Ecobank opens new branches in Gweru
By Dumisani Ndlovu
A transnational financial institution, Ecobank has expanded its presence in Midlands, Zimbabwe with the opening of a new branch in Gweru Central Business District (CBD).
Gweru branch is the thirteenth branch the Togo-based pan-African banking group, has opened in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the official launch of the bank, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube described the development as a milestone achievement by the Second Republic in attracting investment and strengthening financial inclusivity to buttress economic recovery and growth.
“Today’s occasion is auspicious as it dovetails with the Second Republic’s strategic policy thrust of opening up the economy and Devolution and Decentralization agenda to provide goods and services closer to the people, ensuring no one is left behind as we gravitate towards attainment of upper Middle income economy earlier than 2030,” said Minster Ncube.
Hon. Ncube said the financial Inclusion is a key enabler in economic development.
“I therefore applaud Ecobank for considering opening a branch in Gweru. The New Dispensation under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa has rolled out comprehensive ICT infrastructure to enable electronic transactions. BCS fibre optic network and the recently licenced Starlink bear testimony to the development thrust as we gravitate towards an upper middle-income economy earlier than 2030,” said Hon. Ncube.
The Minister of State also praised Ecobank for offering comprehensive financial services and solutions to its clients across Zimbabwe.
“The company has 2 branches in Midlands Province in Kwekwe and Gweru offering open trade with other foreign investors across Africa. The banking sector performance remains robust with adequate capital and liquidity buffers, satisfactory assets quality and sustainable profitability,” he said.
The bank entered Zimbabwe in 2011 with the opening of three branches in Harare and Bulawayo, but now has expanded its business to 13 branches in cities such as Chiredzi, Chitungwiza, Kwekwe, Mutare and Gweru
