Samsung TVs in East Africa to Feature DStv Stream App from June 2026

2026-06-22 community

Nairobi, 22 June 2026
From June 2026, all new Samsung smart TVs sold in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will come with the DStv Stream app pre-installed, marking a major shift in how refugees and urban consumers access entertainment. This first-of-its-kind partnership between Samsung and MultiChoice could transform viewing habits in refugee camps, where traditional satellite dishes are impractical. However, internet connectivity and data costs remain key challenges.

A New Era for East African Viewers

From 1 June 2026, every new Samsung smart television sold in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will arrive with the DStv Stream app pre-installed on the home screen [1][2][3]. This marks the first time MultiChoice Group has embedded its streaming service directly into smart TVs across English and Portuguese-speaking Africa, eliminating the need for separate downloads or satellite dishes [1]. The app will sit alongside global platforms like Netflix and YouTube, offering immediate access to live sports, news, and entertainment [2]. For urban consumers and refugees alike, this partnership between Samsung and MultiChoice’s new owner, Canal+, represents a significant shift toward digital accessibility [1].

Refugee Camps Embrace Digital Television

In Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps, where traditional satellite dishes are often impractical due to security concerns and infrastructure limitations, the pre-installed DStv Stream app could transform how residents access content [1]. Refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo will now have easier access to news, sports, and entertainment from their home countries without needing additional devices or subscriptions [1]. This development aligns with a broader trend of digital inclusion in refugee settlements, where smart TVs and mobile devices are increasingly common despite persistent challenges with internet connectivity and data costs [GPT].

The Business Behind the Shift

The pre-installation of DStv Stream on Samsung smart TVs is part of Canal+’s strategy to pivot MultiChoice Group away from traditional satellite decoders and toward connected devices [2][3]. This shift comes as Kenya’s pay-TV market lost 85,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2026, with DStv cited as a major casualty [1]. By embedding its streaming service directly into new Samsung TVs, Canal+ aims to capture viewers as they transition from satellite to streaming, particularly during high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is available exclusively on DStv Stream [1][2]. David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice Group, described the partnership as a ‘significant milestone’ in making content more accessible across the continent [1][2][3].

Content and Competition

The DStv Stream app offers a comprehensive lineup of live and on-demand content, including the English Premier League, international rugby, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 [1][2][3]. This positions it as a direct competitor to global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which have been expanding their African content libraries in recent years [GPT]. The timing of the pre-installation rollout, coinciding with the World Cup, underscores Canal+’s focus on sports as a key driver of subscriber growth [2]. Retailers in Nairobi, such as Housewives Paradise, are already capitalising on the excitement, offering special World Cup deals on Samsung and LG smart TVs [4].

A Model for the Continent

The Samsung-DStv Stream partnership extends beyond East Africa, covering 18 markets including South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, and Zimbabwe [1][2][3]. This expansion builds on an existing collaboration between Canal+ and Samsung across 40 markets in Europe, French-speaking Africa, and Asia [1]. As viewing habits continue to evolve, the pre-installation model could set a precedent for other streaming services seeking to penetrate African markets. For consumers, the convenience of accessing DStv Stream directly from their TV home screen may accelerate the decline of traditional satellite subscriptions, which have dominated the African pay-TV landscape for decades [1][2].

Bronnen

smart television streaming services