African pay-TV operator, MultiChoice Africa has signed a multi-year distribution deal with MTV Networks International to carry Nickelodeon, in southern Africa. Starting in July, Nickelodeon will launch as a 24-hour English language channel, broadcasting to more than one and a half million DStv subscribers in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The channel will carry Nickelodeon’s programming for preschool, primary school and tween-age kids, plus Nick Jr and Nick at Nite, a primetime slot created for older kids. 

Distribution and marketing for Nickelodeon in sub-Saharan Africa will be managed by Johannesburg-based MTV Networks Africa, which is also responsible for MTV, MTV base, MTV France, MTV Portugal and VH1 in the region.