Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. WASHINGTON D.C., Oct 17 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe’s People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB) has been named a triple winner at the inaugural WSBI Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards, held in Washington D.C., in a ceremony that recognised global banking institutions driving sustainable, inclusive, and digitally enabled financial services.
POSB took home awards in three major categories:
The awards were presented by the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI), a global organisation representing nearly 100 members across 80 countries. WSBI organised the event in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Mastercard Foundation.
Speaking after the ceremony, POSB Chief Executive Officer Garainashe Changunda said the recognition marks a significant milestone in the bank’s transformation journey.
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised by WSBI for our continued efforts to make banking more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable,” Changunda said.
“These awards signal more than recognition; they reflect the tangible results of our transformation strategy. We are building a digital ecosystem that deepens financial empowerment and strengthens our social mandate — ensuring that innovation translates into impact.”
POSB received the Inclusive Banking & Social Impact award for its wide-reaching efforts to bring financial services to underserved communities. Through initiatives such as microfinance, community savings programmes, and rural outreach, the bank has helped bridge economic gaps across Zimbabwe.
The bank’s focus on innovation was recognised under the Digital Transformation & Technological Innovation category. POSB has modernised its systems and introduced digital platforms designed to make banking more efficient, secure, and accessible — particularly for users in remote and marginalised areas.
POSB’s third win, in the Customer Education category, highlighted its strong emphasis on financial literacy. The bank has implemented a number of initiatives targeting both youth and adults, including school-based savings accounts, scholarships, and adult education programmes aimed at improving financial decision-making.
The awards also acknowledged POSB’s alignment with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically: Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growtt; Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
WSBI said the awards were created to celebrate banks that are not only transforming their operations but also delivering tangible social and economic impact in their communities.
Banking for the Future
POSB’s recognition at the global level underscores its ongoing transformation from a traditional savings bank to what it calls a “digitally empowered people’s bank.”
As the bank continues to evolve, it remains focused on sustainable growth, inclusive access, and innovation — setting a new benchmark for banking in Zimbabwe and the wider region.
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