CBZ Bank Launches Pan-African Trade Strategy to Tap US$3 Trillion Market

CBZ’s strategy is expected to attract foreign investment and enhance Zimbabwe’s role in regional value chains (image source)

HARARE – CBZ Holdings has launched a bold new strategy aimed at positioning Zimbabwe as a gateway to Africa’s US$3 trillion intra-continental trade market, leveraging its banking infrastructure, digital platforms, and regional partnerships.

The initiative, unveiled at a high-level summit in Harare, aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to eliminate trade barriers and boost commerce among African nations. CBZ’s plan includes expanding trade finance offerings, building a digital trade portal, and strengthening correspondent banking relationships.

“Zimbabwe must be more than a transit point—it should be a trade facilitator,” said CBZ CEO Lawrence Nyazema. “We’re investing in systems that connect local exporters to buyers across Africa.”

The bank is targeting key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing industries with high export potential but limited access to financing. CBZ will offer tailored credit lines, risk mitigation tools, and logistics support to help Zimbabwean businesses scale regionally.

A cornerstone of the strategy is the CBZ TradeConnect Portal, a digital platform that enables real-time currency conversion, customs documentation, and buyer-seller matchmaking. The portal is expected to go live in Q1 2026. “We want to remove friction from cross-border trade,” said Nyazema. “Our platform will simplify compliance and reduce transaction costs.”

Zimbabwe recently ratified key AfCFTA protocols, including those on trade in goods and services, dispute resolution, and investment protection. The government has pledged to streamline customs procedures and harmonize standards with regional partners.

Experts say CBZ’s initiative could help formalize Zimbabwe’s informal cross-border trade, which accounts for an estimated 40% of regional commerce. Traders at Beitbridge, Chirundu, and Forbes border posts often face challenges with payment systems, customs delays, and regulatory inconsistencies.

“This is a game-changer for small traders,” said Judith Moyo, a cross-border trader based in Mutare. “If CBZ can help us access credit and simplify payments, we’ll be able to grow our businesses.”

The bank is also exploring partnerships with fintech firms to integrate mobile money and blockchain solutions into its trade ecosystem. CBZ says it will work closely with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe to ensure regulatory compliance. “Digital trade is the future, and Zimbabwe must not be left behind,” said economist Dr. Gift Mugano.