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RBZ intervenes in data pricing discrimination against ZiG
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The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has moved to address concerns over discriminatory pricing by mobile network operators and internet service providers, particularly regarding their preference for transactions in US dollars over the local Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency.
In the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu revealed that stakeholders had raised complaints during consultative meetings, highlighting unfair pricing practices.
"The Reserve Bank has received complaints from stakeholders during the consultative meetings alleging that some mobile money operators are applying discriminatory pricing practices against ZiG in preference for USD transactions," said Mushayavanhu.
"For instance, promotions for internet data packages are only available in US dollars and not in ZiG."
In response, the RBZ has engaged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and the Telecommunications Operators Association of Zimbabwe (TOAZ) to ensure pricing policies are fair and inclusive.
The central bank, through the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), will closely monitor compliance by TOAZ members. Mushayavanhu also stated that industry players have agreed to revise their pricing structures, allowing customers to purchase internet data bundles using their preferred currency.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to stabilize the newly introduced ZiG and ensure it is accepted across all sectors of the economy.
In the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu revealed that stakeholders had raised complaints during consultative meetings, highlighting unfair pricing practices.
"The Reserve Bank has received complaints from stakeholders during the consultative meetings alleging that some mobile money operators are applying discriminatory pricing practices against ZiG in preference for USD transactions," said Mushayavanhu.
In response, the RBZ has engaged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and the Telecommunications Operators Association of Zimbabwe (TOAZ) to ensure pricing policies are fair and inclusive.
The central bank, through the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), will closely monitor compliance by TOAZ members. Mushayavanhu also stated that industry players have agreed to revise their pricing structures, allowing customers to purchase internet data bundles using their preferred currency.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to stabilize the newly introduced ZiG and ensure it is accepted across all sectors of the economy.
Source - pindula
