Saturday, September 19

RBZ Makes Zimswitch National Mobile Payment Platform & Restricts Ecocash

Zimbabwe’s central bank has announced that Zimswitch is now the designated national payment platform for all mobile money providers with immediate effect.

In a statement, Governor John Mangudya of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said all money transmission agents should be connected to Zimswitch no later than August 15, 2020.

“In accordance with the provisions of the National Payment Systems Act [Chapter 24:23] and the Banking (Money Transmission, Mobile Banking and Mobile Money Interoperability) Regulations, Statutory Instrument 80 of 2020 (the Regulations), the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (the Bank) wishes to advise the public that it has designated Zimswitch as a national payment switch with immediate effect.

“All mobile money transmission providers and mobile banking providers are hereby directed to be connected to Zimswitch as provided for by section 4 of the Regulations. To ensure seamless integration, all money transmission providers and mobile money providers must complete the necessary installation or deployment or commissioning of infrastructure and connection protocols, credentials and documentation for connection to Zimswitch by no later than 15 August 2020.”

The central bank did not elaborate on the move though economic commentators say it is designed to stop the trading of hard currencies in the black market, which has allegedly resulted in the devaluation of the local bond note.

The government recently restricted trading in some mobile money markets, saying they were fueling the illegal selling of United States dollars and other currencies.

In a statement, the Ministry of Information initially announced that all mobile money transactions were cancelled only for the central bank to issue a retraction, noting that they had, in fact, restricted EcoCash and others, which the bank believed was causing havoc in the money market.

The Ministry of Information said the measures were “intended to deal with malpractices, criminality and economic sabotage.”

The ministry said government is carrying out “intrusive investigations” that would lead to “the arrest and prosecution of offenders. These measures include the suspension of all trading on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange.

Last week, the government noted that it is in possession of “impeccable intelligence which constitutes a prima facie case whereby the phone-based mobile money systems of Zimbabwe are conspiring, with the help of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, either deliberately or inadvertently, in illicit activities that are sabotaging the economy.”

The ministry said these included “the illegal externalization of foreign currency through transfer mispricing … fraudulently creating and issuing non-attributable and non-auditable agent cellphone lines/accounts, hiding irreconcilable accounts in suspense accounts which hold huge credit balances for unjustifiably long periods.”

It further noted that some activities include “acting as banks outside the purpose for which they were originally licensed as non-banking financial institutions.

“In the particular case of Ecocash, holding well in excess of ZWL8 billion distributed just over 501,000 agent/merchant lines as at 10 June 2020, which is not under the scrutiny of the Financial Intelligence Unit.”

Ecocash was cited as the center pivot of galloping black market foreign exchange rate and hence fueling the incessant price hikes of goods and services that are bedeviling the economy and causing untold hardship to the people of Zimbabwe.

“In this regard, it has been conspiring with big merchants to act as their conduit through which they transfer hundreds of millions of dollars per day to runners on the street who then buy US dollars on their behalf.”

The ministry claimed that some money platforms were facilitating the illicit trade in notes and coins at “contrived rates of between 30% and 50%, thus causing artificial shortages of the same within the banking system.”

It claimed that some cited money platforms were engaging in rampant tax evasion, use of illegal or banned lines, facilitating use of bulk airtime sales at discounted prices, which are “cross rated to phantom USD exchange rates, which further distort the Zimbabwe market and deliberately mop up US dollars from the black market, thus forcing up the rate of exchange in a manner that has hitherto been difficult to explain for the monetary authorities.”

The ministry also claimed that “Ecocash, OneMoney, Telecash and MyCash Mobile Money platforms are all complicit in these illicit activities in varying degrees. Ecocash, however, which controls nearly 94% of all mobile money transactions, is the center pivot of this problem and its resultant impact on Zimbabwe’s economy.

“The impact is exacerbated by the existence of fake counters on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, which are epitomized by the so-called Old Mutual Implied Exchange Rate (OMIR). This, in turn, results in four or more US:ZW parallel market exchange rates operating in the market. At any time, therefore, there is the official rate, an Ecocash rate, a OneMoney rate and the OMIR among others.”

