Africa’s newest sports programming television Kwese, has managed to secure more sports rights for its viewers by adding the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 to its roster.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive free-to-air (FTA) rights for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa).
Kwese will broadcast the tournaments through its pan-African FTA channel Kwese Free Sports (KFS) currently Africa’s largest FTA channel.
In addition to its exclusive FTA rights Kwese has also secured non-exclusive Pay-TV rights for sub-Saharan Africa excluding South Africa.
Kwese’s broadcasting rights will include coverage on all Kwesé platforms including TV online and mobile platforms.
“There is no doubt that the FIFA World Cup is a highlight for sports fans all over the globe and Africa is home to some of the game’s biggest fans. We had to have these major sporting events on our platforms,” said Joseph Hundah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Econet Media.
“With exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament free-to-air, we are staying true to our intention to deliver the best sporting programming to as many people as possible across the continent,” he added.
“The exclusivity of our FTA rights for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 means Kwesé is the only platform on the continent licensed to bring live action from these two iconic events free of charge. We will be reaching even larger numbers by bringing this content to people who would otherwise not be able to afford it on pay platforms.”[related-posts]
“FIFA has decided to award media rights to Econet Media because we trust in their professionalism and capacity to provide a high-quality viewing experience through the Kwese network. In Econet Media we believe to have found a reliable partner exploring new distribution paths, particularly on the digital side, working with Econet Media’s growing Free To Air network Kwese Free Sports as well as established broadcasters in the region to give millions of fans an unforgettable experience of the 2017 and 2018 FIFA events,” said FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h.
As part of this deal fans will also be able to watch FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017, FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2018 and FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018 on all Kwese platforms including Kwese Free Sports, Kwese Sports 1 & 2, Kwese Sports website and the Kwese App.
