The Challenge
Early in 2023, Net Nine Nine embarked on a campaign to support entrepreneurs and small businesses within communities where we operate. Our aim is to help these businesses grow, succeed, and contribute to stronger local economies.
As many of us know, South Africa faces a massive challenge when it comes to unemployment. With overall unemployment sitting at over 36%, and youth unemployment at a staggering 44%, the impact on economic security is severe. These figures not only limit opportunities for growth but also contribute to rising crime, vandalism of essential infrastructure, and widespread drug and alcohol abuse.
It is clear that large corporations cannot solve this issue alone. South Africa needs a thriving culture of entrepreneurship to create sustainable employment opportunities and help curb the unemployment epidemic. At Net Nine Nine, we are doing our part by helping informal and small businesses elevate their services and improve their chances of success.
What is a Fibre Experience Centre?
Walk into any coffee shop or salon in South Africa, and one of the first questions you’re likely to hear is:
“What’s the Wi-Fi password?”
For many people, cafés, restaurants, and salons have become informal offices—places where they work, connect on social media, or simply stay in touch with family and friends. In fact, access to free Wi-Fi has become such a standard expectation that many customers will leave if it isn’t available.
Recognizing this, Net Nine Nine developed the Fibre Experience Centre (FEC) partnership program. Through it, we partner with small businesses such as hair and nail salons, community youth centres, car washes, Chisa Nyamas, and other service-related businesses and provide the business with free high-speed Wi-Fi for their customers.
But we don’t stop there. We also:
- Co-develop co-branded signage with business owners.
- Refresh their premises with our bright and vibrant corporate colours.
- Allowing us to use a portion of our marketing budget to attract new customers and increase visibility for both the local business and the Net Nine Nine brand.
This creates a win-win relationship: small businesses gain a competitive edge and more customers, while Net Nine Nine expands brand awareness and community engagement.
How Has It Been Going?
To date, Net Nine Nine has successfully launched over 160+ Fibre Experience Centres across South Africa, with more being added every month. The project has been an overwhelming success, with many business owners reporting growth, higher customer traffic, and stronger community presence.
Of course, like any initiative, there have been challenges along the way. But our team is committed to finding solutions, learning from obstacles, and continuously improving the program to ensure mutual benefits for both the businesses and Net Nine Nine.
What’s Next for Fibre Experience Centres?
Some of our Fibre Experience Centre partners have already expressed interest in going beyond Wi-Fi by offering sales and payment services for Net Nine Nine. As a result, the first centres are now being equipped with payment points, enabling them to earn commissions while also providing added convenience for our customers.
Looking ahead, we aim to grow this network further—bringing more businesses into the program, creating additional revenue streams, and most importantly, generating new employment opportunities for young people.
Together, we believe this initiative can help build a brighter future for all South Africans.
