Connecting South Africa’s Youth to Opportunity.

Launching a mobile network is no small feat. Doing it in four weeks with a clear social mission is something else entirely.

MVNX, South Africa’s leading mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) and part of Ignition Group, has partnered with technology and social impact company Technov8 to launch YOMO, the country’s first mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) built specifically for young people.

More than just a new mobile offering, YOMO represents a bold step forward in digital inclusion — one that blends affordable connectivity with access to learning, skills development and employment opportunities.

Technology with purpose

Built on MVNX’s advanced, operator-agnostic platform, YOMO connects young South Africans to the digital economy through affordable data and zero-rated access to the YOMOverse — a digital ecosystem designed to support learning, job readiness, wellness and economic participation.

“MVNX exists to make meaningful connectivity accessible,” says Valde Ferradaz, CEO of MVNX. “YOMO shows what happens when advanced technology meets social impact — inclusion becomes scalable.”

From concept to connection in four weeks

YOMO marks the fastest MVNO deployment in MVNX’s history, going from concept to market in just four weeks.

MVNX’s full-service enablement platform provided the complete operational and technical backbone — from billing and compliance to customer and lifecycle management. This allowed Technov8 to focus on what mattered most: product innovation, youth engagement and impact.

The partnership highlights how MVNX removes the traditional complexity of launching a mobile network, giving new brands the freedom to own their data, innovate rapidly and scale sustainably.

Connectivity that creates opportunity

With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, YOMO goes beyond connectivity.

Its zero-rated digital platform provides access to education, job-readiness tools and wellness resources — empowering young people to learn, earn and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

Since launching in September, YOMO has already attracted more than 44,000 subscribers, signalling strong demand for affordable, purpose-driven mobile access.

“When we empower young people with high-quality digital access, we don’t just connect them — we open doors to economic participation,” Ferradaz adds.

A first for South Africa’s MVNO landscape

YOMO represents two significant milestones for the local mobile market:

One of the fastest MVNO launches in South Africa, delivered in just four weeks
The first youth-focused MVNO built entirely on a managed-service enablement model

“MVNX guided us through every phase — from feasibility and commercial modelling to go-to-market readiness — and delivered a complete solution in record time,” says José Andre, CEO of Technov8. “YOMO proves what inclusive technology can achieve when it’s designed for real impact.”

Building South Africa’s digital future

MVNX’s infrastructure enables brands like YOMO to create independent mobile ecosystems that support national growth and inclusion.

According to GSMA Africa (2024), a 10% increase in mobile broadband penetration can boost GDP by up to 2%. By lowering the barriers to launching new MVNOs, MVNX helps unlock this growth potential — especially for underserved communities.

“When access meets opportunity, the economy grows from the ground up,” Ferradaz concludes. “YOMO is about more than connectivity. It’s a movement to ensure young South Africans aren’t left behind.”