ZB Financial Holdings (ZBFH) has called for a phased and carefully managed approach toward Zimbabwe’s goal of adopting a mono-currency system by 2030, warning that rushing the process could undermine economic stability.

The group’s strategy executive, Trymore Muhlanga, made the remarks this week as the financial institution prepares to roll out its 2026–2030 mid-term strategy, which aligns with government’s broader vision of consolidating the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) as the country’s sole legal tender by the end of the decade.

Muhlanga said the government’s currency transition must be supported by consistent policy measures and gradual market adaptation.

“As a group, we are fully supportive of government initiatives,” he said. “What the central bank will likely do between now and 2030 is to steadily increase the use of our domestic currency. At the moment, around 90% of transactions are conducted in United States dollars or other foreign currencies, so it’s important to rebalance that gradually.”

He explained that the process should involve a step-by-step reversal of the current foreign currency dominance, moving from a 90/10 ratio in favour of the US dollar to 70/30, then 50/50, before eventually transitioning to full use of the ZiG.

“If we don’t manage that transition properly, we may not achieve the level of success that the economy desires,” he cautioned.

Muhlanga’s remarks come as the authorities press ahead with the controversial plan to scrap the multi-currency system by 2030, a move that has drawn mixed reactions from the business sector and the general public amid concerns over currency confidence and inflation stability.

Meanwhile, ZB Bank’s SSCI certification — officially recognised during the Global Sustainable Finance Conference held on September 25, 2025, in Germany — was hailed as a major milestone for the group.

Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) deputy governor Jesimen Chipika commended the institution for integrating sustainability into its corporate operations.

“Allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to ZB Bank on attaining this comprehensive sustainability certification,” Chipika said. “This achievement is a testament to the institution’s resolve and commitment to embed holistic sustainability principles across all aspects of its operations.”

The certification aligns with ZB Bank’s long-term goal of embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards into its strategy, reinforcing its position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading financial institutions championing sustainable growth.

The City of Kings and Queens has once again become the focal point of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and mining discussions, as the Mine Entra 2025 Exhibition and AfriConfex Conference opened on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.

Proceedings began with the AfriConfex Conference, which set the pace for the week under the theme “Integrated, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Infrastructure Development.”

The event, led by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona, has drawn together policy makers, engineers, financiers, and investors to deliberate on opportunities for green infrastructure and regional connectivity.

After touring several exhibition stands, Minister Mhona highlighted the central role of modern infrastructure in driving economic growth, emphasizing that the Second Republic remains committed to developing climate-resilient transport systems to enhance trade and industrialisation.

The collaboration between Mine Entra and AfriConfex underscores the strong link between mining and infrastructure as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s development agenda, in line with the national vision of value addition and sustainable industrialisation.

Later in the day, attention turned to business networking as Mine Entra hosted its Buyers Programme Speed Networking Session, which facilitates direct engagement between major mining companies—such as Zimasco, Unki Mine, Hwange Colliery Company, and Blanket Mine—and suppliers across the mining supply chain.

According to the ZITF Company, the session aims to boost local procurement, attract investment partnerships, and create new opportunities for small and medium enterprises within the mining ecosystem.

This year’s Mine Entra and AfriConfex editions highlight Zimbabwe’s growing focus on sustainable infrastructure as a foundation for economic transformation and stronger regional integration.

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The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has applauded Cabinet’s approval of sweeping reforms to licences, permits, levies and fees in the retail and wholesale sector, describing the move as a major step towards improving the ease and cost of doing business in Zimbabwe.

The reforms, approved under the Government’s 29 July 2025 business reform framework covering twelve key economic sectors, aim to remove structural bottlenecks that have long weighed down formal businesses.

Cabinet approved the consolidation of fragmented licensing requirements into a single licence, the streamlining of duplicative and overlapping permits, and the removal or reduction of unnecessary levies and fees across major sub-sectors such as supermarkets, butcheries, clothing and furniture shops.

Among the key adjustments, the Liquor Licence application fee has been slashed to USD20 across all sectors — down from USD1,080 for wholesale liquor traders — while the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) permit fee of USD200 for veterinary products and the Local Authority bakery licence fee of USD703 have both been scrapped.

Cabinet also agreed to cap licence fees for all local authorities to promote uniformity nationwide.

Cross-cutting reviews were also made on several key regulatory fees. The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) licence fee for groceries and provisions has been reduced from USD120 to USD20, while the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) elevator registration fee has been cut from USD200 to USD20.

Other reductions include a 50% cut to the Health Report licence fee, and the lowering of bank charges and transfer fees to promote financial inclusion.

CZR President Dr Denford Mutashu commended Government for its “progressive and business-friendly decision,” saying it reflected strong political will to strengthen the formal economy.

“For years, the multiplicity of fragmented licences and overlapping permits imposed by different regulatory bodies has increased operational costs and constrained growth. This reform marks a decisive step toward a more competitive, business-friendly environment,” Dr Mutashu said.

He urged all local authorities and regulatory agencies to swiftly align their licensing frameworks with the Cabinet-approved reforms “to ensure immediate relief for operators on the ground.”

CZR also expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cabinet for their commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth, consistent with the national vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.”

The reviewed licences, permits and fees will undergo further refinements before being officially gazetted.