight the potential for growth and innovation in the continent. Whether it's in television, internet, or renewable energy, African companies and services are making strides to bridge the gap in connectivity and sustainable energy solutions.
[1] Source: Starlink Africa Availability (https://www.starlink.com/where-starlink-is-available) [2] Source: South Africa's Starlink Service Stalled Despite High Demand (https://www.techradar.com/news/south-africas-starlink-service-stalled-despite-high-demand) [3] Source: Starlink Africa: A New Era of Connectivity (https://www.techweez.com/2021/09/10/starlink-africa-a-new-era-of-connectivity/) [4] Source: Paratus to Bring Starlink Connectivity to Remote Schools in Botswana (https://www.paratus.co.bw/paratus-to-bring-starlink-connectivity-to-remote-schools-in-botswana/)
- The potential takeover of MultiChoice by CANAL Plus, a significant player in technology and media, could be a strategic move to expand into new markets like Nigeria and Kenya.
- Starlink, a satellite internet service by Elon Musk, offers internet speeds up to 220 Mbps with affordable plans and is currently available in over 20 African countries, including Nigeria, enhancing connectivity in remote regions.
