Breaking: CANAL+ now listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

French media and entertainment giant CANAL+ now the first French company to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), marking a significant milestone for both the company and South Africa’s capital markets. The secondary listing, which took place on June 3, 2026, comes less than a year after CANAL+ completed its acquisition of South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice.

The listing fulfills a commitment made by CANAL+ during its takeover of MultiChoice and provides a welcome boost for the JSE, which has faced a shortage of major international listings in recent years. While CANAL+ maintains its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, the Johannesburg debut strengthens its presence in Africa and expands access for regional investors.

Shares of the media group traded close to their debut price of 58.50 rand on the first day of trading. The move positions CANAL+ as the only global media and entertainment company currently listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

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The listing forms part of CANAL+’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leading global entertainment platform spanning Europe, Africa, and Asia. The company has significantly expanded its footprint across Africa following the acquisition of MultiChoice, gaining access to millions of subscribers across the continent.

Speaking at the listing ceremony, CANAL+ Chief Executive Officer Maxime Saada expressed confidence in the company’s long-term prospects in Africa. He noted that the Johannesburg listing would help broaden the company’s shareholder base, improve share liquidity, and support future growth ambitions across African markets.

The listing comes as CANAL+ works to revitalize MultiChoice, which has experienced subscriber declines amid increasing competition from streaming platforms and changing consumer viewing habits. To address these challenges, the company has launched a €100 million turnaround plan aimed at strengthening operations, improving customer acquisition, and accelerating digital transformation across key markets.

As part of its growth strategy, CANAL+ is expanding partnerships with international streaming providers and exploring the development of a unified entertainment platform that would integrate multiple streaming services, including DStv. The initiative is designed to offer consumers a more seamless content experience while helping the company remain competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Industry observers view the listing as a strong vote of confidence in South Africa’s financial markets and Africa’s long-term growth potential. JSE Chairman Phuthuma Nhleko described the development as evidence of growing international confidence in South African capital markets and their role in connecting global investors with opportunities across the continent.

The historic listing further strengthens financial and commercial ties between Africa and Europe while providing African investors with direct exposure to one of the world’s largest media and entertainment groups. As CANAL+ deepens its African expansion strategy, the company is positioning itself to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of media, streaming, and entertainment across the continent.