  • Share:

Info News

Global Cost of Living Crisis: How Families Around the World Are Adapting to Rising Prices

The rising cost of living continues to affect millions of families across the world as inflation, housing costs, and food prices place pressure on household budgets. From the United States and Canada to Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and Australia, many people are searching for ways to manage increasing expenses while maintaining financial stability.

rnrn

One of the biggest challenges facing households is the rising cost of food and transportation. Fuel price increases have affected supply chains globally, leading to higher prices for groceries, public transport, and imported goods. Families in both developed and developing countries are adjusting spending habits by reducing unnecessary purchases, cooking meals at home, and seeking additional income opportunities online.

rnrn

Housing affordability has also become a major issue in many cities around the world. Rent prices and mortgage costs continue to rise as demand for housing outpaces supply. Young adults and middle-income families are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase homes or secure affordable rental properties. Financial experts recommend budgeting carefully, improving credit scores, and comparing loan options before making major financial commitments.

rnrn

The global job market is also evolving as more people seek remote work opportunities and digital income streams. Freelancing, online businesses, content creation, and remote technology jobs are becoming popular alternatives for individuals seeking financial flexibility. In countries across Africa, mobile technology and digital payments are helping entrepreneurs build businesses and reach customers internationally.

rnrn

Financial literacy has become more important than ever during the economic slowdown. Experts encourage individuals to create emergency savings funds, reduce high-interest debt, and avoid unnecessary financial risks. Many banks and financial institutions are also offering budgeting tools and savings programs designed to help consumers manage expenses more effectively.

rnrn

Technology is playing a major role in helping people adapt to economic pressures. Price comparison apps, digital banking services, and online marketplaces are helping consumers save money and access more affordable products. Social media platforms are also being used to share financial advice, business ideas, and money-saving strategies across different countries and communities.

rnrn

Despite current economic challenges, analysts believe innovation and entrepreneurship will continue driving growth opportunities in emerging markets. African economies in particular are experiencing increased investment in technology, renewable energy, and digital commerce. Young entrepreneurs across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are building businesses that reach global audiences through online platforms.

rnrn

Economists predict that inflation and living costs may remain a major topic worldwide throughout the coming years. However, experts believe individuals who focus on financial planning, digital skills, and long-term investment strategies will be better positioned to navigate future economic uncertainty successfully.

rn

Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

Immigration Lawyer Near Me: How to Choose the Right Attorney

rnrn

When your future, family, job, or immigration status is on the line, choosing the right immigration lawyer matters.

rnrn

Immigration law is complicated. One missing document, late deadline, wrong form, or weak explanation can create delays or serious problems. That is why many people search for an “immigration lawyer near me” when they need help with a visa, green card, citizenship application, deportation case, asylum claim, or family petition.

rnrn

A good immigration lawyer does more than fill out forms. They help you understand your options, identify risks, prepare evidence, respond to government notices, and build the strongest case possible.

rnrn

What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?

rnrn

An immigration lawyer helps people deal with U.S. immigration agencies and immigration courts.

rnrn

They may assist with:

rnrn

Family-based green cards
rnMarriage green cards
rnFiancé visas
rnWork visas
rnStudent visa issues
rnCitizenship and naturalization
rnDeportation defense
rnAsylum claims
rnDACA-related matters
rnWaivers of inadmissibility
rnAdjustment of status
rnConsular processing
rnGreen card renewals
rnEmployment authorization
rnImmigration appeals

rnrn

USCIS processes immigration and naturalization applications, while immigration court cases are handled through the Executive Office for Immigration Review, also called EOIR.

rnrn

Why Hiring an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

rnrn

Immigration paperwork can look simple at first. But many cases involve hidden risks.

rnrn

For example, a person may think they only need to file a green card application. But an attorney may discover issues involving unlawful presence, prior visa violations, criminal history, public charge concerns, past misrepresentation, or missing evidence.

