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Kemi Omotosho takes the reins at MultiChoice Nigeria as the pay-TV giant faces rising competition, evolving viewer habits, and the task of strengthening its Canal+ partnership across one of Africa’s largest media markets.

By Nhlanhla Muthe

MultiChoice Nigeria has appointed Kemi Omotosho as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026, following the planned retirement of John Ugbe after nearly 15 years at the helm.

Ugbe’s tenure was marked by transformative shifts in Nigeria’s pay-TV and media landscape, including evolving consumer behaviours, digital disruption, and regulatory changes.

According to the company, the transition is part of a structured succession plan to ensure continuity and operational stability. Omotosho brings over two decades of leadership experience across media, telecommunications, and digital services in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. She previously served as Executive Head of Customer Value Management for Nigeria and the wider African region, and most recently as Regional Director for Southern Africa, overseeing operations across seven countries.

“It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of MultiChoice Nigeria at this important moment,” Omotosho said. “Nigeria remains one of the Group’s most strategic and dynamic markets. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to deepen our relationship with consumers, champion local storytelling and the creative economy, and build a future-ready organisation that delivers sustainable value.”

Omotosho steps into a role with immediate challenges for satellite television service in Sub-Saharan Africa. MultiChoice Nigeria currently serves over 12 million subscribers, making it one of the largest pay-TV operators on the continent, but still trailing markets such as South Africa, where the Group’s subscriber base exceeds 18 million, and Kenya, which has a smaller but growing footprint. Analysts note that Omotosho will need to navigate increasing competition from local streaming services, shifting viewer habits towards digital platforms, and the pressure to deliver profitability while investing in new technologies.

A crucial element of her mandate is managing the ongoing transition under new owners with Canal+ France.

Industry observers say Omotosho’s extensive regional experience and prior roles in customer value management position her well to tackle these challenges. Her appointment signals a focus on operational excellence, digital transformation, and a continued commitment to growing MultiChoice’s influence across Africa.

As the Nigerian media landscape continues to evolve rapidly, all eyes will be on Omotosho to see how she balances growth, innovation, and the demands of one of Africa’s most dynamic entertainment markets.