IN 2019, different parts of the country awoke to a daily 18-hour load-shedding timetable. In 2022, though this time it didn’t last as long as it did in 2019, citizens of Zimbabwe awoke to the same reality sometimes the power cuts lasting more than 20 hours. The reasons for these blackouts ranged from depleted water levels to corruption to incompetency. Whatever reason one might believe, one thing is clear that the poor and middle class suffer the most during times of extreme power cuts.

Electricity loadshedding which is defined as the deliberate shutdown of electric power in a part or parts of a power-distribution system, generally to prevent the failure of the entire system when the demand strains the capacity of the system has been experienced in Zimbabwe since 2006. When loadshedding initially began, officials from Zesa said it would only last a week but now almost 20 years later it has become a way of life. Growing up particularly in the high-density suburbs of Zimbabwe in Mpopoma, Bulawayo meant that households would spend at least three nights every week without electricity, doing homework using candlelight and spending hours looking for firewood in small bushes and in parks.

Often, this meant that young girls would go unsupervised into these thorny bushes leaving them vulnerable to attacks from snakes and the ever-present sexual assault. This is a reality that a lot of young girls from poor backgrounds must contend with whenever there are prolonged power cuts as they are unable to afford other sources of energy like gas, paraffin or solar energy.

Zimbabweans have over the years shown more ingenuity in confronting the daily harsh economic conditions characterised by hyperinflation and the ever-rising cost of living. This has led many to the informal sector and it is no secret that the majority of the employed population (88%) is found in that sector.

Owners of these small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) have had to turn their backyards into small industries, salons, restaurants and shops. This group of people depends on electricity to store their products, to ready their goods for sale such as those in welding, and to make financial transactions. All of which has been largely disrupted by load-shedding making experts approximate this loss to be in the millions of dollars.

A study in 2015 conducted in Chinhoyi urban showed that 15% of the surveyed population had reported losing production time for their backyard industries and subsequently losing money. This was almost eight years ago before the informal sector had boomed as much as it has now and with way fewer people depending on it. This was also before the country had known 18-hour load-shedding schedules and now one can only imagine that the true impact load-shedding has on the informal sector has doubled or tripled since then. If businesses like Econet Wireless and Chicken Inn reported that they were being affected by the massive power cuts, how many SMMEs suffered as a result, and how many closed? But these are not just businesses, they are the main source of livelihood for the majority of the people in this sector, most of which are women. Consequently, one can conclude that poverty is indeed affecting African women as they continue to bear the brunt of deepening inequalities.

Fibre, or the internet is also affected by long power cuts like the ones we experience in Zimbabwe. This is because cellular towers that allow for electronic communication and equipment antennae to be mounted on them, ultimately allowing for network coverage and for people to use radio are also reliant on power. When power cuts occur, the cellular towers are then powered by back-up batteries or a generator that enables connectivity to continue. Over long periods, the power from the battery depletes and they will need to be recharged after about four hours. If this is not done in time, network connectivity is largely affected and becomes slow.

Long back, schoolchildren didn’t have or need online lessons or education. But with the demands of the new curriculum that introduced the Continuous

Assessment Learning Activity (Cala) and the growth of online platforms, online learning has become an option utilised by many learning institutions. The growth of the online platform has meant that some courses or programmes can be solely done through online teaching, and for the poor and middle class who often have to work and study at the same time to afford either fees or living expenses, this is a welcome alternative to traditional educational institutions. Power cuts affect the rights of the poor and middle class to acquire an education as they interrupt their rights to access this education or the research that makes it possible for them to do the same.

What is also clear in Zimbabwe is that not everyone is affected by power cuts. The wealthy can afford different sources of energy including renewable gas, diesel-powered generators, and the favourite solar panels. This group of Zimbabweans own most of the properties they live on hence they have the option to stay off the grid permanently by installing solar at their homes and offices.

Women and girls must make their way into dangerous forests, they have to spend longer time cooking and taking valuable time when they could be developing themselves through education. This also limits the amount of time they can be in decision-making bodies. Loadshedding, therefore, perpetuates existing class and gender inequalities and if Zimbabwe is serious about the constitutionally guaranteed right to equality, the leaders need to realise that electricity is a right too! - Zimcodd

Africa should demystify digitalisation of banking

THE digitalisation of banking in Africa has revolutionised the financial landscape, ushering in an era of unprecedented innovation and transformative opportunities.

Understanding the intricacies of this digital transformation is crucial for navigating the evolving financial landscape on the continent. At the forefront of this paradigm shift is the rise of mobile banking. With the proliferation of smartphones and improved internet connectivity, mobile banking has become a powerful tool, particularly in underserved areas where traditional banking services are limited.

Embracing the convenience and security of mobile banking, individuals can now seamlessly conduct transactions, access credit, and manage their finances through handheld devices. This leap in digital connectivity has significantly narrowed the financial inclusion gap, empowering previously underserved populations across Africa.

Fintech

Another driving force behind the digitalisation of banking in Africa is the advent of financial technology (fintech) solutions. Fintech startups have disrupted the traditional banking landscape by leveraging on technology to offer innovative financial services. From digital payment solutions to peer-to-peer lending platforms and digital wallets, fintech firms have introduced user-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to conventional banking systems. This not only enhances convenience for customers but also unlocks financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand their operations.

Open banking is yet another transformative aspect of the digital banking landscape in Africa. Open banking allows customers to securely share their financial data with authorised third-party providers, enabling these providers to offer personalised financial products and services. By leveraging on customer data, open banking fosters tailored financial experiences, spurs competition and drives innovation. Furthermore, it holds the potential to enhance financial literacy by providing customers with comprehensive insights into their financial standing and delivering customised recommendations.

In this digital era, cyber-security and data privacy are critical considerations. As financial transactions increasingly rely on digital platforms, robust security measures and stringent data protection regulations are paramount. - Further Africa