VICE Media and Econet Media have launched ‘Kwesé VICE’, an outfit to focus on the creation and development of original local editorial and video content to be distributed across television, digital and commercial platforms.

‘Kwesé VICE’ aims to open a new bureau and production studio headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a focus on the development, production and distribution of local editorial content and original video programming both for Kwesé VICE’s channels and third party platforms.

The JV is an extension of the existing relationship between these two companies and will help Kwesé TV produce diversified content for younger audiences across the continent. The venture will launch in 2018.

The partnership will extend Vice’s on-going content agreement with Kwesé TV, set to exclusively distribute VICELAND in South Africa, as part of its continued roll-out across 45 African countries.

Kwesé VICE will open a local production studio, hire the best young creatives, journalists and filmmakers locally, and air tailored lifestyle and culture programming across linear and digital platforms around-the-clock for the young audience in Africa.

 In addition to its editorial and content divisions, ‘Kwesé VICE’ will also house the multi-award winning creative agency born out of VICE, Virtue Worldwide. Virtue Worldwide will develop unique branded content specifically for the local African market.

Some of VICE’s clients include Brazil’z Globosat, Moby Group from the Middle East (Moby Group), and Times of India.