rnrn

An immigration lawyer can help you:

rnrn

Choose the correct immigration path
rnAvoid common filing mistakes
rnPrepare stronger evidence
rnUnderstand deadlines
rnRespond to USCIS requests
rnPrepare for interviews
rnRepresent you in immigration court
rnExplain risks before you file
rnAvoid immigration scams

rnrn

USCIS warns that people seeking immigration help should use authorized legal representatives, such as attorneys or accredited representatives.

rnrn

When Should You Contact an Immigration Attorney?

rnrn

You should consider speaking with an immigration lawyer if:

rnrn

You received a Notice to Appear in immigration court
rnYou are facing deportation or removal
rnYour visa or green card application was denied
rnYou have a criminal record
rnYou overstayed a visa
rnYou entered the U.S. without inspection
rnYou need a waiver
rnYou are applying for asylum
rnYou are sponsoring a spouse or relative
rnYou are unsure which form to file
rnYou received a Request for Evidence
rnYou missed an immigration deadline
rnYou are applying after a previous immigration problem

rnrn

Simple cases may still benefit from legal review. Complicated cases almost always need professional guidance.

rnrn

How to Find a Good Immigration Lawyer Near You

rnrn

1. Check Credentials

rnrn

Make sure the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. You can usually check through a state bar association website.

rnrn

If the person is not an attorney, they may still be allowed to help only if they are a DOJ-accredited representative working with a recognized organization.

rnrn

2. Look for Immigration Experience

rnrn

Immigration law is its own field. A general lawyer may not know the latest immigration procedures, court rules, or agency requirements.

rnrn

Ask:

rnrn

How many immigration cases have you handled?
rnDo you handle cases like mine?
rnDo you appear in immigration court?
rnDo you work with USCIS filings?
rnDo you handle appeals or waivers?

rnrn

3. Read Reviews Carefully

rnrn

Reviews can help, but do not rely on them alone. Look for patterns.

rnrn

Good signs include:

rnrn

Clear communication
rnHonest expectations
rnStrong preparation
rnResponsive staff
rnProfessional service
rnExperience with similar cases

rnrn

Bad signs include:

rnrn

Guarantees
rnPressure tactics
rnPoor communication
rnHidden fees
rnUnclear answers

rnrn

4. Ask About Fees

rnrn

Immigration lawyers may charge flat fees, hourly rates, or consultation fees.

rnrn

Ask for:

rnrn

Written fee agreement
rnWhat services are included
rnWhat services cost extra
rnWhether filing fees are separate
rnPayment plan options
rnRefund policy
rnExpected timeline

rnrn

USCIS filing fees change, so applicants should verify current fees using the USCIS fee schedule or fee calculator before filing.

rnrn

Questions to Ask During a Consultation

rnrn

Before hiring an immigration lawyer, ask:

rnrn

What are my immigration options?
rnWhat are the risks in my case?
rnWhat documents do I need?
rnHow long could this take?
rnWhat happens if USCIS asks for more evidence?
rnWill you personally handle my case?
rnHow will we communicate?
rnWhat are your fees?
rnAre government filing fees included?
rnWhat happens if my case is denied?

rnrn

A good attorney will not promise guaranteed approval. They should explain strengths, weaknesses, and realistic possibilities.

rnrn

Red Flags to Avoid

rnrn

Avoid anyone who:

rnrn

Guarantees approval
rnTells you to lie on forms
rnUses fake documents
rnClaims special government connections
rnRefuses to provide a written agreement
rnWill not explain fees
rnIs not licensed or accredited
rnAsks you to sign blank forms
rnDoes not give copies of filings
rnRushes you into paying immediately

rnrn

Immigration scams can cause serious damage. The wrong help can lead to denial, deportation, or future immigration bars.

rnrn

Final Thoughts

rnrn

Searching for an “immigration lawyer near me” is often the first step toward protecting your case.

rnrn

The right lawyer should be experienced, honest, organized, and clear about your options. They should help you understand the process, avoid mistakes, and prepare your case carefully.

rnrn

Immigration decisions can affect your family, career, and future. Choose someone who takes that responsibility seriously.

rn