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Financial inclusion not be just a buzzword, says Mukuru boss

By , Senior contributor
Africa , 09 Apr 2025
Mukuru Zimbabwe board chairperson, Bongai Zamchiya.
Mukuru Zimbabwe board chairperson, Bongai Zamchiya.

Bongai Zamchiya, the new Mukuru Zimbabwe board chairperson picked financial inclusion as a primary goal of his strategy.

After only eight months in control, Zamchiya announced his desire to build on Mukuru's two decades of success in providing dependable service to a growing, remote customer base. 

Zamchiya indicated intentions to encourage the adoption of the Mukuru Wallet among the company's three million Zimbabwean consumers, which will be critical to advancing that objective.

“Inclusion has always been more than just a buzzword to me—it’s a guiding principle. Real impact happens when we build systems that reach beyond city limits and into the heart of our communities—villages, townships, and growth points where access is often limited but the need is greatest,” he said.

The Mukuru board chairperson stressed that technology and progress should not be the preserve of the urban elite. “It must serve real people in real places, unlocking dignity, opportunity, and choice for all.”

He believes that the Mukuru Wallet aligns with the fast-changing digital era and contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

“The functions for the wallet are tailored-made for the hardworking rural communities to experience real banking facilities. Customers can send and receive both local and international money transfers seamlessly on their mobile phones. 

"As a digital store of value, users can fully fund their wallet, save money, and access it anytime. The wallet supports essential transactions such as electricity payments, DSTV subscriptions, and insurance bill settlements,” he said.

He acknowledged that operating in Zimbabwe’s economic environment comes with its challenges, which Mukuru has navigated through a people-first approach.

“We understand the informal sector isn’t just part of the economy—it is the economy for many. Our focus has been on building reliable, accessible financial services that respond to real needs on the ground,” stated Zamchiya. 

"Our focus has been on building reliable, accessible financial services that respond to real needs on the ground.” 

He highlighted that a big part of Mukuru's 20-year success in Zimbabwe has come from maintaining a positive and ongoing relationship with the regulator.

“It’s not just about compliance—it’s about collaboration. Together, we’re creating pathways for more Zimbabweans, in both urban and rural areas, to access the financial tools they need to thrive,” he said.

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