Call for Applications: Empower Local Community Network Operators to Bridge SA’s Digital Divide

South Africa
TVWS Broadband Networks
Internet
Skills Development
Youth
Community Upliftment

The SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation, in partnership with AdNotes and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), invites applications from Local Community Network Operators (LCNOs) to address digital exclusion in South Africa’s rural and township communities. Despite their vital role as last-mile broadband providers, many LCNOs encounter challenges including high broadband costs, technical skill shortages, business and regulatory hurdles.

This initiative delivers accredited technical and business training, mentorship, and integration into major broadband programmes such as SA Connect. The primary goals are to advance workforce development in broadband technologies, improve regulatory compliance, strengthen business sustainability for WISPs, and dramatically expand affordable, reliable internet access at grassroots level. Empowered LCNOs will drive e-learning, remote work, local economic growth, and digital inclusion while breaking down traditional barriers to internet access.

Target Provinces:

  • Northern Cape
  • Western Cape
  • Northwest
  • Limpopo
  • Mpumalanga
  • KwaZulu-Natal
  • Eastern Cape

Who Should Apply:
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with:

  • Active CIPC registration
  • Demonstrated experience engaging underserved communities
  • Track record or knowledge in broadband deployment
  • Valid B-BBEE certificate

Support Provided:

  • Accredited technical and business skills training
  • Licensing and regulatory compliance support through ICASA
  • Mentorship via the Zero-to-Hero programme
  • Opportunities to subcontract in national broadband roll-outs (e.g., SA Connect)

Expected Outputs and Outcomes:

  • Skilled workforce to close SA’s broadband skills gap
  • Enhanced business productivity and regulatory compliance for WISPs
  • Expansion of affordable, high-quality broadband connectivity
  • Economic growth and youth empowerment in underserved areas
  • Sustainable, community-led digital economies

For more details about this opportunity, download here, and to apply, contact: applications@teenentrepreneur.co.za.

Closing date
Industry
​Information and communication
Administrative and support service activities
​Education
​Other service activities
Website link
https://www.itweb.co.za/article/call-for-applications-empower-local-community-network-operators-to-bridge-sas-digital-divide/GxwQDq1Dgy9MlPVo