As ZB Financial Holdings looks ahead, sustainability and inclusion remain central to our strategy. From 2026 onwards, our 2026–2030 Strategy shifts toward implementation and impact measurement, tracking outcomes across corporate performance, the economy, society, and the environment.
Below, we share key initiatives customers and communities can expect, how sustainability is embedded into day-to-day banking culture, what we learned from SSCI certification, and how digital innovation is driving inclusion.
1) What’s Coming in 2026 and Beyond
Up to 2025, ZB focused on certification and setting ambitious High Impact Goals (HIGs). From 2026 onwards, the focus becomes delivery and measurable impact.
Key initiatives
Financial literacy programmes: Workshops, media campaigns, and digital platforms that empower communities with practical knowledge.
Community Health Equity Fund (CHEF): A partnership with the City of Harare and UNFPA to expand access to affordable healthcare for vulnerable communities such as Mbare and Hopley. Subscription can be as low as US$2 annually, with a US$1 registration fee, and plans to expand across Harare and, later, to other local authorities.
Reaffirming ZB’s three High Impact Goals: promoting financial inclusion, fostering investments in sustainable infrastructure, and stimulating the agriculture value chain.
Measuring impact also matters. ZB highlights inclusive prosperity metrics such as jobs created (with wages above the national average), scholarships for children, and community development activities, supported by KPI-driven targets across lending, inclusion, and sector outcomes.
2) Embedding Sustainability into Everyday Banking Culture
ZB’s approach is built on a practical question: “What’s in it for me?” This ensures sustainability is meaningful for staff and customers alike.
For staff
Sustainability is directly linked to performance through scorecards and KPI tracking. ZB emphasises “Keep a compelling scoreboard” because what gets tracked gets done.
For customers
ZB prioritises partnerships with eco-conscious clients and promotes regenerative practices that repair environmental damage, supporting a more sustainable economy over time.
3) Lessons from SSCI Certification
SSCI certification encouraged deeper reflection on Zimbabwe’s potential and the importance of mobilising resources circulating in the informal sector. ZB notes that this requires collaboration among stakeholders, including financial services, tax authorities, and the government.
How will future projects be assessed?
Future projects will be evaluated through a multi-dimensional lens, considering impact on corporate performance, the economy, society, and the environment.
4) Building Sector-Wide Momentum
ZB says the SSCI milestone has helped inspire confidence across Zimbabwe’s financial sector that sustainability certification is achievable. It has also encouraged collaboration and knowledge-sharing, including workshops with colleagues from other banks.
“In this way, our win becomes everyone’s win.”
5) Digital Transformation Driving Inclusion
Digital innovation remains central to ZB’s competitiveness and inclusion agenda, expanding access, lowering costs, and bringing more people into the formal financial system.
Examples highlighted
Smile Cash mobile wallet and Smile n Pay payment gateway, enabling low-cost transactions and wider accessibility.
Customers can transact virtually free of charge by dialling *225*1#, supporting inclusion through affordable digital access.
Conclusion
ZB Financial Holdings is entering a new era where sustainability commitments translate into measurable impact. From financial literacy and healthcare access to responsible finance and digital innovation, the focus is on creating prosperity that is inclusive, equitable, and enduring.
