The Africa Channel launching SVOD offering

US-based The Africa Channel is launching a subscription video-on-demand service targeted at the African diaspora audience and others interested in Africa-themed content.

Demand Africa is being touted by the broadcaster as a global destination featuring lifestyle, travel and entertainment content, aimed at a globally aware audience with a passion for travel, lifestyle and an interest in new cultures.

The service will launch on October 1 and will feature shows about food such as DiYaWela and Africa on a Plate, travel-themed series such as TOP and 30 Min Tour, kids content such as Siyaya, music-oriented shows including Prince! Behind the Symbol and Africa Soundstage, culture shows such as Care for Color and African Masters and comedy shows including Africa Laughs.

The offering will be available on the web, on iOS and Android devices and via Roku, Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV.

At launch, Demand Africa is expected to have over 300 hours of original and acquired content available, with more to be added later, including scripted TV series and movies.

The service will be available for US$6.99 in the US, with a discounted annual rate of US$69.99 available. Subscribers who sign up ahead of the launch will be entitled to a 50% discount for the first three months.

The Africa Channel and its production arm, TAC Studios, focuses on African-originated English-language television series, specials, documentaries, feature films, music, biographies and cultural and historical content.

The outfit is based in Los Angeles and is available in approximately seven million homes in North America and the Caribbean on cable systems including Comcast, Charter/Time Warner, Cox and those represented by the Caribbean Cable Cooperative.