South Africa’s newest mobile operator, YOMO, has entered the market with a mission that places education at the centre of digital inclusion. As the country’s first youth-focused Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), YOMO is not just offering cheaper data — it is positioning connectivity as a tool to unlock classrooms, skills programmes, and career pathways for millions of young South Africans.
The launch took place on 1 September 2025 at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto, an iconic venue that symbolises both youth struggle and the pursuit of opportunity. The event gathered students, educators, youth leaders, policymakers, and civil society to mark what could be a turning point in South Africa’s digital education journey.
For thousands of students, the cost of data has become a barrier to education. Online classes, assignments, and training programmes remain out of reach for working-class learners who cannot afford connectivity. The pandemic exposed this divide, but little has changed since. YOMO’s YOMOverse platform brings a fresh response — offering zero-rated access to online training, skills development resources, educational tools, and wellness support, designed specifically for young people.
“Education is the foundation of a fair society, yet too many of our young people are locked out simply because they cannot afford data,” said José Andre, CEO of TechNov8, the company behind YOMO. “YOMO is built to close that gap. By combining affordable connectivity with data-free access to education and training, we are putting opportunity back into the hands of learners. This is not about technology for its own sake — it is about equipping the next generation to thrive.”
Independent analysts note that South Africa’s telecoms industry, valued at more than R190 billion, remains dominated by a handful of operators while youth unemployment sits at 43%. With over 8 million young South Africans not in education, employment, or training, the stakes are high. MVNOs like YOMO, already part of a R1.7 billion and fast-growing segment of the market, are proving that new business models can align affordability with social impact.
Ndumiso Kubheka, CEO of the NYDA, reinforced the link between connectivity and education:
“By connecting young people to affordable mobile services, YOMO is not only bridging the digital divide, it is building bridges to education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Inclusion is not just a moral obligation, it is an economic strategy.”
The “Be On” campaign, launched alongside YOMO, serves as a rallying call to South African youth — encouraging them not just to get connected, but to stay connected to learning, opportunity, and growth.
About YOMO
YOMO (Youth Mobile) is South Africa’s first youth-focused MVNO, launched in September 2025 by TechNov8, a subsidiary of BLU. YOMO provides affordable data services and zero-rated access to the YOMOverse — a digital platform offering training, gig opportunities, financial literacy, wellness tools, and civic engagement resources. Its mission is to connect one million young South Africans to opportunity and to close the education gap through digital empowerment.
