Circular No. 02/2026 - NPSD Digital Financial Services (DFS) Technical Security Guideline

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FINANCIAL MARKETS DIVISION
NATIONAL PAYMENT SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT (NPSD) NPSD CIRCULAR 02/2026

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To: All Payment Services Providers, Banks and Payment System Participating institutions Attention: Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors Issued in terms of the National Payment Systems Act [Chap: 24:23]

1. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) hereby issues the Digital Financial Services
   (DFS) Technical Security Guideline, effective 1 August 2026.
2. The Guideline complements the Reserve Bank's Cyber Security and Resilience
   Guideline issued in August 2025 by prescribing sector-specific cybersecurity and operational resilience requirements applicable to digital financial services and payment systems. It is intended to strengthen the security, resilience, and integrity of Zimbabwe's digital financial services ecosystem in response to the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyber threats.
3. The Technical Guideline was developed through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s
   collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). It is informed by international best practices while considering the unique characteristics and risk profile of Zimbabwe's digital financial services environment.
4. Accordingly, all regulated institutions falling within the scope of the Technical
   Guideline are required to:
   4.1 Review the Technical Guideline and ensure that their governance arrangements,
   cybersecurity frameworks, policies, and operational practices are aligned with the prescribed minimum requirements.
   4.2 Conduct a comprehensive gap assessment against the Technical Guideline to
   identify areas requiring enhancement.
   4.3 Develop and approve a time-bound implementation plan to address identified
   gaps.
   4.4 Maintain ongoing compliance with the Guideline and periodically review their
   cybersecurity and operational resilience arrangements to address emerging risks and evolving threat landscapes.
5. Any enquiries regarding this Circular or the implementation of the Technical Guideline
   may be directed to the National Payment Systems Department.
   Please be guided accordingly.

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Dr. J. Mutepfa
Deputy Director
Financial Market Division -National Payment Systems RESERVE BANK OF ZIMBABWE HARARE 17 July 2026