Business
OK Zimbabwe in Turmoil as Asset Values Fall Short of Debt Obligations
Retail giant OK Zimbabwe Limited is facing a mounting financial storm after it emerged that properties worth US$19.58 million, pledged as security, are insufficient to cover loans totaling US$23 million.
The shortfall highlights the depth of the liquidity crisis at the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed supermarket group, which is battling to avoid collapse after reporting a staggering US$29.6 million loss for the year ended March 31, 2025.
To stay afloat, the company is rolling out a recovery programme that includes asset sales, leaseback arrangements, and efforts to raise US$10.5 million to settle debts and re-establish credit lines with key suppliers.
Property Sales and Collateral Gap
According to unaudited financial statements, supermarket buildings and other immovable assets valued at about US$10.5 million have been earmarked for disposal. By August 2025, offers worth US$7.3 million were on the table, with potential buyers open to long-term leaseback deals.
Other properties were pledged as collateral, including:
OK Mbuya Nehanda, Harare – US$3.21m
OK Glen View, Harare – US$1.83m
Birmingham Warehouse, Harare – US$3.7m
OK Gweru – US$2.7m
OK Malvern, Harare – US$1.42m
Harare Stand (Odar Township) – US$720,000
Harare Stand (Salisbury Township) – US$4.84m
Borrowdale Stand, Harare – US$6m
The combined value of these assets, US$19.58 million, falls short of the US$23 million debt they are tied to, underscoring the group’s precarious position.
Revenue Collapse and Cost Pressures
Revenue plunged 53% to US$240 million in 2025, driven by supply chain breakdowns, exchange rate volatility, and intensifying competition from the informal sector. Suppliers increasingly demanded hard currency payments or reduced credit terms, leaving shelves understocked.
Frequent power outages inflated operating costs, while currency controls distorted pricing structures. Despite cutting overheads by 51%, the savings were wiped out by the revenue collapse, leaving OK unable to meet its financial obligations.
The company also exited the Food Lovers Market franchise, writing off US$4 million linked to its Fresh & Green City branch. Several loss-making outlets, including stores in Banket and Marondera, were closed, with more shutdowns likely.
Additional Strains
Labour disputes have added to the turmoil, with a US$500,000 claim for alleged wrongful dismissals still unresolved. At the same time, ZIMRA has slapped the group with a US$2.05 million penalty over non-compliance with fiscal till integration rules, a charge the company is contesting.
Recovery Attempts
In August 2025, OK Zimbabwe raised US$20 million through a rights issue, part of a broader turnaround strategy that also involves property disposals and new credit facilities. Management believes these measures will stabilise the balance sheet, improve liquidity, and rebuild confidence among suppliers.
Chairman Herbert Nkala admitted the road to recovery would be long, but remained optimistic.
> “The recovery of the Group has started, but it will take some time to return to normal operations. Cost optimisation, in-store improvements and online sales growth remain at the centre of our strategy. With focus and discipline, we are confident of delivering sustainable returns to shareholders in the medium term,” Nkala said.
Business
CZR Endorses Constitutional Amendment No. 3
Backs Constitutional Amendment No. 3: A Pillar for Stability and Growth
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has thrown its full weight behind the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, declaring it essential for robust governance and enhanced state efficiency.
This powerful endorsement from the retail sector shows the amendment’s perceived role in securing national progress, investor confidence and sustained economic growth.
CZR President Cde. Denford Mutashu said the retailers’ stance, emphasising that “Peace, security and stability are the bedrock of National progress.” He indicated these as crucial for investor confidence, asset protection and policy continuity, all vital for achieving Vision 2030 under the National Development Strategy (NDS1 and NDS2).
The CZR’s support is firmly rooted in the tangible economic gains witnessed under the Second Republic.
Dr Mutashu cited a projected GDP surge from USD 20 billion in 2017 to USD 52 billion by 2025, inflation stabilized at 4.1 percent and restored fuel and energy stability.
