Wananchi Group bets big on Malawi with the launch of Zuku TV
Wananchi Group, owner of pay TV Zuku, has today confirmed plans to venture into Malawi by launching Zuku TV as part of its strategy to grow its TV operations. The move which is being set up at an initial cost of $10 million, comes on the backdrop of Malawi’s government successful migration from analogue broadcasting to digital confirmed by the global requirements that all countries should have adopted the new platform by 2015.
Commenting on the new venture, Wananchi Group CEO, Richard Alden noted, “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. 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,” said Alden.
Mr. Alden added, “With over 105 channel options now available on Zuku TV, we will keep making it even better not only through competitive pricing but also spicing up our content in an effort to give value for money while keeping our subscribers informed and entertained.”
Consumers will be treated to many of Zuku TV’s tailor-made channels such as Zuku Africa airing African content, Zuku Life airing documentaries, Zuku Sports, a first of its kind kids channel dubbed Zuku Kids that provides both entertainment and edutainment for children aged between 6 and 12 years and as well as a number of themed movie channels .
Zuku launched in Nairobi (on its cable network) in 2009 and Direct To Home Services in Kenya and Uganda in late 2011 and Tanzania in 2012. “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 are we have pushed the number to 14 million households”. Mr Alden went on to say. Malawi now becomes the fourth country to have Zuku TV after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Zuku is also making its presence more tangible in the markets in which it operates through sponsorships of various initiatives; In Kenya and Tanzania Zuku has invested $1million in event sponsorship of the annual Zanzibar International Film Festival for 10 years, In Kenya & Uganda, Zuku launched an ambitious inter university basketball tournament dubbed Zuku Basketball league for more than $500,000 investment for 3 years. In Malawi, Zuku TV will be looking to partner and work hand in hand with Malawian artists to give them a platform to promote their talents.
As a brand, Zuku is committed in enriching the product offering through accessible, affordable and relevant content. “We believe that there is a rapidly growing market segment that is eager to be part of a digital multi-channel television world for the range and choice that it offers to the whole family. Our offering has been structured to meet that need – and we see a truly exciting opportunity in this. As an East African company we are committed to maintaining a close focus on this market, and are delighted to be a part of its growth” concluded Mr. Alden.
Wananchi group is also planning to venture into Ethiopia and Rwanda by end 2014.
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