A digitally connected and inclusive future for Africa
At Liquid, our corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities mirror our vision of a digitally connected Africa that leaves no-one behind. Beyond our core business of delivering world-class digital infrastructure and solutions, we’re using our resources and expertise to build a digitally inclusive future for every African.
Deeply rooted in our core values, our CSR activities use technology as a catalyst for transformative socio-economic development. This means that we prioritise initiatives that foster digital inclusion, empower the youth, and bolster small businesses through economic development in the areas in which we operate:
Digital inclusion
Reflecting our belief that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy and benefit from the transformative power of technology, we provide underserved communities with access to connectivity, digital literacy training, and skills development opportunities.
Education
Educational initiatives that empower young people with the skills they need to succeed in the digital age are essential. We’re proud to provide access to quality education, scholarships, and training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth and job creation, and we provide SMMEs with training and development, business mentorship for growth and sustainability, and cash flow support.
With an overall aim of driving digital inclusion and socio-economic development, we start with the communities we serve. By investing in local initiatives tailored to the needs of the ICT sector we help to create sustainable and meaningful change, unlocking economic potential in local communities.
This commitment to bridging Africa’s digital divide ensures that all of the continent’s citizens can benefit from the transformative power of the digital revolution.
Our core CSR focus areas
Liquid’s CSR activities are aligned with our overall mission and strategic objectives. We focus on measurable, long-term initiatives that leverage our technology and connectivity expertise to address critical societal challenges and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.
- Bridging the digital divide by prioritising initiatives that expand internet access and digital literacy, particularly in underserved communities.
- Investing in education and skills development programmes that equip young people and entrepreneurs in these communities with digital skills, as well as scholarships, learnerships, and training programmes.
- Supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation by investing in the next generation of tech leaders, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive.
- Empowering small businesses and local entrepreneurs to use technology to grow and compete in the digital age.
- Investing in local economic development initiatives that stimulate job creation and economic growth.
- Extending the benefits of connectivity to essential public services.
- Minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in our operations and across our value chain, by investing in renewable energy sources and supporting initiatives that address environmental challenges.
We understand that by pooling resources and expertise with organisations that share our vision, we can achieve so much more, together. We actively collaborate with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to maximise the reach and effectiveness of our CSR initiatives.
These strategic partnerships allow us to co-create platforms for social change and community empowerment, focusing on empowering previously disadvantaged communities. In this way we can be sure that our initiatives will create a lasting impact, contributing to a more inclusive, connected, and prosperous Africa.
Socio-economic development in action: Liquid’s partnership with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government
In an example of a successful collaboration aimed at long-term empowerment and economic growth, Liquid has partnered with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government to roll out essential digital infrastructure, connect schools and hospitals, and support local businesses in the province. This holistic approach extends to internet access, digital skills training, entrepreneurship support, job creation, and education initiatives in the province. Programmes include:
The Fibre TechCelerate Programme
Empowering local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to participate in Liquid’s broadband and fibre rollout, fostering inclusive growth and digital transformation within the region.
The Youth Tech Entrepreneurship Programme
Aimed at equipping the youth with digital skills and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset to create commercially viable digital startups, focusing on high-demand areas like AI and software development.
The Innovation and Digital Skills Centre
A hub to empower high school learners, unemployed youth, and community members with essential digital skills, including Microsoft courses, Cisco Networking Academy-supported ICT training, and accredited 4IR-related courses.
Through these collaborative initiatives we are not only building a digitally connected Eastern Cape, but also nurturing the next generation of tech leaders and entrepreneurs, ensuring a thriving digital economy for the region.
A strong academic foundation, especially with expertise in STEM subjects, not only creates a platform for potential tertiary studies or entrepreneurship but imparts an analytical, innovative mindset that’s essential in the country’s tech-driven future.
In the North-West Province, Liquid’s STEM Digital Literacy Programme for high school learners aims to enhance students’ academic performance in maths, science, and digital literacy, stimulating their interest in these fields, and preparing them for a future of opportunities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
- Beneficiaries: 300 students from eight schools in the region.
- Facilities: A computer lab, complete with state-of-the-art technology, internet connectivity, and a full-time lab assistant.
- Pass rate: 88%, with 14 distinctions.
In another example of a successful partnership between the business community and the government, the YES programme aims to curb unemployment rates by offering young South Africans valuable skills development opportunities and meaningful workplace exposure, enhancing their employability. Since joining the YES programme in 2020, Liquid has contributed to the upskilling of 426 young people from Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and the North-West Province, offering 20 of them permanent employment. In addition, 73% of these participants were women, again highlighting the importance of inclusive development opportunities.
We believe that corporate South Africa has a key role to play in ensuring that the youth of the country – regardless of economic or other circumstances – have access to the skills and resources needed for the digital age.
- Liquid bursary holders: 340 (60% female).
- Fields of study: Electrical and IT engineering, computer science, and ICT-related qualifications.
- Recent graduates gaining training and experience through Liquid’s Graduate Programme: 119.
- Learnership Career Programme participants who have secured employment: 60%.
We’re also committed to empowering disabled youth with comprehensive training in digital literacy, end-user computing and systems support.
We believe that transparency and accountability are essential for building trust with our stakeholders and demonstrating our commitment to creating positive social change. By tracking and evaluating our CSR initiatives using a data and evidence-based approach, we can demonstrate the tangible impact of our efforts.
Measurement metrics include programme participation numbers, assessments of participants’ knowledge and skills, the number of jobs created as a result of our CSR initiatives, levels of community involvement in our programmes, and regular assessments to gauge the broader social and economic impact of our initiatives.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Regular reporting to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Evaluation by independent third-party evaluators.
- Stakeholder feedback.
- Expert guidance, mentorship, and coaching for participants.
- A focus on quality and excellence in our programmes.
By rigorously tracking and evaluating our CSR initiatives, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. We are dedicated to using data and evidence to maximize our positive social impact and build a better future for Africa.
Our B-BBEE credentials
Liquid South Africa is a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, as rated by [Empowerdex Ratings Agency]. This not only signifies our relentless efforts to drive transformation and empowerment but also serves as a benchmark for continuous improvement. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that our initiatives create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of our stakeholders, employees, and the communities we serve.
At Liquid we actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through strategic initiatives that prioritise skills development, job creation, youth development, and entrepreneurship among historically disadvantaged groups.
View our B-BBEE certificate.
Professional memberships and affiliations
- Liquid South Africa is a proud member of the Association of Comms & Technology (ACT for SA) and South African Communications Forum (SACOMFORUM).
- Liquid holds Electronic Communications Services (ECS), Electronic Communications Network Services and various Radio Frequency Spectrum Licenses with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
