Zimbabwe unveils a crypto licensing framework, signaling a new approach to digital asset oversight. Here is what the policy shift could mean.
Zimbabwe unveils a crypto licensing framework, signaling a new approach to digital asset oversight. Here is what the policy shift could mean.
Zimbabwe has moved to formally regulate its cryptocurrency sector, introducing a licensing framework that requires crypto exchanges to register with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). The policy shift marks the country’s first structured attempt at digital asset oversight.
The Zimbabwean government published Statutory Instrument 99 of 2026, a money laundering-focused order that brings crypto service providers under the country’s financial regulatory perimeter. The instrument establishes registration and compliance obligations for firms operating in the digital asset space.
Under the new rules, cryptocurrency exchanges are now required to register with the RBZ, placing them alongside traditional financial institutions in terms of regulatory accountability. The framework targets exchanges specifically, though broader service providers may also fall within scope.
The licensing regime centers on anti-money-laundering controls. By anchoring the framework in a statutory instrument tied to money laundering prevention, Zimbabwe’s approach prioritizes financial integrity over broader market development goals.
Crypto businesses operating in Zimbabwe will need to meet registration requirements and likely adhere to reporting obligations consistent with the country’s existing financial intelligence framework. Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit’s 2024 annual report had already flagged virtual assets as an area requiring greater oversight.
The distinction between licensing structure and actual market adoption is important. A registration mandate gives the RBZ visibility into crypto activity, but whether it attracts new operators or pushes existing ones offshore depends entirely on how the rules are enforced and what compliance costs look like in practice.
Regulatory clarity, even when restrictive, tends to give institutional participants more confidence to engage with a market. For Zimbabwe, where crypto adoption has grown despite years of regulatory ambiguity, having a defined licensing path could encourage legitimate operators to formalize their presence, similar to how established financial firms have pursued crypto product approvals in more developed markets.
Reuters reported on the move as part of a broader push by Zimbabwe to bring its financial system in line with international standards. The country has faced pressure to strengthen its anti-money-laundering regime, and crypto regulation fits that agenda.
The real impact depends on enforcement and final rule details. A licensing framework on paper is one thing; consistent, fair application is another. Whether Zimbabwe’s crypto ecosystem grows or contracts under the new regime will hinge on whether the RBZ treats registration as a gateway or a gatekeeping exercise.
The development also adds to a broader conversation about how regulation shapes crypto market dynamics globally. As exchanges in other regions continue expanding their token listings and trading pairs, Zimbabwe’s approach could influence how neighboring African jurisdictions think about their own digital asset policies.
Legislative groundwork for the framework appears in Finance Bill H.B. 14 of 2025, which laid out provisions that enabled the statutory instrument now in effect. Crypto firms operating in or targeting Zimbabwe should review both documents to understand the full scope of their new obligations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
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