Rebuilding Zimbabwe: EcoCash CEO on what it needs from Mnangagwa

In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Natalie Ajabengwa, the CEO of EcoCash and a YPO member, discussed the remarkable success of the company in driving financial inclusion in Zimbabwe. EcoCash, an innovative mobile payment solution, has played a significant role in addressing the liquidity crunch and challenges of accessing money in and out of Zimbabwe. Ajabengwa expressed optimism for the future of the company, highlighting the impressive growth it has experienced over the past five years. She stated that EcoCash was launched in November 2011 when only 10% of Zimbabwe's financial services population was financially included. Today, over 70% of Zimbabwe's adult population is financially included, and the company processes about 50% of the country's GDP. This success is a testament to EcoCash's commitment to driving financial inclusion and providing accessible financial services to a wider audience. Looking ahead, Ajabengwa emphasized the need for continued government support to maintain and expand the company's efforts in banking the unbanked. She stressed the importance of economic reforms, foreign direct investment, and the removal of restrictions on money movement to ensure sustained growth and development of financial services in Zimbabwe. Ajabengwa also discussed the role of technology convergence in democratizing financial services and the potential for creative industries, high-tech innovation, and technology services to drive growth in the country's economy. She highlighted the bright future ahead for Zimbabwe, not limited to traditional industries like mining and agriculture, but also encompassing emerging sectors like FinTech, energy, healthcare, and education. The CEO's outlook was extremely positive, pointing towards a future marked by innovation, technology-driven solutions, and expanded opportunities for financial inclusion in the country.