In today’s fast-moving financial landscape, innovation and inclusivity are more than just buzzwords; they are essential for building a resilient economy that works for everyone. At ZB, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to deliver transformative payment solutions that bridge gaps and empower all Zimbabweans.
Driving Change with Smile Cash and Smile & Pay
Our journey begins with two flagship innovations: Smile Cash and Smile & Pay. These solutions are not just about transactions; they are about creating opportunities and promoting financial inclusion nationwide.
Smile Cash: A Mobile Wallet Built for Access
Smile Cash is a simple, accessible mobile wallet designed to bring banking services directly into the hands of users , regardless of their location or income level. Accessible via USSD, Smile Cash enables users to send money, pay bills, top up airtime, and access micro-loans, all without needing a traditional bank account.
Why Smile Cash Matters
Accessible: USSD-based, designed for everyday use and affordability.
Practical: Send money, pay bills, buy airtime, and access microloans.
Inclusive: Supports rural communities, small traders, and consumers who may not have a bank account.
Interoperability: Receive Funds from Multiple Platforms
One of the key features of Smile Cash is its ability to receive funds directly from other wallets and platforms. Whether from popular mobile money platforms like Omari, Ecocash, and InnBucks, or from Zimswitch-enabled cards, Visa, and Mastercard, users can receive funds straight into their Smile Cash wallet, enabling flexible, convenient consolidation of funds.
Smile & Pay: Fast, Secure Payments Anywhere
Complementing Smile Cash is Smile & Pay, a payment platform that transforms the way we pay. Whether at local markets, retail outlets, service points, or online, customers can make swift, secure payments. This not only speeds up checkout times but also promotes hygiene and safety, an essential consideration in today’s health-conscious world.
Expanding Horizons with Mastercard
Our partnership with Mastercard takes our payment ecosystem to the next level. Through Mastercard’s diverse suite of products, including debit, prepaid, and virtual cards, we are providing Zimbabweans with reliable, secure, and internationally accepted payment options.
How Mastercard Enhances Our Offerings
Global Acceptance: Mastercard’s extensive acceptance network enables Zimbabwean consumers and businesses to transact effortlessly abroad, opening new doors for trade and travel.
Enhanced Security: Features like EMV chip technology and tokenisation protect users from fraud, giving peace of mind with every transaction.
Financial Inclusion: Prepaid and virtual card solutions are designed to reach the unbanked and underbanked, providing a safe, cashless way to participate in modern commerce.
Creating a Seamless Payment Ecosystem
At ZB, we are committed to integrating these innovative solutions into a cohesive ecosystem. Our digital platforms ensure interoperability between Smile Cash, Mastercard products, and other payment channels, delivering a seamless experience tailored to the diverse needs of Zimbabweans.
We also collaborate with government agencies and development partners to extend these solutions into underserved and rural communities, ensuring that financial inclusion is truly accessible to all.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Payments in Zimbabwe
The future of payments in Zimbabwe is digital, dynamic, and inclusive. We are investing in biometric authentication for enhanced security, expanding our suite of financial products, and extending our reach into remote areas.
What You Can Expect Next
Stronger security: Biometric authentication and continued risk controls.
Broader access: Ongoing expansion to rural and underserved areas.
More product choice: Continued innovation across wallets, cards, and payment channels.
Our goal is simple: to build an ecosystem where every individual and business can thrive through innovative, reliable, and accessible financial services. At ZB, we believe that innovation is a powerful tool for inclusive growth , and we are committed to shaping a future where financial inclusion is the norm, not the exception.
At ZB, the future is smiling.
FAQ: Inclusive Payments, Smile Cash, Smile & Pay
What is Smile Cash? +
Smile Cash is a USSD-accessible mobile wallet that enables users to send money, pay bills, top up airtime, and access microloans without needing a traditional bank account.
Can Smile Cash receive money from other platforms? +
Yes. Smile Cash supports interoperability and can receive funds from other wallets and platforms (including popular mobile money platforms) and from card networks through supported payment rails.
What is Smile & Pay used for? +
Smile & Pay enables swift, secure payments at merchants and service points (and online where enabled), helping reduce checkout time and supporting safer, more hygienic payment methods.
How does Mastercard improve payment options? +
Mastercard expands global acceptance, enhances transaction security through modern card and digital protections, and supports financial inclusion with prepaid and virtual card solutions designed to broaden access to cashless payments.
