THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has declared that ZimSwitch’s new headquarters will cement the company’s pivotal role in expanding digital financial access across the nation.
The national electronic payments switch is currently building its state-of-the-art head office in Newlands, Harare, with completion slated for next year.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, RBZ deputy governor Jesimen Chipika said ZimSwitch’s physical expansion signifies its evolution into a fully-fledged national financial infrastructure provider. “As Zimbabwe continues on its path toward a fully digital economy, it is essential that our payment systems are inclusive, secure, and resilient,” Chipika stated.
“No Zimbabwean should be left behind, whether in rural or urban areas, and whether transacting via mobile, card, or online platforms.”
She underscored ZimSwitch’s central role, calling it “both a guarantor of payment system stability and as the core enabler of interoperability and real-time transaction processing within the national financial ecosystem”.
ZimSwitch chief executive officer Zabron Chilakalaka said the new office, dubbed “Project Sunrise,” is envisioned as a powerful catalyst for the company’s mission. “ZimSwitch was born out of necessity, to address critical challenges within Zimbabwe’s financial ecosystem,” Chilakalaka explained.
“But in rising to meet those challenges, we evolved into a trusted provider of national financial infrastructure, a digital bridge connecting people, platforms, and creating opportunities across the country.”
He added that the new campus would be “a physical embodiment of who we are and where we are going,” representing not just organisational growth, but also alignment with the National Financial Inclusion Strategy II, which demands robust infrastructure, enhanced cybersecurity, and a digitally empowered society. Notably, he said, “Project Sunrise” is designed to achieve “Green Star” certification, showcasing a commitment to environmental performance and sustainability.