Zimbabwe Mandates PoS Machines for Businesses to Curb Unfair Practices

Zimbabwe has intensified efforts to ensure that businesses comply with regulations mandating the use of point-of-sale (PoS) machines, as part of a broader strategy to curb unfair trade practices. A recent inspection by the Competition and Tariff Commission revealed that 80% of the 27 service stations surveyed did not have PoS machines in place.

This enforcement drive, which will extend to all businesses across the country, aims to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Companies found to be non-compliant with these provisions will face penalties in accordance with the law.

The crackdown aligns with Zimbabwe’s Consumer Protection Act, Chapter 14.44, Section 51 (h), which prohibits unfair trade practices, including depriving consumers of the right to choose payment methods. Additionally, the Finance Act Number One of 2018, which amended Section 10 of the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act (Chapter 24:24), requires businesses to facilitate electronic payments through PoS machines or mobile devices.

The government is encouraging the public to report businesses that fail to provide electronic payment options, which is crucial for ensuring consumer rights are upheld.

Denford Mutashu, president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR), emphasized the importance of compliance, urging businesses to meet their statutory obligations by installing operational PoS machines. “The multi-currency policy is law, and both the Zimbabwe dollar (ZWG) and US dollar (USD) are legal tender. Banks must expedite the distribution of PoS machines across the economy,” he stated.

Mutashu also stressed that it is illegal for businesses to refuse payment via local currency or mobile platforms, reinforcing the government’s commitment to consumer convenience and fairness.

However, some critics, including social media users, have raised concerns. One X user argued that instead of mandating PoS machines, the government should focus on establishing a single currency—either USD or ZWG—to streamline the nation’s payment systems.