Zimbabwe government makes e-payment compulsory for all businesses

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa declares El Nino-induced drought a national disaster, at the State House in Harare

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa delivers his State of the Nation address during which he declared drought, induced by El Nino, a national disaster, at the State House in Harare, Zimbabwe, April 3,2024.REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

Source: REUTERS

Zimbabwe’s government has enforced the use of electronic payment methods for all businesses across the country.

Under this new direction, all businesses must accept Point-of-Sale (POS) machine transactions. The move is aimed at prohibiting businesses from engaging in unfair trade practices.

It also seeks to protect consumers from robbery incidents and promote safer and more convenient payment methods, providing consumers with payment options to choose from.

In line with this, the Consumer Protection Commission has launched an enforcement blitz against defaulting businesses who fail to comply, starting with the fuel industry.

“The Consumer Protection Commission is warning businesses operating without Point-of-Sale machines, that they are doing so against the law. In terms of the Finance Act number 1 of (2018), ALL businesses must offer electronic payment options,” parts of the statement on X said.

The Commission further indicated that non-compliance amounts to a violation of the law and an infringement on consumers’ rights.

Citizens have been urged to report businesses that fail to follow the directions.

Wonder Hagan