Econet's Kwesé TV, under pan-African broadcast network Econet Media, has shut down operations in Zimbabwe, 18 months after the service began in the Southern African country.

Amid weak subscription rates and dwindling Pay-TV subscriptions globally, Kwesé TV issued a statement confirming that as of 1 November 2018, it will only offer three services (channels) in Zimbabwe: Kwesé Free Sports, Kwesé iflix and Kwesé Play.

"Kwesé subscribers who have already paid their subscriptions for the month of November, or in advance, will receive a full refund," the company said.

According to management the market has shifted since the company launched its service and it must now revise its strategy.

"Econet Media was now reviewing its operational structures across all markets where Kwesé TV has a presence which may result in changes to the company's various business units," the company added.

Joe Hundah, Group President and Chief Executive of Econet Media, said, "The revised business strategy will also ensure that Kwesé TV continues to remain competitive within the industry."

According to Kwesé it will now create its own content via Kwesé Studios.

"Additionally, through the development of the Kwesé Studios content hub, Econet Media will now have a legitimate claim to being the home of African content, as we will now create a place where Africans can tell their own stories and shape their own narrative," Hundah added.

Kwesé covers 27 countries and claims to reach over 200 million households.

The business has also managed to secure leading sports rights and general entertainment channels to build what it describes as "a compelling content offering across its platforms."