Wananchi adds Zee channels to Zuku platform

Kenya-based pay TV operator Wananchi Group has signed a deal with Zee Network to carry the Indian broadcaster’s channels on its Zuku cable and DTH platforms.

The three-year carriage agreement with Zee Network will see three channels, Zee Cinema, Zee Zing and Zee Punjabi, carried across Zuku’s cable and DTH platforms in 10 African countries.

Hannelie Bekker, managing director of Wananchi, said: “Including Hindi, Gujarathi and Punjabi orientated programming in all our channel bouquets is a key part of Wananchi’s differentiation and positioning in the market, catering to all East African populations. There is a large population of East Africans of Indian descent, whose entertainment requirements encompass both Hollywood and Bollywood. The agreement with Zee will ensure that Zuku caters for these viewers at a price that represents excellent value for money. In addition, channels like Zee Cinema – which is subtitled in English – and Zing [a Bollywood music channel] have distinct cross-over appeal.”

Zee Network operates 25 channels, and reaches over 500 million viewers in 167 countries.