Best bank: CBZ Bank
CBZ Bank’s performance reflects the strength of a strategy focused on maintaining market leadership while investing in digital transformation, broader financial access and deeper support for Zimbabwe’s key economic sectors.
As the flagship banking subsidiary of CBZ Holdings, the bank has combined scale with continued investment in technology, customer experience and tailored financial solutions for individuals, SMEs and large corporates.
The bank maintained its position as one of the country’s leading financial institutions, with a 20% share of deposits and 17% share of total assets as of November 2025. Overall financial performance remained strong, with total income reaching $212.8 million in the year under review, profit after tax of $64.8 million and total assets of $1.32 billion. Asset growth reached 16% year-on-year, while the bank maintained a non-performing loan ratio of 4.95% despite a challenging macro environment.
A key focus of CBZ’s strategy has been expanding access to banking services through technology. The bank strengthened its digital offering through enhanced mobile banking, internet banking, card services and point-of-sale solutions, improving customer convenience and broadening access beyond traditional channels.
The expansion of Visa debit card functionality also enabled customers to make cross-border and e-commerce payments, supporting greater flexibility and access to international services.
In corporate banking, CBZ supported major sectors including agriculture and manufacturing, while its mining value-chain strategy provided financing not only to large companies but also to SME suppliers through working capital support and capacity-building initiatives.
The bank also invested in customer experience and operational efficiency. Its revamped money transfer agency platform created a multi-partner ecosystem supporting faster integration, expanded service points and improved customer onboarding through digital KYC capabilities.
At the same time, CBZ strengthened its sustainability approach through the implementation of an environmental and social management system, supporting more responsible financing and investment decisions, and long-term economic development.
