How savings groups in Zimbabwe respond to economic crisis

by Elizabeth Dewes, Field Journalism Fellow (based in Zambia)

This summer, Zimbabweans witnessed their first major transition of political power since their 1980 independence from British and white minority rule. With the recent changes, economic uncertainty came to a head in September when tax increases on fuel triggered a series of exorbitant price hikes, on everything from gas to imported goods. I witnessed this unfolding crisis on my recent trip to Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, in November.

As a result of inflation and price hikes, medicine and groceries have become unaffordable for many, and in some cases, completely unavailable. Cash—the value of which can decrease overnight—has become extremely hard to get. Despite these harsh economic conditions, we see God guiding as savings group members find innovative ways to support one another.

At HOPE International, we celebrate innovation. This past year, as savings group members in Zimbabwe have courageously faced a serious economic crisis, I saw incredible examples of resourcefulness and even generosity among members.

Here’s how they’re working together:

Buying wholesale

To avoid paying inflated prices as the economic crisis escalates, many savings group members in Zimbabwe are pooling their savings to buy wholesale groceries and household necessities together. For example, though many people could not even afford cooking oil in October, members who had bought wholesale with their group earlier in the year have enough to last them until January.

Using multiple currencies

Although up to 10 currencies are officially accepted in Zimbabwe, cash is hard to come by. Many members are using a mobile money transfer service for their business transactions. When it comes to saving during group meetings, they collectively choose which currency is most stable to save with.

Strategically using loans

It may not seem like a stable time to take out a large loan, but Success, a savings group member, explained to me that she took out a loan for $200 to pay for her children’s school fees for the coming year in advance. She foresees a rise in tuition next year to match inflation and wants to pay upfront to avoid the worry of being unable to pay

Staying on top of pricing

Wendy and Gertrude, savings group members and joint business owners, have had to raise the price of their eggs because chicken feed doubled in price. As the economy fluctuates, they continually consult one another through WhatsApp groups to stay on top of current prices. Their egg sales have actually grown in the last two month as meat is no longer affordable in low-income areas.

Supporting each other in Christ

The majority of savings groups in Zimbabwe continue to meet and save despite their limited access of cash. As they worship and read the Bible together, they are reminded that God is always faithful. A month ago, a group of field coordinators from a local church partner met, along with HOPE staff, to have a prayer day, lifting up the needs of their nation, churches, and group members.

Despite a truly tough financial situation, savings group members in Zimbabwe continue to meet and save what they can, finding comfort in praying together and taking care of those in greater need than themselves.

We want to invite you to join our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe in prayer through a special video on our prayer page.

Elizabeth is a field journalism fellow with HOPE Zambia. She is a graduate of Hanover College, where she majored in studio art with a focus in anthropology. Since then, she’s worked in secondary education through the AmeriCorps, a hostel, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, and the Sagamore Institute think tank. Recently, she completed a fellowship at the John Jay Institute in Philadelphia and mentored low-income teenagers at Teen Works.