Mobile money app users opt for the greenback to avoid the worry about currency depreciation.
At least once a month and sometimes three times a week - a private plane lands in a secure part of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport outside Harare carrying millions of US dollars. The pallets of cash are unloaded, broken down into packages and distributed to transfer points across the country.
This unusual but legal operation, organised by Zimbabwe's biggest mobile money app, Mukuru, shows how far companies will go to accommodate customers seeking to avoid the local currency in one of the world's most dysfunctional economies.
Africa's mobile money sector has grown rapidly in the last two decades and now processes about $912 billion (about R16.7 trillion) a year, according to GSMA, a global research and lobby group for mobile operators.
But while most fintechs send money digitally, the ones in Zimbabwe also fill a different niche: they help Zimbabweans get their hands on US dollars.
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'Musica' headed for SA
Cruising is just lekker. There is no other word or phrase that would really do it justice, hyperbole aside.
Museum of military history
Symbolic home of soldiers and veterans worldwide
Camping ain’t for sissies
It enriches, yes, but sometimes leaves you poorer
Boks are fully loaded
ERASMUS: NOT SCARED TO FLIP BACK TO HIS 7-1 BOMB SQUAD BENCH SPLIT
India draw first blood
Turning out against the global champions for the first time since they were edged in their memorable battle in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year, the Proteas stumbled again last night as they were completely demolished by India in the first of four T20 Internationals in Durban.
Make-or-break for Bok five
The Springboks get down to business tomorrow in their opening game of their end-of-year-tour against Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh and they will be gunning to get off to the best possible start. They will be eager to cap a magnificent year with a clean sweep on their tour to the UK. Ross Roche looks at a quintet of players that will be eager to seize their chance to impress on tour.
Some game-changing boxes still left for coach Rassie to tick
The Springboks take on Scotland, England and Wales over the next three weekends in Edinburgh, London and Cardiff respectively.
Jones wary of Dupont 'threat'
Evolving France face Eddie Jones' struggling Japan in the a November international today with superstar Antoine Dupont (above) making his first 15-a-side appearance for the hosts in more than a year.
Drafting Suaalii was never a risk
WALLABIES: FACING ENGLAND IS A HUGE 'OPPORTUNITY'
'Rusty' Azzurri not bothering Quesada
Gonzalo Quesada expects his Italy team to be ring rusty when they take on his home nation Argentina in the Azzurri's opening November Test match today, hoping to end a positive year on a high.
