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*By Ross Moyo*
NetOne is deploying its voice, data, mobile money and connectivity infrastructure to empower Zimbabwean youth and counter drug abuse, tying the campaign directly to Vision 2030 and NDS2 goals.
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to learn, innovate, create and prosper,” NetOne Public Relations Spokesperson Ernest Magadzire said, outlining how the operator will use technology to deliver anti-drug messaging and opportunity.
The campaign highlights four youth profiles: Educated, Innovative, Entrepreneurial and Active. Magadzire explained that NetOne’s role is to provide the digital foundation for each: affordable data for learning, reliable voice for community support, mobile money for entrepreneurship, and secure connectivity for innovation.
“Drug and substance abuse threatens our nation’s progress by affecting education, health, employment and community development,” he said. The operator is therefore integrating awareness content into its platforms while expanding rural broadband to ensure youth are not left behind digitally or socially.
NetOne’s approach mirrors its broader CSR strategy seen in winter outreach programmes. Magadzire noted that “at NetOne, we stand with Government, communities and stakeholders in promoting healthy lifestyles and positive choices” through both connectivity and education.
From a tech perspective, the campaign will use targeted SMS, USSD codes, and social media distribution to reach youth in high-density suburbs and rural areas. Zero-rated access to anti-drug and career resources is also being explored to lower barriers.
Magadzire linked the initiative to the Ministry of ICT’s Child Online Safety Policy. He said platforms must protect minors from harmful content while promoting positive digital citizenship. “Empowered Youth. Prosperous Nation. Better Tomorrow” is the campaign’s closing message.
The poster’s imagery of youth with a laptop and football was deliberate, he explained. It shows that technology and sport, education and entrepreneurship can all thrive when young people make positive choices and reject drugs.
NetOne supports the National Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign in line with Vision 2030 and NDS2. Magadzire said the operator will report on reach, engagement and support referrals to ensure accountability.
He closed with the campaign’s core CTA: “Say No To Drugs. Say Yes To Vision 2030.” For NetOne, connecting Zimbabweans means connecting them to endless possibilities, not to addiction.
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