Government officials, financial institutions, and development partners in Zimbabwe have united behind a push to expand responsible financing for artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM).
The coalition argues that access to formal credit is the missing link in formalizing a sector that operates largely in the shadows, limiting its contribution to the formal economy and exposing workers to unsafe conditions.
The call for greater financial inclusion comes as Zimbabwe seeks to professionalize its mining industry.
By integrating ASGM operators into the formal banking system, stakeholders aim to improve transparency, ensure better adherence to environmental and labor standards, and create a more reliable supply chain for gold exporters.
This structural shift is seen as essential for attracting long-term investment and reducing the prevalence of informal trading.
This development follows recent moves to stabilize the broader mining sector in Zimbabwe.