IOC awards Olympic Games rights in sub-Saharan Africa

International Olympic Committee has agreed rights deals with a number of broadcasters in sub-Saharan Africa for the Olympic Games schedule covering the 2018 and 2022 winter Games and the 2020 and 2024 summer Games.

The Committee awarded exclusive broadcast rights to DStv SuperSport, Econet Media and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic Games in 2024 in a city yet to be selected. DStv SuperSport acquired pay TV media rights in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa while Econet Media acquired free-to-air and pay TV media rights in Sub-Saharan Africa and SABC got free-to-air media rights in South Africa.


The announcement follows the completion of a competitive tender in the region. The Econet Media and SABC agreements include a commitment to broadcast at least 200 hours of live/same-day coverage of each edition of the Olympic Games, and daily highlights of the Olympic Winter Games on free-to-air television.

DStv SuperSport and Econet Media will also work with the IOC to support the development of the Olympic Channel, including the production of localised content and linear distribution across the region.

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “We are delighted to be working with DStv SuperSport, Econet Media and SABC to be able to bring Olympic fans more coverage than ever before. I have visited many countries across Africa and have witnessed first-hand the important role that sport and the Olympic Games play on the African continent. The IOC redistributes 90 per cent of the revenue derived from its commercial agreements to support the development of sport around the world, including in Africa.”

Gideon Khobane, Chief Executive of DStv SuperSport, said: “As long-time partners of the International Olympic Committee, SuperSport is delighted to have secured these excellent Olympic rights. The Games produce consistently good ratings, no doubt because of the non-stop drama and action that make for compelling viewing. We look forward to putting together a multi-platform, multi-channel offering that will reflect the Olympics in their full glory.”

Joseph Hundah, President and Group Chief Executive of Econet Media, said: “We are excited to bring all the Olympic action to our audiences across Africa through our extensive multi-platform offering, which includes Africa’s biggest free-to-air channel, Kwesé Free Sports, and our Kwesé TV satellite service. The Olympics are without doubt the biggest international sports event, and we look forward to joining Africa’s sports fans as they cheer on our continent’s champions”.