Airbnb will roll out free WiFi hotspots in South African township communities over the next two years in partnership with local network provider Ikeja. According to Airbnb, they will provide at least 100 Airbnb Academy Hosts and their communities free connectivity to the internet.
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“Each of these 100 Hosts will become a WiFi hotspot within their community, giving 100s of others access, resulting in a powerful network effect,” Airbnb said in a statement. “With less than half of South Africa’s rural population connected to the internet, digital exclusion poses a significant barrier to entry for many potential tourism entrepreneurs.”
Ikeja is a local company focused on providing fast, affordable internet connectivity to disadvantaged communities in order to uplift and empower. According to Matthew Symonds, Ikeja co-founder, this partnership with Airbnb is an important step for them to reach their goals as well.
“By the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy partnering with Ikeja as their chosen connectivity provider, hosts will now have unlimited Internet for their guests,” Symonds said. Not only will hosts be able to offer their customers internet connectivity, but it will empower the community surrounding the host as well.
“Building a stronger and more sustainable tourism industry in South Africa will take collaboration from all stakeholders, including Airbnb, and will require balanced and evidence-based regulation,” Airbnb said. “In June, Airbnb set out its support for a simple, online and proportionate national registration system in South Africa as part of a five-point plan to re-boost tourism in the wake of the pandemic and promote an inclusive and sustainable future for tourism.”
The free hotspot project is part of Airbnb’s three-year commitment in South Africa that will see them invest an additional R1.5m in its Africa Academy Fund, training in tech and empowering communities.
