{"id":4449,"date":"2026-01-05T07:22:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T07:22:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/4449\/"},"modified":"2026-01-05T07:22:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T07:22:16","slug":"zimbabwe-to-convert-vacant-factories-into-global-call-center-hubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/africa\/4449\/","title":{"rendered":"Zimbabwe to convert vacant factories into global call center hubs"},"content":{"rendered":"

BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE \u2014 Zimbabwe Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has called on stakeholders to transform Bulawayo\u2019s vacant factories into international call center<\/a> and knowledge process outsourcing (KPO)<\/a> hubs, launching Special Economic Zone (SEZ) incentives to bolster the sector.\u00a0<\/p>\n

According to a report from Bulawayo 24 News<\/a>, the move is part of Zimbabwe\u2019s broader strategy to position itself as a competitive destination for business process outsourcing (BPO)<\/a> and KPO.<\/p>\n

Government unveils SEZ tax breaks for BPO, KPO sectors<\/p>\n

Speaking at the 2026 Post-Budget Breakfast Meeting in Bulawayo, Ncube highlighted that the new SEZ<\/a> incentives put the BPO and KPO sectors on equal footing with other export-oriented industries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Companies servicing offshore clients<\/a> will now enjoy benefits comparable to those in export processing zones.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are call centers and knowledge-based processing organizations, which mainly focus on the ICT sector,\u201d Ncube said<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really want to drive this sector. I am looking forward to some of these factories in Bulawayo being occupied by BPOs and KPOs going forward,\u201d Ncube added<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The incentives are expected to attract both local and international investors, create jobs for Zimbabwe\u2019s youth, and generate foreign currency through ICT-enabled service exports.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By leveraging existing industrial infrastructure, the government aims to breathe new life into idle factories and strengthen the country\u2019s position in the global outsourcing market<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Factory conversion plan targets youth unemployment<\/p>\n

The initiative not only targets economic growth but also addresses youth unemployment. By converting underutilized factories into service centers, Bulawayo could emerge as a key hub for outsourced ICT services<\/a> in the region.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This aligns with global trends where emerging economies leverage lower operational costs and a skilled workforce to attract international outsourcing contracts.<\/p>\n

Zimbabwe\u2019s move could signal a broader shift in Africa\u2019s outsourcing landscape<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With SEZ incentives making operations more competitive, Bulawayo could attract major BPO and KPO players seeking cost-effective locations for global operations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If successful, this strategy may help Zimbabwe diversify its economy and increase foreign currency inflows, reinforcing the importance of ICT-driven services as a pillar for economic growth.<\/p>\n

By targeting offshore markets<\/a>, the plan demonstrates how repurposing industrial spaces can create sustainable jobs while integrating Zimbabwe more deeply into global knowledge and service networks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a world where outsourcing continues to grow, Bulawayo\u2019s factories could soon become a central node for international business process services.<\/p>\n

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