Build Our Own: Mo Abudu’s Bold Vision After the Showmax Exit

The news of Canal+ shutting down Showmax has sent shockwaves through the African entertainment industry. For many, it felt like a step backward for a continent that has worked so hard to put its stories on the global map.

However, Mo Abudu, the CEO and Founder of EbonyLife Group, sees things differently. In a powerful message to creators and viewers alike, she frames this moment not as a tragedy, but as a long-awaited wake-up call.

​Abudu’s message is clear and direct: "No one is coming to save us." While it is disappointing to see major platforms reduce their investments or close their doors, she believes this proves that Africa can no longer rely solely on outside help to sustain its creative economy. To thrive, African media must move away from depending on foreign models and start building sustainable businesses that are designed specifically for our unique local markets.

​This isn't just a dream for the future, the work has already begun. Abudu pointed to the rise of new, indigenous Nigerian streaming platforms, including her own, EbonyLife ON Plus. While she admits these platforms are still in their early days, she remains fully committed to the long journey ahead. She emphasizes that building a homegrown streaming giant requires immense patience, hard work, and a willingness to learn from global successes while carving out a distinct African pathway.

​At the heart of her vision is a belief in the power of African storytelling. Our continent is rich in culture and tradition, and those stories deserve a permanent home that we control. By focusing on a "Local for Local" and "Local for Global" strategy, Abudu believes we can turn this challenge into an era-defining opportunity. The future of African entertainment is no longer in the hands of international boardrooms it is in our own.