Staff Reporter
Real Smart Africa, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has embarked on a three-day engagement visit in Zimbabwe, to assess and enhance the country’s cross-border digital payments and e-commerce landscape.
Zimbabwe has made strides in digital finance, but challenges, such as high transaction fees, limited interoperability, and regulatory inconsistencies remain.
The Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, highlighted Government’s commitment to digital transformation.
“Digital payments are at the heart of modern commerce, and Zimbabwe must position itself as a leader in this space. Our ministry is dedicated to ensuring that digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks support seamless cross-border transactions,” she said.
Minister Mavetera further stressed the importance of private sector collaboration in advancing digital finance.
“We need to work hand in hand with digital payment providers and fintech innovators to develop systems that are not only secure and efficient but also inclusive for all Zimbabweans,” she added.
AfDB’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr. Beth Dunford, emphasised the importance of seamless digital transactions in driving Africa’s trade agenda.
“For Africa to fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), we need efficient and cost-effective digital payment systems. Zimbabwe is a critical player in this space, and this engagement will help identify solutions to improve interoperability and reduce transaction costs,” she said.
Key industry players, including mobile money operators and fintech firms, are also part of the discussions.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s CEO, Douglas Mboweni, highlighted the private sector’s role in advancing digital transactions.
“We have seen significant adoption of mobile money in Zimbabwe, but there is still room for improvement. A harmonised regulatory framework across Africa will allow businesses to scale beyond borders and improve financial access for millions,” he said.
Dr. Towela Nyirenda-Jere, Head of Smart Africa’s Digital Transformation Unit, noted the potential for Zimbabwean businesses to leverage digital trade.
“E-commerce can be a game-changer for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, but we must address the barriers preventing seamless cross-border transactions. This visit is about identifying those gaps and finding practical solutions,” she explained.
The engagement will culminate in a comprehensive report with recommendations to improve Zimbabwe’s digital payments ecosystem, focusing on enhancing interoperability, lowering transaction costs, and fostering policy alignment with regional standards.
