Paynow Strengthens Role as Digital Payments Backbone

Tamuka Mukiwa

Leading digital payments platform Paynow has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing financial inclusion and supporting Zimbabwe’s economic growth by providing secure, reliable, and user-friendly payment solutions to individuals and businesses both locally and in the diaspora.

In an interview, Paynow Managing Director Vusi Ndebele said the platform was born out of a vision to solve a uniquely Zimbabwean challenge the absence of a single, trusted digital payments gateway capable of operating at scale and connecting the country’s fragmented financial ecosystem.

“Zimbabwe didn’t have a single point of contact to the entire digital payments ecosystem that was reliable at scale,” he explained. “Our vision was to create a bridge between mobile money, banks, cards, and even cash so people and businesses could access the services they need without confusion or friction.”

Since its inception, the platform has grown into one of the most trusted and widely used systems in Zimbabwe’s digital economy.

Its infrastructure supports a comprehensive range of payment methods from mobile wallets and Zimswitch to Visa, Mastercard, bank transfers, and diaspora-focused alternative channels.

“We’ve always built with the customer’s future in mind,” the company chief noted.

“That’s why we support every payment method that matters and integrate in real time with hundreds of service providers. Our systems don’t just process payments they plug straight into businesses’ back-office systems to ensure instant receipting and reconciliation.”

Paynow’s impact is evident in its reach.

The platform has enabled over 13,000 merchants and more than 140 billers including startups, SMEs, government departments, and major corporates to digitise their operations using secure, easy-to-integrate tools.

A key component of Its success has been PaynowTopup, a service that connects Zimbabweans in the diaspora to essential services back home.

Through the platform, users abroad can directly pay for electricity, data bundles, school fees, insurance, and other necessities for their families.

“This is deeply personal for many of our users,” added the executive.

“We know what it means to send money home to keep the lights on or ensure your child can stay in school. PaynowTopup provides real-time payments, without middlemen or uncertainty.”

For small businesses and informal traders, Paynow has become an enabler of digital entrepreneurship.

The platform allows local enterprises to accept multiple payment channels through one account, access real-time reporting, and receive faster settlements  all without the need for expensive software or development support.

“We’ve invested heavily in educating and supporting local business owners,” the Managing Director highlighted.

“We understand how they operate, and we adapt to their needs, not the other way around.”

Security and compliance remain central to Paynow’s operations.

The platform is a Tier-4 licensed Data Processor, registered with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), and employs advanced security protocols including encryption, fraud monitoring, and multi-layered verification.

“We operate in a high-trust environment, and we take that responsibility seriously,” he said.

“Our systems are constantly tested and improved to ensure the platform remains secure, fast, and accessible whether someone is on a smartphone, feature phone, or desktop.”

Beyond technology, the company continues to lead in driving digital inclusion by supporting USSD-based transactions, cash voucher systems, and agent networks that reach underserved communities.

These efforts are aimed at ensuring that even those without bank accounts or smartphones can participate in the digital economy.

“Our job is to make digital payments invisible, secure, and universal,” said the payments platform head.

“That way, people can focus on what really matters growing their businesses, supporting their families, and building the future they want.”