EcoCash Offers a Smart Solution to Zimbabwe's Change Problem

Over the weekend, I passed through Pick n Pay to grab a few groceries. When I got to the till, my change came to 35 cents. Like many Zimbabweans, I paused and started thinking, "What can I even buy with this 35 cents?" But before I could finish that thought, the cashier asked me, “Can I transfer the change into your EcoCash?”

I had to ask her to repeat it. I was genuinely shocked. This feature I’ve always wished for was now a reality.

For the longest time, many of us have either been forced to leave our change behind or to buy something we didn’t want, just to use up the balance. Other times, we’d walk out with sweets, airtime we didn’t need, or worse, nothing at all. Zimbabwe’s change problem is real. We use US dollars, but we don’t have coins in circulation. Even the $1 notes are scarce, and walking into a shop with a $10 note to buy something worth $1 is just asking for unnecessary stress.

But now, EcoCash and Pick n Pay seem to have found a solution. Instead of juggling sweets or unwanted items, your change—no matter how small—can be sent straight to your EcoCash wallet.

How Does It Work?

At the moment, this feature seems to be only available at Pick n Pay. When you’re done shopping, if your change is less than a dollar or when change is not available at all, the cashier can offer to send it to your EcoCash wallet instead. You just provide your phone number and that’s it. No coins, no stress.

Interestingly, EcoCash isn’t the only one offering this kind of convenience. InnBucks also has a similar feature. If you buy from Chicken Inn, Pizza Inn, Bakers Inn, Creamy Inn, or any Simbisa outlet and you have InnBucks, the cashier can transfer your change into your InnBucks wallet.

Just like EcoCash at Pick n Pay, this removes the need for physical change. However, the limitation is that InnBucks is only accepted at Simbisa outlets, so you can’t use it as widely as EcoCash yet. Still, for regular fast food customers, it’s a very convenient option

Is It a Perfect Solution?

It’s a great start, but not yet perfect. EcoCash charges can be high, especially for larger amounts. However, for small transfers under $5, there’s no IMMT tax, and the transaction fees are quite reasonable. That means if you’re getting 35c or 50c sent to your EcoCash after shopping, you won’t be losing much when you eventually cash out.

In fact, this could become a smart way to save. Think about it: if your small change is sent to EcoCash or InnBucks each time you shop, those cents can add up over time. It’s much better than being forced to buy pens or sweets you didn’t want.

What Needs to Happen Next?

While Pick n Pay and Simbisa deserve credit for leading the way, this shouldn’t end there. EcoCash should work to expand this service to more retailers— OK, Choppies, and even smaller tuckshops. It should become standard practice. Also, if EcoCash could completely remove charges for small amounts, it would be a massive win for shoppers, it will be as good as cash.

Zimbabweans are tired of the daily hustle over small change. These digital wallet features might seem minor, but they solve a big everyday problem. They’re convenient, smart, and long overdue. Let’s hope more shops and mobile wallets follow suit and soon.