Johannesburg 30 March 2017 – Africa’s newest trusted source for the best in sports
programming Kwesé, has again managed to secure the best in sports rights for its viewers by
adding the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 to its impressive roster.
As the world’s best compete for football’s most prestigious title and living legends like Neymar,
Messi, Ronaldo and Toure compete for their nations’ pride, Kwesé will give Africa a front row
seat. Will Germany retain top honours or will 2018 be the year when an African nation hoists
the trophy for the first time? Whatever the outcome, a record number of African sports fans will
be able to catch all the action LIVE on Kwesé.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive free-to-air (FTA) rights for sub-Saharan Africa (excluding
South Africa). Kwesé will broadcast the tournaments through its pan-African FTA channel Kwesé
Free Sports (KFS) currently Africa’s largest FTA channel which boasts a potential audience in
excess of 100million.
African viewers who would otherwise not have seen football’s greatest showcase will be able to
view it live on KFS!
In addition to its exclusive FTA rights Kwesé has also secured non-exclusive Pay-TV rights for
sub-Saharan Africa excluding South Africa. Kwesé’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. 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”, said Joseph Hundah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Econet Media.
“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”.
“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 Kwesé
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
Source: Dickson Boadi // www.dailyviewgh.com / / Ghana
Writer’s email dailyviewgh@gmail.com
