CANAL+ unveils new Africa leadership team days after MultiChoice acquisition

Canal+ has unveiled its new leadership team for the combined businesses in Africa. this comes days after the announcement that the French media company Canal+ had completed its acquisition of MultiChoice, a South African pay-TV operator, which was finalized in September 2025 after clearing regulatory and shareholder approvals. 

Calvo Mawela, outgoing CEO of MultiChoice, has been appointed as Chairman of CANAL+ Africa, which now includes MultiChoice Group and the whole of Africa, including French-speaking territories. David Mignot is appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of this new combined entity. The newly formed top management team is drawn from the two companies’ combined talent pool, with CANAL+ and MultiChoice each contributing an equal number of senior executives.

Congratulating the new management team, David Mignot, CEO for Africa, said: “We have an incredible Africa leadership team and have an exceptional track record across the continent and within the global group.  Working together, we will deliver growth across the continent by telling unique, high-quality African stories, bringing great international content to our subscribers, and leveraging our scale across the global company. With seven nationalities represented, this leadership team has the diversity, knowledge, and networks to deliver best in class services and content for our subscribers – all enabled by commercial and technical excellence.”

New Leadership Appointments

The new leadership will operate as a single management team covering the entire African continent, structured into three divisions: Operations (TV and Fiber activities), Content, and Corporate Functions.

The new C+ Africa Leadership team is:

• David Mignot, CEO, Africa
• Nicolas Dandoy, CFO, Africa   
• Aziz Diallo, CEO, PayTV French-speaking Africa
• Byron du Plessis, CEO, PayTV South Africa
• Fhulufhelo “Fhulu” Badugela, CEO, PayTV Rest of Africa
• Jean-François Duboy, CEO, GVA
• Hennie Visser, Director, Business Operations, Africa
• Fahmeeda Cassim-Surtee, CEO, Advertising and Media Sales, Africa
• Fabrice Faux, Director, Content, Sport and General Entertainment, French-speaking Africa
• Nomsa Philiso, Director, Content, General Entertainment, English and Portuguese-speaking Africa
• Rendani Ramovha, Director, Content, Sport, English and Portuguese-speaking Africa

• Clément Hellich-Praquin, General Secretary, Africa
• Jean-Christophe Ramos, Director, Public Affairs, French-speaking Africa
• Keabetswe Modimoeng, Director, Public Affairs, English and Portuguese-speaking Africa
• Michel Sibony, Chief Value Officer, Africa
• Karim Bouzid, Director, Integration, Africa
• Hala Saab, Director, Brand and Communication, Africa
• Sabelo Mawali, Chief Technology Officer, Africa
• Tshepi Malatjie, Director, Human Resources, Africa

Steven Budlender and Timothy Jacobs will each hold a senior position in the combined Group. Steven will be managing legal affairs for English-speaking African countries, and Timothy will be managing synergies in the Finance department. this is according to a statement made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT.

Canal+ has unveiled its new leadership team

Debt restructuring opens FDI inflows into Zambia – MIGA

By Donald Mumba

The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), an agency of the world bank that is responsible for guarantee & risk products such as Political Risk Insurance – PRI has confirmed that the over 90% complete debt restructuring deal has opened up opportunities for Zambia to attract more Foreign Direct Investment – FDI.

Availability of PRI is considered a key ingredient for attracting serious and big ticket size FD…..Read the details in the weekly ZBT 22nd September 2025 edition out!, get your copy via link https://zambianbusinesstimes.com/subscribe_to_zambian…/

By Donald Mumba The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency

Celebrating 30 Years of Enriching Lives: MultiChoice Talent Factory Empowers a New Generation of Zambian Filmmakers

Marking MultiChoice Zambia’s 30th Anniversary through the inspiring journey of Annita Banda

As MultiChoice celebrates 30 years of enriching lives and empowering communities in Zambia, one of its most impactful corporate social investment initiatives, the MultiChoice Talent Factory, continues to demonstrate its lasting value by nurturing Zambia’s next generation of creative professionals.

Annita Banda, a filmmaker who joined the MultiChoice Talent Factory in 2024, is a shining example of what the programme has helped young creatives achieve. Today, Annita is in the pre-production phase of her next movie and actively collaborating with fellow filmmakers, determined to bring meaningful stories to life.

“The MultiChoice Talent Factory programme equipped me with the tools, knowledge and confidence to grow in the creative industry,” Annita reflects. “Through hands-on training in cinematography, editing, scriptwriting and production management, I was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process.”

With access to modern equipment and industry-leading mentors, Annita developed both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for collaboration, teamwork and communication. These skills proved invaluable when she served as production manager on the film Rivers in Time, which was later nominated at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

“Being trusted to lead a project like Rivers in Time and watching it reach such a prestigious platform was a significant milestone for me,” she says. “It reaffirmed my passion and gave me the confidence to take on even greater challenges.”

More than just building her personal career, Annita is committed to using the skills and insights she gained to uplift others. She is passionate about mentoring upcoming creatives, promoting Zambian stories and contributing to the growth of her local creative community.

“My experience at MultiChoice Talent Factory has empowered me to give back. I want to support young filmmakers, share what I have learned and work on content that celebrates our culture and creates positive change.”

As Zambia celebrates 30 years of MultiChoice, Annita expresses her appreciation and support for continued investment in creative development.

“The MultiChoice Talent Factory has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of many filmmakers, including mine. It is essential to continue supporting such initiatives because they nurture talent, drive innovation and contribute to our cultural and economic growth.”

“I am proud to be part of the MultiChoice Talent Factory story. The legacy it has built over the years will continue to inspire and empower future generations.”

Looking Ahead

As MultiChoice marks this remarkable 30-year milestone, its investment in creative talent through the MultiChoice Talent Factory stands as a testament to its commitment to developing the African narrative. Through programmes like MTF, the company continues to shape the future of the creative industry, enrich lives and uplift communities across Zambia and beyond.

Marking MultiChoice Zambia’s 30th Anniversary through the