HARARE, Apr. 20 (NewsDay Live) — CABS has launched a women-focused banking platform aimed at bringing thousands of underserved female entrepreneurs into the formal financial system.
The product, HerNest, targets women running small, largely informal businesses — a critical but underserved segment of the economy — positioning itself as both a financial tool and a driver of economic transformation.
“This launch reflects a deliberate commitment to ensuring that women are not only seen and heard, but are also equipped to lead, grow and transform communities and industries,” said CABS chief finance officer Valerie Muyambo. “We see this not only as a social imperative, but as a strategic opportunity to deepen financial inclusion and drive sustainable growth.”
HerNest offers transactional and savings accounts that support day-to-day financial management while building pathways to credit — a key barrier for many women entrepreneurs.
CABS head of business banking Tapiwa Rukara said the product was shaped through consultations with organisations representing over 90,000 women entrepreneurs, alongside regional insights.
Product presenter Afra Faith Zishiri said the design prioritises accessibility and flexibility over cost.
“Access matters more than pricing; flexibility matters more than complexity,” she said.
The launch aligns with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s push for financial inclusion as a lever for gender equality and economic growth, with analysts noting such initiatives could bridge the gap between policy and real-world access.
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With women dominating Zimbabwe’s informal sector, CABS’ move highlights a broader industry shift: empowering women entrepreneurs is increasingly seen as a key economic growth lever.
