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Young.Nation media launches online platform
Young.Nation
January 14, 2013

Young.Nation | ZW Media has announced the launch of Zimbabwe's first web platform targeted at young people. The platform http://www.youngnation.co.zw is aimed at encouraging young people to actively participate in the digital space.

"Despite the fact that young people aged 18-40 constitute the largest demographic that is accessing the internet today, there is very little content that speaks to the issues they face on a daily basis. No media product in Zimbabwe talks to this demographic in spite of the fact that it's the future," said Chief K.Masimba Biriwasha, Publisher and Editor At Large of youngnation.co.zw.

"We want to nurture an online social forum that addresses issues that are specific to the new generation in Zimbabwe. We're the online generation and we've a strong responsibility to make sure that our voices are adequately represented. We want to build organically something that is useful, engaging, relevant and fun for our target audience. We believe it is possible to build a Zimbabwean-content driven social platform. Ultimately, we want a platform that young people in Zimbabwe can contribute content that is uniquely Zimbabwean."

Launched on January 4, the platform will provide a wholesome representation of issues faced by young people in the country.

"Part of what we want to do is to close the digital divide by ensuring representation of the rural youth, many of whom are already connected to the Net via their mobile phones but with limited spaces to tell their stories," said Biriwasha.

"Our model is simple, it is called SoLoMo, that is, we want youngnation.co.zw to be social, local and mobile. By going local, there's high potential to generate loads of content and therefore build a historical record that tells the trajectory of our communities in a manner that could otherwise never see the light of day."

Biriwasha added that the best way to improve the utility and therefore take-up of the internet among the youth of Zimbabwe is by having relevant content on it and making it accessible to them.

"As the Net increasingly becomes a reality in Zimbabwe, it is the young people of today who are set to get more benefit because they are growing with the medium. So it's a demographic that we can grow up together. Our ultimate goal is to encourage young people to get involved, have a say, influence opinions, showcase their creativity and talent, share ideas, access information and have fun."

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