By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — Twenty-two-year-old Ruvimbo Chikwava spends her days in a small room in Kuwadzana, laptop open, headphones on, and a stable internet connection as her most essential tool.
She is a freelance graphic designer, working for clients in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Her income supports her family, pays her tuition, and funds her dreams.
But her biggest challenge has never been finding clients — it has been affording the data to deliver their work.
“Data has always been my biggest expense,” she said. “I would spend almost US$60 a month just on data, and I still ran out. It was stressful because if I couldn’t deliver on time, I lost clients.”
Then Ruvimbo discovered NetOne‘s 30ForYou bundle: 60GB for US$30.
“Now I can work without fear. I can upload large design files, attend virtual meetings, and even take on more clients because I know my data will last. This bundle is literally changing my life.”
Ruvimbo is part of a growing generation of young Zimbabweans who are using digital skills to earn a living, build careers, and participate in the global economy. But for many, high data costs have been a persistent barrier to fully realising their potential.
The Digital Generation’s Dilemma
Zimbabwe’s youth are among the most digitally active demographics on the continent. According to the latest POTRAZ (Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe) report, young people aged 15–35 account for over 70% of mobile data users in the country. They are using data for:
Online learning: Accessing courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy
Freelancing: Offering services on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer
Content creation: Producing videos, podcasts, and social media content for local and international audiences
E-commerce: Buying and selling goods through online platforms and social media
Digital entertainment: Streaming music, movies, and gaming
However, the same report highlights that high data costs remain the number one barrier to increased digital participation among young people. Many are forced to ration their data, limiting their ability to learn new skills, take on more work, or explore new opportunities.
60GB: A Gateway to Possibility
For young Zimbabweans, the 30ForYou bundle represents more than just data — it represents opportunity. Here’s how 60GB can transform a young person’s digital life:
For students: Research, online lectures, collaborative projects, and access to global knowledge bases without the anxiety of running out of data mid-assignment.
For freelancers: Uploading portfolio pieces, communicating with clients, delivering large files, and managing projects without interruption.
For content creators: Producing and uploading high-quality video content, streaming live, and engaging with audiences without data caps.
For aspiring entrepreneurs: Researching markets, building websites, managing social media accounts, and processing online orders.
For job seekers: Searching for opportunities, submitting applications, attending virtual interviews, and networking on professional platforms.
“I used to think I couldn’t afford to chase my dreams,” said Ruvimbo. “But with this data bundle, I can. I’m not just saving money — I’m building a future.”
Bridging the Youth Employment Gap
Zimbabwe faces a significant youth unemployment challenge, with over 40% of young people out of work, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT). The digital economy offers a potential solution, but only if young people can afford to participate.
“We are seeing a new generation of digital entrepreneurs emerging in Zimbabwe,” said Nyarai Mutsai, a youth empowerment advocate.
“But they need affordable tools to succeed. Data is the fuel for their digital dreams. If we can make data more affordable, we can unlock a wave of innovation and job creation.”
NetOne’s 30ForYou bundle is a step in that direction. By reducing the cost of data, the company is effectively lowering the barrier to entry for young people who want to build digital careers.
The Future Is Digital
For young Zimbabweans like Ruvimbo, the future is digital — and it starts with a stable internet connection.
“I don’t have to wait for a job to come to me,” she said. “I can create my own opportunities. I can work for clients anywhere in the world. All I need is data.”
NetOne’s 30ForYou bundle is giving young people exactly that: the data they need to learn, create, explore, and earn.
“Thirty years ago, NetOne helped Zimbabwe make the connection,” the company said. “Today, we are helping the next generation make that connection do more.”
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