ZB Financial Holdings (ZBFH) has launched two new digital platforms as it moves to address hiccups in the country’s digital payments ecosystem that include e-commerce integration and the absence of accessible wallet-based services for the unbanked.
The two products are Smile Cash, a mobile wallet, and Smile&Pay, a fully integrated e-commerce payment gateway.
Their launch is part of the group’s transformation strategy.
“We are thrilled to introduce Smile Cash, a digital wallet platform that allows you to transact via your mobile, whether app or USSD,” ZBFH’s chief transformation officer, Kangai Maukazuva, said during the recent launch of the two digital platforms in Harare.
Smile Cash, accessible via mobile app and USSD, offers a wallet that connects users to banking, insurance and investment services all in one platform.
It also allows real-time domestic and international transactions, payment requests from non-wallet users, and integration with major card networks, including VISA and Mastercard.
To complement the wallet, Smile&Pay was launched as a digital payment gateway aimed at revolutionising online commerce by making it easier for Zimbabwean businesses to accept and process payments online.
“Smile&Pay is a cutting-edge payment gateway that offers seamless and secure e-commerce transactions. Whether you’re shopping online, paying bills, or managing business expenses, it’s built to meet all your needs,” Maukazuva said.
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The dual launch forms part of ZBFH’s wider power model for digital payments, a framework that integrates platform development, online commerce, wallet services and real-time transactions.
Through this model, the group aims to build interoperable financial platforms that not only work within Zimbabwe, but also connect to regional and international markets.
ZBFH’s transformation journey began with internal systems upgrades and integration of its core services — banking, insurance, investments and property— onto digital rails.
Unlike most wallets on the market, Smile Cash is designed with multi-currency functionality, enabling transactions in Zimbabwe Gold and foreign currencies. It is also integrated with ZimSwitch, SWIFT and regional platforms, offering real-time payment capabilities and a seamless user experience.
“With Smile Cash, you can request a payment from anyone, even if they’re on EcoCash or don’t have a wallet. As long as they have a card, they can pay you from anywhere, whether they’re in Harare or Sydney,” Maukazuva said.
Smile&Pay, meanwhile, tackles one of the biggest barriers to e-commerce in Zimbabwe, namely, high setup and transaction costs.
ZBFH’s gateway allows merchants, from large corporations to small online sellers, to integrate easily, accept multiple payment types and manage revenue efficiently.
“Most payment gateways today are expensive and not user-friendly,” Maukazuva said.
“Smile&Pay changes that. You can now sell your newspaper, run an online shop, or offer services with a plug-and-play solution.”
The launch comes as ZBFH deepens its investment in digital infrastructure and customer-centric innovation.
“Our goal is to reduce the cost of transactions, improve access and power Zimbabwe’s digital economy,” Maukazuva said.
