In a move aimed at curbing unfair business practices and protecting consumer rights, Zimbabwe has mandated the use of Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines across all businesses. This decision follows a recent investigation by the Consumer Protection Commission, which revealed that 80% of the 27 service stations inspected lacked PoS machines, limiting consumers’ payment options.
The government’s enforcement drive will extend to all sectors, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for businesses to provide electronic payment methods. Non-compliant businesses will face penalties as stipulated by the law. This mandate aligns with the Consumer Protection Act, Chapter 14:44, Section 51(h), which prohibits unfair trade practices, including the denial of consumers’ right to choose how they pay for goods and services.
Additionally, the Finance Act Number One of 2018, which amended the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act (Chapter 24:24), requires all businesses to acquire devices that facilitate electronic payments. This includes PoS machines or mobile payment options to enable smooth transactions for consumers.
To ensure the effective implementation of these laws, the Commission is urging the public to report businesses that fail to provide electronic payment options. Denford Mutashu, president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), also called on businesses to comply with their regulatory obligations by installing functional PoS machines for customer convenience. He emphasized the legality of Zimbabwe’s multi-currency policy, which allows both the Zimbabwean dollar (ZWL) and US dollar (USD) to be accepted as legal tender.
“Banks should prioritize the distribution of PoS machines to facilitate smooth transactions across the economy,” Mutashu stated, warning that it is illegal for businesses to deny customers the option to swipe or use mobile payment platforms in local currency.
However, not everyone agrees with the enforcement. A user on X (formerly Twitter) argued that instead of mandating PoS machines, Zimbabwe should focus on adopting a single currency, suggesting that this would simplify transactions for both businesses and consumers.
As the crackdown continues, Zimbabwean businesses are being urged to adapt quickly to avoid penalties and ensure they remain compliant with the country’s evolving payment regulations.
