DStv, the pan-African pay-TV platform owned by MultiChoice Group Ltd., has been named the most admired African media brand for the second consecutive year, according to the 2025 Brand Africa 100 rankings.
The Johannesburg-based broadcaster was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, joining a select group of companies recognized for shaping Africa’s global brand identity and competitive stature.
The announcement was made during a ceremony at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa headquarters in Addis Ababa, where business and media leaders gathered to recognize the continent’s top-performing brands.
Since inception in 1995, DStv has evolved from a satellite-TV upstart into a regional media powerhouse, with a footprint spanning millions of households across Sub-Saharan Africa. The brand’s sustained focus on African storytelling, local-language content, and digital transformation has helped it maintain a dominant market position amid rising competition from global streaming services.
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“This recognition speaks to the bond we’ve built with viewers across the continent,” said Calvo Mawela, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Group, in a statement. “It’s a reaffirmation of our mission to champion local narratives and drive cultural relevance through content that resonates with African audiences.”
The Brand Africa 100 report is based on independent consumer research conducted across 30 African markets, representing more than 85% of the continent’s population and GDP. This year’s study drew on over 150,000 brand mentions, with insights gathered by partners including GeoPoll, Kantar, and Brand Leadership Group. It remains the only pan-African, research-driven brand equity ranking of its scale and scope.
DStv’s Hall of Fame induction follows a series of strategic investments in original African programming and partnerships with emerging creators, positioning the company at the heart of Africa’s rapidly expanding creative economy. The platform, which launched three decades ago with just 16 channels, now offers a hybrid portfolio of linear and digital content that spans film, sports, news, and entertainment.
The accolade marks a milestone year for the company as it continues to navigate a shifting media landscape, increasingly defined by mobile access, on-demand consumption, and localized content preferences. DStv’s integrated offerings, including the Showmax streaming service, are part of its broader strategy to retain relevance among Africa’s growing youth demographic and digitally connected middle class.
The network was previously awarded the same top recognition in 2024, underscoring the brand’s resilience and ability to adapt in a fragmented media environment.
Other popular brands under the MultiChoice Group include SuperSport, GOtv, M-Net, MaishaMagic and Showmax.
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