Azam TV, owned by the Tanzania-based Bakhresa Group, has launched its services in Zimbabwe, its seventh country in Africa.
The pay-television company has partnered with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) television channel in broadcasting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games from Cameroon.
Azam TV is already operating successfully in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi as it makes inroads in other African countries.
Speaking at the launch in Harare on Friday night, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa hailed Azam TV for its investment in the country.
She also expressed hope that this will help in the development of local talent in content creation in arts, sports, culture and documentaries and introduce these to wider African audiences. Said Mutsvangwa:
Not only is the availability of these platforms bringing value for money for Azam TV viewers and listeners, but it is also worth celebrating the achievement of universal access to information.
She added that the investment by Azam TV should create employment for Zimbabweans involved in the sale and distribution of products and services of Azam TV as well as installation of TV equipment.
Azam TV chief financial officer, Kedarnathrao Bedare, said packages included sports, movies, cartoons, documentaries, news, drama and series, among others.
He also said there are three main packages; Azam Pure which shows 100 channels that cost US$5, Azam Plus which shows 120 channels at US$10 and Azam Play which shows 130 channels and costs US$15.