Canal+ to launch new TV channel for Africa

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Canal+ to launch new TV channel for Africa
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Rebecca Hawkes
Vivendi's pay-TV operator Canal+ is launching a new French-language channel in Africa this October.


Called A+, the entertainment channel will be available to subscribers of Canalsat's African bouquet in Central and West Africa. It will be produced by a 15-strong team, headed up by Damiano Malchiodi in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

"Now is the time for us to develop our business in Africa," said Jacques du Puy, head of Canal+'s overseas business, adding he hopes the pay-TV network will double its 1.3 million customers by enriching its content with a mix of French and locally-produced series and films.

"This is the extension of our international strategy, which should gain importance," said Bertrand Meheut, chief executive officer, Canal+. "Africa is proof that we can have very strong growth."

International business currently accounts for 40% of Paris-based Canal+'s earnings and subscribers, he added.

Vivendi is looking to develop its core media business having recently sold French telecommunications operator SFR and video games developer Activision Blizzard.