Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
A NATIONWIDE initiative dubbed Project Ignite that is aimed at promoting digital inclusion and bridging the gender digital divide, particularly among women and youths, was launched yesterday by the Government, in partnership with UN Women and the Econet Group.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, Permanent Secretary for Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dr Beaullah Chirume said the initiative was a critical part of Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda under Vision 2030.
“Technology is central to development. It drives innovation and connects us to a more inclusive and prosperous future,” she said.
“We cannot achieve real progress if more than half of our population, particularly women, remain excluded from the digital economy.”
Dr Chirume said Project Ignite was designed to dismantle barriers that prevented full participation in the digital space, especially for women and young people.
She said the Government was focused on creating opportunities that allow citizens to access tools, skills and platforms necessary for economic empowerment.
“Digital inclusion is a key development priority. The gender digital divide remains a major obstacle to inclusive growth. Project Ignite responds directly to this challenge.
“This is a nationwide effort. Everyone has a role to play in reshaping Zimbabwe’s digital future,” said Dr Chirume said.
UN Women Zimbabwe representative Ms Fatou Aminata Lo said the initiative, co-led by UN Women and Omni Contact, seeks to address systemic digital inequality through targeted investment in digital literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“This is a multi-stakeholder partnership designed to create real pathways to opportunity, leadership and prosperity in the digital space,” she said.
“Women and youth remain disproportionately affected by digital exclusion, unemployment and limited access to technology. Project Ignite aims to change that.”
Ms Lo said the project represents a bold step towards inclusive development and praised the private sector for playing a critical role in implementation.
“We are building bridges between the public and private sectors to empower underserved communities. This is about turning potential into impact,” she said.
Econet Wireless deputy chief executive officer Mr Roy Chimanikire said 3,1 billion people globally remain disconnected from the internet, with two-thirds lacking cellphones.
Most of those affected are women and youths, he said.
“Closing this usage gap could add US$3,5 trillion to global GDP — and US$1,3 trillion of that would come from closing the gender gap alone,” Mr Chimanikire said.
“In Zimbabwe, over 50 percent of the digitally connected population is under the age of 35. Project Ignite will help this group access not just connectivity but also employment and innovation opportunities.”
Mr Chimanikire added that Econet is committed to supporting the initiative through deliberate inclusion of women and youths in its supply chain and business opportunities.
Omni Contact chief operating officer Mr Otis Makahamadzi said Project Ignite was developed through a collaborative effort between community partners, Government and the private sector.
“This project represents the DNA of the Econet Group, pioneering innovation that leaves no one behind,” he said.
“We are targeting underserved and marginalised communities with skills development programmes and access to innovation hubs.”
Project Ignite is aligned with the National ICT Policy, gender equality strategies, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
It is expected to roll out in the provinces, establish digital innovation centres and provide training programmes for young entrepreneurs and women-led start-ups.
The Government has called on development partners and financial institutions to support the initiative, which it described as a sustainable solution to youth unemployment and digital exclusion.
