Mo Abudu: Showmax Closure Is Wake Up Call For Local Streaming Platforms

Nigerian filmmaker and media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has reacted to the planned shutdown of Showmax, saying the development should serve as a wake-up call for African creatives to build sustainable local streaming platforms.

Canal+ Group, the French media company that recently completed a takeover of MultiChoice, announced on Thursday that it would discontinue the Showmax streaming service following a review of its digital operations.

Canal+ Group, the French media company that recently completed a takeover of MultiChoice, announced on Thursday that it would discontinue the Showmax streaming service following a review of its digital operations.

Reacting in an Instagram post, Abudu said the decision highlights the urgent need for local industry players to strengthen homegrown distribution platforms that can support African stories.

According to the founder of the EbonyLife Group, relying solely on foreign-backed platforms is not a sustainable path for the continent’s film industry.
“No one is coming to save us. It is time for us to build our own,” she wrote.

Abudu noted that the closure of Showmax and the reduction of investment by some international streaming services across Africa underline the need for creatives to develop business models that reflect the realities of their own markets.

She added that although building a strong local streaming platform requires patience and long-term commitment, EbonyLife ON Plus remains focused on that goal.

“At EbonyLifeONPlus, we are committed to doing everything we can to grow and strengthen our platform. We understand that it is a long journey and we are prepared for the work and patience it requires,” she said.

Abudu further stressed that Africa’s rich culture and storytelling tradition provide the continent with a strong foundation to compete globally if the right structures are put in place.

She urged creatives across the continent to collaborate and build systems that can both serve local audiences and position African content for international markets.

“We are a continent rich in culture, tradition and powerful stories. We must learn from global success stories, adapt what works and create our own pathways,” she said.

“I truly believe we are capable of this. The future is in our hands. Let us build it with confidence, collaboration and belief.”