ZWMB advocates for nationwide financial inclusion and empowerment across Zimbabwe  

Peter Tanyanyiwa                                                                                                            

Herald Correspondent

The Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB) is spearheading a nationwide push for financial inclusion, literacy, and empowerment, with a renewed focus on ensuring that no Zimbabwean—regardless of gender, age, or faith—is left behind, says chief executive officer Dr Mandas Marikanda.

She was speaking at a seminar organised by the National Multifaith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED), a coalition of religious leaders.

The seminar was in support of the Government’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Dr Marikanda emphasised that the bank’s mandate extends beyond women.

“Financial inclusion does not just refer to women. It also refers to men, of all age groups, ethnicities and social groups,” she said.

“Other banks may turn away the elderly or the very young, but as long as you are economically active, ZWMB will serve you.

“Money knows no gender, no distance, no age and no creed. Our mission is to empower every Zimbabwean with the tools and confidence to participate in the economy, whether they are in urban or rural areas.”

The bank’s outreach has expanded significantly, with new programmes targeting the poorest and most marginalised communities.

“If we were working with two million before, and now reaching another two million, it means we are changing the national statistics on poverty and inclusion,” Dr Marikanda said.

“We are helping people with financial literacy, teaching them how to start businesses and showing them that even without academic success, there are ways to make money and contribute to the nation’s growth.”

The drive for inclusion is also being echoed by religious leaders across Zimbabwe under NAMFED in support of the Government’s economic agenda.

One of the conveners of NAMFED, Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga described the coalition as “a pot that has been put before everyone so that they can come and partake—Muslims, Christians, Jews, and African traditionalists.”

He stressed that the only unifying factor is “our love for the President and our support for ZANU-PF,” adding, “Anyone who does not support the Government is simply declaring war against God himself, because the Government is God-ordained”.

NAMFED recently benefited from a US$500 000 revolving fund donated by President Mnangagwa through his advisor, Dr Paul Tungwarara.

The fund is intended to support economic initiatives among religious communities, with a focus on housing, agriculture, and business development.

“This is a pot that has been prepared and served by the President himself, for everyone to benefit,” said Prophet Jay Israel, chairman of the Zimbabwe Economic Forum and NAMFED advisory board member.

Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, also praised the partnership with ZWMB.

“Empowering women is empowering communities. We are grateful to the Women’s Bank and to President Mnangagwa for supporting our efforts to fight drug abuse, gender-based violence and corruption. Unity, peace, tolerance and development are our guiding principles,” he said at the recent SCIAZ National Women’s Seminar in Harare.