Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWE’S digital payments ecosystem has continued to expand, with electronic transaction values exceeding one trillion ZiG and transaction volumes surpassing 500 million in the six months to June 30, 2026, as stakeholders push for greater financial inclusion.
Speaking at the opening of the ZimSwitch Payment Conference in Victoria Falls on Thursday, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Deputy Director for Financial Markets, Dr Josephat Mutepfa, said the focus has shifted from providing digital payment solutions to ensuring they are secure, reliable and accessible.
“Our challenge is no longer the availability of digital payment solutions, but ensuring they are trusted, affordable, reliable, accessible and widely accepted. This requires addressing transaction costs, network reliability, digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness and merchant acceptance, especially among small businesses and the informal sector,” he said.
ZimSwitch Chief Executive Officer Mr Zabron Chilakalaka said the company has strengthened the country’s digital payments infrastructure through improved security, innovation and financial inclusion initiatives.
“We improved infrastructure visibility by deploying a system for real-time monitoring of POS and ATM devices. We reinforced security through an Advanced Fraud Protection system and maintained our PCI DSS compliance.”
He said ZimSwitch has also enhanced its e-commerce platform by integrating mobile wallets, expanded interoperable QR payment systems to improve low-cost payment acceptance, and strengthened regional and international partnerships.
“We are on course to deliver a home worthy of your national switch… a purpose-built industry auditorium where collaboration, innovation and ideas will thrive. This is more than an architectural landmark; it is a symbol of our confidence in the future and our commitment to serve this industry for generations to come,” he said.
The conference has brought together more than 150 delegates, including policymakers, financial institutions, payment service providers and technology experts, to discuss the future of digital payments and financial innovation in Zimbabwe.
