Rwandan sports fans are set for a packed month of action as CANAL Rwanda rolls out a new September campaign offering subscribers access to major local and international sporting events, with packages starting at Rwf6,000. The campaign, dubbed “BIEN QUE DU SPORT – BIRENZE KUBA IMIKINO”, seeks to combine sports with movies, series, cartoons and other entertainment content, as CANAL targets both existing and new subscribers. The promotion, which runs throughout September, comes as several major sporting competitions return to television, including Tour du Rwanda, Tour du Benin, the English Premier League (EPL), Ligue 1, rugby, Formula 1, tennis and basketball, among others. The sports content is available across CANAL Sport channels, with access depending on the subscriber’s package. At the entry level, IKAZE costs Rwf6,000 per month and offers more than 260 television and radio channels, according to CANAL Rwanda. ZAMUKA, priced at Rwf10,000 per month, offers more than 300 channels, while ZAMUKA NA SIPORO at Rwf20,000, offers more than 320 channels with a stronger focus on sports alongside movies, series and entertainment. The premium IKIRENGA package costs Rwf35,000 per month and provides access to more than 350 channels, including CANAL channels, alongside premium entertainment and Netflix access. Subscribers get bonus channels The campaign is also targeting CANAL ’s both existing and new customers. Subscribers who renew their current packages under the promotion can receive 30 days of bonus channels, giving them access to additional content for a limited period. Aimé Abizera, Director General of CANAL Rwanda, said the campaign is intended to ensure that sports content is complemented by entertainment options for the wider family. “At CANAL Rwanda, we believe great television is for everyone, not just sports fans,” Abizera said. “With the best cartoons, movies, series and shows, we are committed to delivering diverse and exciting content for the whole family.” Abizera said the return of major sporting leagues presented an opportunity for the company to give subscribers more value. “Leagues are back and we couldn’t remain idle for our subscribers,” he said, adding that the promotion was designed to make premium entertainment more accessible. He described the campaign as “a Christmas gift before Christmas.” Sports and more While sport is at the heart of the September campaign, CANAL Rwanda is also promoting its movie and series catalogue. Among the programmes highlighted is Back to Foot which is airing on CANAL Sport channels, alongside a line-up of local and international productions. Local audiences will also get new content on ZACU TV, including Ibishoboka Byose, a new series scheduled for October. The production features Rwandan actor Gratien Niyitegeka, popularly known as Papa Sava, and follows a story built around perseverance, hard work and the pursuit of success. Another new series, The Thread, is also set to join the ZACU TV line-up. On Novelas TV, Liaisons Interdites is scheduled to premiere on September 12, while Apollo Has Fallen is set to premiere on CANAL on September 14. CANAL ’s wider September programming also includes major sports and entertainment events, including Formula 1, Premier League football and other international competitions. Watching beyond the decoder CANAL Rwanda is also encouraging customers to use its mobile application, allowing subscribers with compatible devices and an internet connection to access their subscribed channels and programmes on smartphones, tablets and computers. The service is designed to allow subscribers to watch content both live and on demand, giving them an alternative to watching exclusively through their television decoder. How to pay Subscribers can renew or pay for their packages through several channels. MTN Mobile Money: Dial *182*2*3# or *860# and follow the instructions. Airtel Money: Dial *500*4*3*2*4# or *182*4*3*6#. Irembo: Open the Irembo app, select “Make Payments,” choose “CANAL TV Subscription,” and enter the decoder number. Customers can also visit CANAL shops or authorised dealers with their decoder number and decoder card.
