RBZ bans Ecocash cash-in and cash-out transactions

The RBZ has suspended all Ecocash cash-in and cash-out services in an effort to fight illegal trading in the country.

The statement read as follows

RE: DIRECTIVE ISSUED IN TERMS OF SECTION 10 OF THE NATIONAL PAYMENT SYSTEMS ACT ‘CHAP: 24:231 ON CASH-IN. CASH-OUT AND CASH-BACK FACILITIES

1. It has come to the attention of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe that some economic agents are engaging in illegal activities abusing the cash-in, cash-out and cash-back facilities thereby compromising the public interest objectives of national payment systems in the economy.

2. Notable activities include the buying and selling of cash through mobile money agents at high rates above the approved charges for cash-in and cash-out with some economic agents not banking
cash sales under the disguise of cash-back services.

3. The charging of commissions outside the approved framework adversely affects the smooth operation of payment systems and have the negative effect of distorting pricing of goods and services.

4. In view of the above, all mobile payment system providers and merchants are hereby directed to discontinue cash-in and cash-out with immediate effect.

5. Furthermore, all economic agents arc, with immediate effect. directed to discontinue cash-back facilities.

6. Banks, mobile payment system providers and other economic agents arc reminded of the need to ensure that the entire ecosystem operates within the confines of the law and enforce compliance.
Please be guided accordingly.

J. Mutepfa (Mr.) DEPUTY DIRECTOR FINANCIAL MARKETS, NATIONAL PAYMENT SYSTEMS 30 September 2019