RBZ: Majority don’t have bank accounts

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe says that in 2015 the number of people using banking products declined.

RBZ-Building-250The majority of Zimbabweans don’t have bank accounts.

But after years of public distrust of financial institutions the Central Bank has launched a new programme that it hopes will entice millions of Zimbabweans to take their money from under their mattresses and put it into the banking system.

Zimbabwe’s recession in 2008 shifted the economy to an informal one resulting in 80% of the population working in informal businesses.

Today, vendors are busy trading goods at one of the many markets around Harare. It may not look like it, but billions of dollars exchange hands this way every year.

The Small businesses ministry says 83% of these small companies are not licensed.

“It’s not necessary to keep money in the bank, besides I don’t trust them. Where I am is where my money is. I keep it in my cupboard at home, the banks can  tell you that your money is no longer legal tender.”

In 2009, Zimbabwe’s authorities scrapped the use of its worthless local currency, and adopted the US dollar.

Overnight the money held in bank accounts became worthless. It created a public distrust of banks and according to the Central Bank close to 70% of Zimbabwean adults don’t have bank accounts.

Slowly the Central bank is trying to restore public confidence.

The new national financial strategy hopes to entice the unbanked back into financial and insurance services.

Zimbabwe Reserve Bank Governor John Mangudya  says: “Only 14% of micro, small and medium enterprises are formally banked.

“This leaves the majority of the population relying on informal financial services which are often inadequate, inefficient and more than that very costly.”

Authorities say around the world increased financial inclusion has also helped grow small businesses.

Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa says: “When more people save and transact through formal financial institutions that country will have more money to invest in various sectors.”

Government say they aim to increase the number of people using formal banking institutions to 90 % by 2020.

The campaign will target, the rural population, small-holding farmers, women and the youth.

Post published in: Business

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *