🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

Cryptocurrency dealings are restricted in Zimbabwe, with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe having issued circulars banning crypto transactions since 2018. There is no clear regulatory framework supporting crypto activities.

Overview

StatusRestricted
Risk Score55/100 (High Risk)
Regionafrica south
CurrencyZWL

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)20% CGT on specified assets
Capital Gains (Corporate)24.72% corporate tax
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxNo specific guidance
Airdrop TaxNo specific guidance

No crypto-specific tax framework. The RBZ ban makes formal taxation moot for most activities.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorRBZ
FrameworkRBZ circular banning crypto dealings (2018)

RBZ has maintained its ban on financial institutions facilitating crypto. Despite this, crypto adoption is significant due to currency instability.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

RBZ enforces banking prohibition on crypto services.

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleNo
FATF MemberNo
FATF Statuspartially_compliant
FATF BodyESAAMLG
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Restricted

Banking ban effectively restricts DeFi on/off-ramps.

Stablecoins

Status: no_rules

No framework; stablecoins widely used due to local currency instability.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No regulation.

Mining

LegalNo
Electricity Cost$0.1/kWh
Renewable Energy15%
Infrastructurefair

Mining is restricted due to regulatory bans on crypto dealings. Electricity cost is relatively high, and infrastructure is moderate. Renewable energy share is low.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilityunstable
SanctionsYes
Corruption Index26/100
Banking Accessrestricted

Risk Factors

Zimbabwe-specific US sanctions program terminated March 2024 (Biden EO); replaced by Global Magnitsky designations of 11 individuals + 3 entities. EU lifted all targeted financial sanctions Feb 2025 but renewed arms embargo through Feb 2027. UK cleared list May 2025. Country NOT on FATF grey/black list. ZiG (gold-backed currency) launched April 2024, lost ~50% official value by Oct 2024.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Zimbabwe?

Cryptocurrency dealings are restricted in Zimbabwe, with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe having issued circulars banning crypto transactions since 2018. There is no clear regulatory framework supporting crypto activities.

What is the FATF status of Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe is classified by FATF as: partially_compliant.

Are VASPs licensed in Zimbabwe?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Zimbabwe?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-01 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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