Zimbabwe’s remittance landscape is getting a fresh boost following the partnership between OneMoney and WorldRemit, a move designed to simplify how recipients access international funds.
Speaking to TechUnzipped, Edmore Makanha, Head of Business Operations at NetOne Financial Services, confirmed that the integration operates on a straightforward cash pick-up model. “The partnership with WorldRemit operates on a cash pick-up model, meaning customers collect or pick up money sent to them directly from designated NetOne shops,” said Makanha.
Unlike wallet-based settlements that require funds to first reflect in a mobile account, this model allows recipients to walk into selected NetOne outlets and receive their money over the counter. Currently, the service is available at NetOne Kopje Plaza, Julius Nyerere, and LongCheng in Harare, with plans already underway to expand nationwide.
Affordability appears to be a key differentiator. Makanha emphasized that customers will not incur any charges when collecting their funds. “Customers are not charged any fees when collecting funds at NetOne shops. They collect the full amount sent to them and cash is guaranteed!” he said. In a market where transaction costs often eat into remittance value, the zero-fee structure could prove attractive to families relying on diaspora support.
Security has also been prioritized. According to Makanha, each transaction is tokenized to reduce the risk of fraud. “Each transaction is tokenized, and the recipient receives a secure message. To redeem funds, the recipient must present both the token and their valid ID,” he explained. This dual-verification process is designed to safeguard recipients against identity theft and unauthorized collections.
Although Harare is the starting point, NetOne Financial Services has indicated that this is only phase one. “The service is currently being rolled out to multiple locations across the country, Harare being the starting point,” Makanha noted, hinting at broader national access in the near future, including underserved communities.
Beyond convenience, the partnership signals a strategic play in Zimbabwe’s competitive mobile money sector. “The collaboration significantly strengthens OneMoney’s competitive position in the market,” said Makanha. “Enabling international remittance access across NetOne’s vast retail network and providing customers a secure and convenient transacting environment positions OneMoney as a fully integrated Financial Services Provider.”
As remittances remain a critical lifeline for many households, the OneMoney-WorldRemit partnership could reshape how Zimbabweans receive money from abroad.
