Browsing: scarcity of hard cash in Zimbabwe

Vienna Payment Solutions
  • Zimbabwe's economic history has been turbulent with hyperinflation, currency devaluation, and a shortage of the Zimbabwean dollar.
  • To cope with these challenges, Zimbabweans embraced digital payments.
  • In H1 2023, digital payment values rose by 40%, with transaction volumes seeing a slight 4% decline.
  • Mobile money services such as EcoCash, OneMoney, Innbucks, O’mari, and Telecash are now crucial for transactions in Zimbabwe.

For years, Zimbabwe has grappled with a severe shortage of physical currency. The nation's economic turmoil commenced with hyperinflation, forcing the abandonment of its own currency in 2009. Instead, a mix of foreign currencies, primarily the US dollar, came in helping to steady the economy.

However, by 2015, the US dollar began vanishing from formal banks, resulting in a significant scarcity. Consequently, individuals and businesses started hoarding US dollars. The USD was considered a safe investment rather than a means of exchange.

Introduction of Bond Notes in Zimbabwe

To…