Canal+ strikes first Netflix pact for Africa

Canal+ is to become the first pay TV operator in Africa to distribute Netflix across the continent, after the companies struck a far-reaching pact.

The deal sees the London-listed operator providing Netflix to its customers across 24 Sub-Saharan African countries, with the deal set to start in July.

Canal+ customers in French-speaking African countries will be able to access the streamer via their subscription, in addition to the more than 400 live channels.

The streamer will be accessible via both the Canal+ set-top box and its app, providing access to Netflix shows ranging from The Crown and Stranger Things, to Lupin, Emily in Paris and Squid Game S2.

Netflix’s African productions include Blood & Water, Young Famous and African, Unseen, King of Boys, Anikulapo, Blood Sisters and Kings of Joburg.

The companies said the deal, which replicates a similar arrangement in France and Poland, would allow Netflix to tap into the Canal+ footprint in Africa, while Canal+ would “strengthen its position as the world’s major content aggregator”.

Pascale Chabert, chief content acquisition officer at Canal+, said the new agreement demonstrates his company’s “ability to extend its unique super-aggregation model beyond the European continent.”

Emma Lloyd, vice president of partnerships for EMEA at Netflix added: “It’s a big win for entertainment fans and part of our ongoing mission to make the member experience even better.”

Canal+, which was listed on the London Stock Exchange in December after splitting from French giant Vivendi, said earlier this year that it is looking to ramp up growth in Africa, with its acquisition of regional giant MultiChoice still in the works.

The StudioCanal owner alkready has interests in streamers around the world, including Viu in Asia, in which it holds a 37.2% stake, with the option of taking that up to 51% by the end of 2026.