AdNotes with selected LCNO representatives for group photo during the technical training session organized by MiRO.
The SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation, in collaboration with implementing partner Ednotes and with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is proud to announce the successful selection of the SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation. 25 Local Community Network Operators (LCNOs) For the project to advance sustainable connectivity and community-based digital economies.
These 25 passionate, community-driven small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) were selected from a highly competitive applicant pool based on their dedication to digital inclusion, technical capability and alignment with South Africa's national broadband objectives. The project, which has now officially launched, focuses on bridging the digital divide in deprived rural and township areas in seven provinces: Northern Cape, Western Cape, North-West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
“South Africa's rural and township communities are largely marginalized in the digital economy due to limited access to affordable and reliable internet. High broadband costs and infrastructure challenges are limiting opportunities for education, employment, government services and small business growth,” said Lydia Zingoni, founder of the SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation.
“Our vision is to build thriving digital economies at the grassroots level, where every community can access the opportunities of the modern world. By empowering these LCNOs with training, mentorship and real-world deployment opportunities, we are not just connecting people – we are driving entrepreneurship, job creation and inclusive growth in areas that have been long left behind,” Zingoni said.
LCNO representatives and Adnotes undertake site visits as part of the practical component of the training programme.
Sphumele Ndlovu, COO at Adnotes, emphasized the importance of community partnerships: “Connectivity is no longer a luxury – it is the foundation of opportunity in the modern economy. At Adnotes, we are proud to support an initiative that expands broadband access while empowering local entrepreneurs through open access. Network model. By supporting local community network operators, we are helping communities become active partners in building and maintaining their own connectivity, unlocking local innovation and ensuring that rural and township areas can fully participate in South Africa's digital future.
The selected LCNOs are:
- Northern Cape: Kerchas Laundromat, Northern Cape Developer Ecosystem
- Western Cape: seaview digital
- North-West: Blackkeys Solutions, Dash Host, The Browns Project Managers & Consultants, Mansbright
- Limpopo: FastSoul, Yellow Solution Technology, VelocityTech, QNETICX, iLook
- Mpumalanga: Clinx Technologies, Boitumelo Retabilile Group, Technorain Solutions, Red Rabbit
- KwaZulu-Natal: Africa Learn, Pazima IT, Mfin Telecom, Mtech Telecom
- Eastern Cape: Imakhaya Wi-Fi, Sensano Group, Nsebanjo Supply Services T/A Edge Net, G Labasha, KasiLabs
25 LCNO participants gather following a training session that equips them with the technical and operational skills to expand reliable Internet access to surrounding areas.
LCNOs play an important role as last-mile broadband providers in areas where larger ISPs often cannot reach. However, many face challenges including limited technical capacity, inadequate business skills and complex regulatory requirements. The initiative addresses those gaps through accredited training in technologies like MikroTik and Ubiquiti, ICASA licensing support, a zero-to-hero mentorship program, and opportunities to serve as sub-contractors in national broadband deployments.
Key expected outcomes include:
- Workforce Empowerment: To equip LCNOs with advanced technical skills in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies to bridge South Africa's digital skills gap and enable sustainable operations and innovation.
- Regulatory and Operational Excellence: Improve compliance, streamline processes and boost productivity for long-term competitiveness.
- Grassroots Connectivity: Deploying 250 public WiFi hotspots, connection of 150 public facilities (schools, clinics, libraries) and connecting 1 500 homes to enable e-learning, remote working and real-time communication.
- Inclusive Economic Development: Overcoming geographical and socio-economic barriers to promote digital participation, local economic development, youth empowerment and poverty reduction.
AdNotes and LCNO representatives during site assessment visits to evaluate connectivity requirements and infrastructure needs.
Leveraging strategic partnerships with entities such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), Seacom and Solcon Capital, the project employs agile frameworks such as Working Better (BWOW) and Business in a Box (BIB) to ensure efficient implementation from October 2025 to June 2026. This community-centric approach supports the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and is expected to create a wave. Impact on employment creation and poverty reduction with special emphasis on youth and women.
As the project progresses into its training and deployment phases, the SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation and Ednotes are committed to scaling this successful model across the country. Government bodies, NGOs, private sector partners and philanthropists are invited to collaborate in building a more connected and inclusive South Africa. For more information about the project or partnership opportunities contact: hello@adnotes.co.za.
Join us today: Email: hello@adnotes.co.za