MwareTV, a Dutch provider of cloud-based TV platforms, has introduced IGADO+, a new video streaming service specifically developed for the Ethiopian market. In collaboration with Ethio Telecom, the country’s primary telecommunications provider, IGADO+ aims to make diverse streaming options widely accessible. The service, available over both broadband and mobile networks, provides Ethiopian audiences with a range of content tailored to local interests and languages.
Key Features of IGADO+
IGADO+ launched with an extensive selection of 125 live channels and thousands of hours of video-on-demand (VoD). The platform includes a wide variety of programming, such as entertainment, children’s shows, educational content, religious broadcasts, and sports coverage, including international match days featuring teams like Arsenal and Real Madrid, as well as local sports channels.
In line with its aim to cater to the Ethiopian population, much of the content on IGADO+ is dubbed in Amharic and Afaan Oromoo, Ethiopia’s most widely spoken languages. The service offers subscription rates starting at 199 Birr per month (approximately USD $1.65), aiming to meet local expectations for affordable access.
Partnership with Ethio Telecom
Ethio Telecom has partnered with IGADO+ to offer the service across portable devices, with plans to expand availability to smart TVs in the near future. The collaboration enables users to access IGADO+ through Ethio Telecom’s mobile and broadband networks and allows customers to subscribe conveniently via Ethio Telecom’s USSD portal. Ethio Telecom is actively promoting IGADO+ as a value-added service for its subscribers.
MwareTV’s Cloud-Based Technology
IGADO+ operates on MwareTV’s TV Management System (TVMS), a cloud-based platform that automates streaming operations. The system includes tools for scheduling and managing content with a drag-and-drop interface, making it easier for operators to manage the service. The TVMS is also integrated with Ethio Telecom’s subscription management system, streamlining the process for subscribers.
To enhance the user experience, MwareTV has developed a set of customizable, white-label user interfaces that can be branded for different devices without the need for additional coding. This allows IGADO+ to provide a consistent and intuitive experience across smartphones and tablets, with support for common devices and accessibility features for Ethiopian audiences.
Statements from IGADO+ and MwareTV
In a statement, Ibrahim Gado, General Manager of IGADO+, highlighted the service’s goals of accessibility and affordability. “Our goal is to make information and entertainment accessible to everyone in Ethiopia,” Gado said. He noted that the infrastructure provided by MwareTV allows IGADO+ to deliver a high-quality streaming service at a price point aligned with the local market.
Sander Kerstens, CEO of MwareTV, described the advantages of the cloud-based approach, which reduces technical challenges and allows operators like IGADO+ to focus on content delivery. “What makes the MwareTV proposition so compelling is that it takes away all the technical concerns, hosting them in the cloud, so the operator can focus on delivering a great service,” Kerstens said. He added that the platform’s integration with Ethio Telecom’s systems supports an efficient subscription process and aims to build audience loyalty through accessible and localized content.
With IGADO+ now available in Ethiopia, the platform aims to meet local demand for accessible and affordable streaming options. Its emphasis on Ethiopian languages, diverse programming, and competitive pricing positions it as a new entrant in the country’s digital media landscape. The collaboration between MwareTV and Ethio Telecom highlights the role of cloud technology in delivering localized content, and IGADO+ is expected to expand its reach further as additional devices are supported.
