Such deals have previously sparked national outrage.

Turnover ballooned to US$73 million between January and June, up from US$22 million in the same period last year. Share volumes skyrocketed 795% to 1,28 billion from 143 million.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) confirmed at least 306 employees had been suspended between 2016 and 2024, with 14 suspensions recorded so far in 2025 alone.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Uneca), and other partners.

The debate ran under the theme “Digital Currency in Zimbabwe: Towards an Upper Middle Economy”.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Sekai Kuvarika said policymakers need a fundamental rethink.

He added that the process would begin in 2025 and be finalised by 2030.

The CRI Index measures how effectively governments address inequality across three key pillars, which are tax justice, labour rights and public services.