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MEDIA IN AFRICA

Chinese-based StarTimes Group ups its television presence in Senegal

By our News Team | 2022

The Senegalese phase of the company’s plan to roll out affordable satellite TV services to selected villages is now well underway.

StarTimes Group, the Chinese-based multinational media company and digital TV provider with a strong presence in sub-Saharan Africa, has officially launched its business in Senegal with an opening ceremony for its main agency in the country.

Established in 1988 in Beijing, StarTimes has already made its digital TV and media service available to audiences in over 30 countries across Africa.

Media in Africa

Photo courtesy of StarTimes Group

According to Houssainatou Diallo, public relations spokesperson for the company, the new main agency is part of the ongoing development of the StarTimes presence in Senegal. Around the continent, it is currently engaged in a project called ‘Access to satellite TV for 10,000 African villages’, with the aim of establishing a satellite-based television presence in around 600 villages in various African countries.

“The first phase [in Senegal] made it possible to carry out the census in 300 villages. The second phase will be executed soon,” Diallo said.

All equipment to villages is free, as is initial subscription

Diallo also revealed that the Ministry of Communication in Senegal will be responsible for identifying the relevant villages to receive the TV services, before the final installation phase by the StarTimes teams.

“Regarding the 10,000 villages project, all equipment is free – with three months free for the villagers and a Nova package project payable at only US$2,34,” Diallo explained.

According to the Broadcast Media Africa website, StarTimes provides more than 150 channels in Senegal. The Smart bouquet is available at US$7,03, the Super bouquet at US$14,06 and the All Startimes bouquet at US$18,74. Across Africa, StarTimes provides around 600 channels to consumers.

StarTimes Group was founded in 1988 by Chinese engineer Pang Xinxing, who is also the company’s current chairman. In 2002, StarTimes began to expand its business to Africa. In 2007, it became the first digital television operator licensed by Rwanda and, since then, has established subsidiaries in around30 African countries.

The company offers digital terrestrial television and satellite television services to consumers, and provides technologies to countries and broadcasters that are switching from analog to digital television.

Dr Kin Kariisa

Group CEO - Next Media

Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

  • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
  • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
  • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
  • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
  • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.