Record outputs in gold, tobacco and wheat, alongside widespread infrastructure development and renewed investor confidence, were presented as clear evidence of progress.
In a bold move, the CZR explicitly endorsed extending President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030.
Dr Mutashu argued that “development requires leadership continuity to complete transformative projects and consolidate national gains,” asserting that current stability must not be jeopardised by “perpetual election cycles.”
“As retailers operating in every community, we witness daily the benefits of a stable environment.”
The CZR stands resolutely behind this constitutional reform, viewing it as a critical safeguard for stability and a catalyst for Zimbabwe’s accelerated journey towards an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
This strong backing from a key economic player signals significant business community alignment with the amendment, positioning it as indispensable for economic continuity and national development.
Dr. Mutashu said the CZR’s rationale for endorsing the Amendment Bill, “Peace, security, and stability are the bedrock of National progress. These pillars guarantee investor confidence, protect productive assets, and ensure policy continuity-essential elements for sustainable economic growth under NDS1 and NDS2 as we advance toward Vision 2030.
“Commerce flourishes where peace prevails. The stability we enjoy today must not be disrupted by perpetual election cycles.
“We therefore support extending His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, as development requires leadership continuity to complete transformative projects and consolidate national gains.
“The Second Republic is delivering measurable progress. As retailers operating in every community, we witness daily the benefits of a stable environment.
“We stand firmly behind this constitutional reform process that safeguards stability and accelerates our journey toward an upper-middle-income economy by 2030,” said Dr Mutashu.
Business
Former COO Fayaz King Returns to Lead Econet InfraCo
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has appointed its former Chief Operating Officer, Fayaz King, as the Chief Executive Officer of its newly established infrastructure subsidiary, Econet InfraCo.
King is making a return to the telecommunications giant after departing in 2019 to serve as Assistant Secretary-General at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). He is set to assume his new role on 1 March 2026.
Econet InfraCo is expected to list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) toward the end of March, subject to shareholder approval of Econet’s proposed delisting from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and transition to an over-the-counter trading platform overseen by the VFEX.
Business
International FinTech Executive Tinashe Muhove Supports SMEs and Youth Talent
LONDON — International fintech executive Tinashe Muhove is playing an important role in expanding financial access, supporting small businesses, and helping young people enter the global fintech industry.
Muhove has worked in senior positions at well-known fintech companies such as Mukuru, Mama Money, and MoneyGram. In these roles, he focused on growing businesses and expanding into new markets, especially in cross-border payments and money transfer services.
Much of his work has targeted emerging and underbanked communities, helping improve access to financial services in Africa, Europe, and other regions.
Industry experts say his experience dealing with different regulations and business environments has given him a strong understanding of both business growth and financial inclusion.

Muhove is currently the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UJU, a UK-based technology company that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The platform helps high-street businesses keep customers and improve long-term profits at a time when competition and digital change are increasing.
UJU provides tools that help businesses encourage repeat customers and maintain steady income. This is important as many small businesses face rising costs and changing customer habits. The company’s work supports wider efforts in the UK to strengthen local economies and protect jobs.
Alongside his business work, Muhove is also involved in education and skills development. He founded Fin4NextGen, a four-week global programme that introduces young people to the fintech industry.
The programme teaches basic fintech ideas, career options, and real-life examples. It mainly targets young people who may not normally have access to the fintech sector. This supports industry efforts to improve skills and increase diversity in fintech.
Muhove is also sharing his ideas through writing. He is currently working on a book about the challenges of building fintech startups. The book follows two young entrepreneurs in the same industry but with very different goals, and looks at ambition, ethics, and purpose.
At the centre of the book is a key question he believes founders must ask themselves:
“Why am I building what I am building?”
Analysts say this focus on purpose reflects a wider shift in fintech, as companies are now expected to consider social impact as well as profit.
With experience in global fintech companies, SME technology, youth education, and thought leadership, Muhove is increasingly seen as someone helping shape the future of the UK and global fintech industry.
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