Kenyans buying new Samsung Smart TVs will now be able to access DStv Stream immediately after switching on their devices following a new partnership between CANAL+ and Samsung Electronics aimed at accelerating streaming adoption across Africa.
The companies announced the expansion of their strategic partnership to English- and Portuguese-speaking African markets served by MultiChoice Group, with the DStv Stream app now being pre-installed on all new Samsung Smart TVs sold across 18 countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The rollout, which began on June 1, 2026, marks the first time a MultiChoice Group streaming platform has been preloaded onto Samsung Smart TVs in these markets.
Under the arrangement, the DStv Stream app will appear directly on Samsung's home screen alongside major global streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, allowing users to access the service without having to search for or download the application manually.
The move comes as traditional pay television operators face growing pressure from changing consumer viewing habits, with more audiences opting for internet-based, on-demand streaming services over conventional satellite television subscriptions.
The timing is particularly significant for MultiChoice, which has been seeking to strengthen its digital offerings amid declining subscriber numbers in the pay TV sector.
Recent statistics from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) revealed that the local pay TV market lost approximately 85,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2026 alone. DStv was among the major operators affected by the decline, highlighting the increasing importance of streaming services as broadcasters adapt to shifting consumer preferences.
Through the pre-installed app, Samsung users will be able to access a broad range of content available on DStv Stream, including coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, English Premier League matches, domestic and international rugby competitions, as well as local and international entertainment content.
The companies say the partnership is designed to improve accessibility, discoverability and user experience by making MultiChoice's streaming services readily available on connected devices.
The deal also represents one of the most visible consumer-facing benefits emerging from the combination of CANAL+ and MultiChoice Group following the French media giant's acquisition of the African broadcaster.
According to the companies, the expanded agreement builds on a longstanding partnership that has already been implemented across 40 markets in Europe, French-speaking Africa and Asia.
David Mignot, CEO of CANAL+ Africa and CEO of MultiChoice Group, described the rollout as a major milestone in the integration of the two media companies.
"We are delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with Samsung across new English and Portuguese-speaking African countries. It marks a significant milestone in the synergies created by the combination of CANAL+ and MultiChoice Group," Mignot remarked.
Mignot noted that making content easier to access on connected devices had become increasingly important as viewing habits continue to evolve across the continent.
"By expanding the availability of our applications on Samsung Smart TVs across key African markets, we are making it even easier for millions of MultiChoice Group's subscribers to seamlessly access the content that define the uniqueness of CANAL+ and MultiChoice Group experience," he added.
The partnership is expected to bolster MultiChoice's streaming ambitions as competition for African audiences intensifies and broadcasters increasingly pivot toward digital-first distribution models.
