Wananchi Group is set to launch its Zuku TV service in Malawi, a move part of the company’s strategy to grow its operations.
The company, which launched Zuku TV in Nairobi, Kenya on its cable network in 2009 and Direct To Home Services in Kenya and Uganda in late 2011 and Tanzania in 2012, is set to make Malawi its fourth base of operations and is also planning to venture into Ethiopia and Rwanda by the end of 2014.
Speaking about the project, which is expected to cost KSh850 million (US$10 million), Wananchi Group chief executive officer (CEO) Richard Alden promised the company will continue to improve Zuku TV through competitive pricing and content to educate and entertain subscribers.
In Malawi, Zuku TV will be looking to partner with local artists to give them a platform to promote their talents.
“We are excited to unveil Zuku TV in Malawi. We believe through our compelling offering – a wide selection of entertainment channels covering news, sports, movies, documentaries and music – we are inevitably contributing to the country’s digital knowledge and economy infrastructure,” Alden said. “Our goal is to ensure the majority if not all households in the country have access to our world class digital television content at very affordable subscription charges.”
Malawians will have the opportunity to subscribe to channels such as African content platform Zuku Africa, documentary channel Zuku Life, Zuku Sports, Zuku Kids and a number of themed movie channels.
“I am pleased to note that over 13 million households in the East Africa region can access Zuku TV services and now with the launch into Malawi we have pushed the number to 16 million households,” Alden said.
