Zuku TV invests K4bn in Malawi, completes test phase

Wananchi Group,  the holding company for premier home entertainment provider Zuku TV, has completed its test phase in Malawi and confirmed it is set to fully launch its services as part of its strategy to grow its TV operations in Africa.

The move, which is being set up at an initial cost of $10 million (K4 billion), 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.

Wananchi Group CEO, Richard Alden disclosed in a statement made available to Nyasa Times that they have partnered with NICO Holdings Limited in setting up the multi-billion project offering a wide selection of entertainment channels covering news, sports, movies, documentaries and music.ZUKU TV

“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,” Alden said.

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.”

Alden went on to say Malawi now becomes the fourth country to have Zuku TV after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

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.”

On his part, Felix Mlusu, MD of NICO Holdings Limited said that NICO is excited by the partnership with Wanachi Group.

“As a Malawian multinational company, we constantly seek to uplift the standards of the Malawian living experience. The entry of Zuku TV into the market will enable more Malawians to enjoy a high quality yet affordable entertainment and we are proud to be part of that process,” said Mlusu.

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 .

Robert Wanjohi, Zuku’s territory manager based in Malawi said that some families have been enjoying Zuku TV in Malawi since April 2014. He added that the feedback received to date has been very positive and that demand for Zuku is steadily increasing.

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.

 

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