From freelance writing and coding to content creation and affiliate marketing, the digital economy is creating new income opportunities for young people.
With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s most pressing economic challenges, an increasing number of young people are turning to the digital economy to generate income, build skills and create new opportunities.
According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa, the national unemployment rate reached 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026.
Young people continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, with unemployment standing at 60.9% among those aged 15 to 24 and 40.6% among people between 25 and 34 years old.
Against this backdrop, financial services company JustMoney has identified 10 practical ways young South Africans can earn money online, ranging from simple side hustles to high value digital careers.
