Paramount Africa has officially announced that it will cease all operations by the end of December 2025, bringing to a close more than twenty years of broadcasting and media production across South Africa, Nigeria, and the wider continent. For decades, the company served as one of Africa’s most recognisable entertainment brands, reaching over 100 million viewers in 52 territories and offering a diverse catalogue of youth culture, music, comedy, and children’s programming. However, the broadcaster has now become one of the casualties of a major global restructuring effort initiated by its parent company, Paramount Global.
The division is well-known for its portfolio of iconic channels, including MTV, MTV Base, Comedy Central, BET, Nickelodeon, and other network brands that helped shape entertainment trends and spotlight African talent. Over the years, Paramount Africa also built a notable digital presence, generating millions of monthly online interactions through social media, websites, and partnerships with local creators. Despite this impressive footprint, the financial pressure of rising operational costs and a complete strategic overhaul at its U.S. headquarters has pushed the company toward a full shutdown.
Signs of the pullout had surfaced earlier in the year. A planned rollout of the Paramount+ streaming platform in South Africa was halted without public explanation. In August, the company confirmed that its content would continue to be available only through DStv and Showmax, abandoning any plans for direct-to-consumer expansion in the region. The final confirmation arrived when MultiChoice revealed that BET Africa and MTV Base will be removed from DStv and GOtv on 1 January 2026, marking the end of Paramount’s active presence on the continent.
Media analysts, including well-known critic Thinus Ferreira, attribute the closure to sweeping cost-cutting measures following Paramount’s merger with Skydance. The newly consolidated company aims to reduce its global workforce by 15% and achieve around $3 billion in savings. Unfortunately, international divisions such as Africa have become prime targets as the company shifts its priorities away from traditional linear television. The future strategy is centered on a leaner, more selective streaming-first business model, leaving long-standing regional networks like Paramount Africa unable to survive the transition.
The shutdown marks a significant moment for African audiences and the local entertainment industry, many of whom grew up with these channels and saw them nurture major African artists, comedians, actors, and content creators. As December 2025 approaches, the continent prepares to say farewell to a media powerhouse that played a major role in shaping pop culture for more than two decades.
