OmniContact & UN Women Launch Project IGNITE to Empower Women and Youth in Digital Economy
Published on July 1, 2025 · Harare, Zimbabwe
OmniContact BPO Services, an Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s business process outsourcing division, and UN Women Zimbabwe have joined hands to launch Project IGNITE — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping women and youth with the skills and tools needed to participate meaningfully in Zimbabwe’s growing digital economy.
In a joint statement, the organizations said the public-private partnership seeks to empower thousands of women and young people to become digital leaders, technology-driven entrepreneurs, and active contributors to the future of work.
“Project Ignite is more than an initiative – it is a movement to ensure that women and youth have a real stake in Zimbabwe’s economic future.”
— Fatou Lof, UN Women Country Representative in Zimbabwe
Despite their critical roles in communities and households, many women and youth in Zimbabwe continue to face barriers to economic inclusion, including limited access to income, job opportunities, and entrepreneurial support. Challenges are particularly acute for rural women, young mothers, and persons with disabilities.
OmniContact, a key player in Zimbabwe’s BPO sector, will provide the infrastructure, training platforms, and employment linkages necessary to operationalize the programme. “We believe the future of work in Zimbabwe must be inclusive. By investing in women and youth, we are not only tackling inequality — we are strengthening our national workforce and economic competitiveness,” said Mr. Otis Makahamadze, COO of OmniContact.
Underpinned by a blended financing approach, Project IGNITE will roll out through four key models:
- Digital Leader Model: Enhancing digital literacy, confidence, and access to technology for women and girls.
- Impact Sourcing Model: Creating employment opportunities in digital services such as call centres, tech support, and data processing.
- Business Accelerator Model: Supporting women-led enterprises to leverage digital tools for growth and resilience.
- Women’s Empowerment Principles Framework: Engaging private sector, government, and civil society to promote gender equity and mobilize investment.
As Zimbabwe advances towards Vision 2030, Project IGNITE demonstrates how strategic partnerships can drive inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainable empowerment for women and youth.