By Rudo Saungweme
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed that Mastercard company is set to establish an office in Harare to help drive Zimbabwe`s digital economy and entrepreneurship.
This was revealed in a meeting between Professor Ncube and Mastercard President and CEO, Ajay Banga yesterday.
On his twitter account, Professor Ncube posted, “Today I met with Mastercard President Ajay Banga. MastercardMEA has pledged support for Zimbabwe`s drive for digital payments, inclusive growth and innovation. MasterCard will establish an office in Harare.”
During the meeting with Professor Ncube, Banga outlined how Mastercard will collaborate with local private and public sector partners to drive greater financial inclusion through the implementation of innovative payment technologies.
The development was welcome by citizens who hailed the minister and Government for such initiative.
One netizen, Charlton-Zuza said, “We thank our President Mnangagwa for commissioning technocrats, who know what they do. Professor Ncube, you are walking the talk. In the Transitional Stabilisation Programme you stated the importance of digital economy and use of plastic money through digital platforms. MasterCard fits that bill and I hope it will go a long way in attracting other international businesses.”
In his Transitional Stabilisation Programme, Professor Ncube stated the importance of a digital economy. Ncube said, “Growth of Service sectors outlines opportunities for the digital economy arising out of adoption of ICT, with also benefits from increased investment in e-Government platforms.
“In this regard, harnessing the digital economy and digital entrepreneurship contributes significantly to economic growth, and has the potential of creating jobs for the youth and at low cost, benefitting from applications of digital platforms.”
The Transitional Stabilisation Programme also targets broadening adoption and utilisation of e-Government across Ministries, Departments, local authorities and State owned enterprises in the provision of public services to cut loopholes for corruption.
Citizens welcomed Mastercard’s intention to invest in Zimbabwe, saying it was an indication of growing investor confidence in the Southern African nation which has been reeling under isolation for almost two decades.
