Staff Writer
Building society CABS says it continued to play a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe’s economic growth and community development in 2025, channelling funding to productive sectors while expanding its corporate social responsibility (CSR) footprint.
Chairman J C Tapambgwa commenting in the bank’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, said the institution prioritised targeted financial interventions aimed at stimulating production, exports and inclusive growth across the economy.
“Key economic development initiatives undertaken during the year include providing customised financial support to growth and export-oriented sectors, supporting women-led businesses through training and funding, and securing credit lines for local business expansion,” he said.
CABS also facilitated trade through pre-shipment finance, extended consumer loans to both civil servants and private sector employees, and accelerated financial inclusion through digital channels and network expansion.
The chairman said these interventions were designed to strengthen productive capacity and unlock value in key sectors of the economy, particularly at a time when access to affordable capital remains a constraint for many businesses.
In addition to its economic contribution, CABS intensified its CSR programmes, with Tapambgwa emphasising that sustainability, inclusion and community development remain central to the institution’s operations.
“As CABS, our commitment to corporate social responsibility, embedding sustainability, inclusion, and community development across our operations is unwavering,” he said.
During the year under review, the bank implemented initiatives spanning environmental stewardship, healthcare, education, gender empowerment, sports development and financial literacy, reinforcing its role as a socially responsible financial institution.
The impact of these programmes was recognised after CABS received the Best Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Impact Investment Award for 2025, underscoring the effectiveness of its community-focused initiatives.
In the healthcare sector, CABS partnered with TM Pick n Pay to roll out breast and cervical cancer screening programmes that benefited 1 712 women. The bank also supported paediatric cancer care through donations of chemotherapy drugs to KidzCan, facilitating the purchase of 4 051 prescription drugs for 274 young patients.
Tapambgwa said these interventions reflect the bank’s commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved communities.
On the education front, the building society invested in infrastructure and skills development initiatives aimed at enhancing learning environments and nurturing talent. This included the donation of school furniture to Mariga School in Kanyemba, benefiting 40 students and two teachers.
CABS also supported arts and youth development through sponsorship of the National Institute of Allied Arts Speech and Drama Festival, which attracted more than 11 000 students, as well as the Enactus programme that saw 269 university students participating in entrepreneurship competitions and skills development.
Sports development remained another key pillar of the bank’s CSR strategy, with multiple initiatives targeting grassroots participation and youth inclusion. These included the CABS T20 Smashing Cricket, Watershed T20, Old Mutual Colts Cricket Cup, and the CABS Under-13 Cricket Cup in the Southern Region, collectively reaching hundreds of young participants.
Additional programmes such as the Zimbabwe Chess Federation CABS Candidates Tournament, domestic cricket league sponsorship, and the Wise Owl CABS Golden Girls Cricket Tournament further broadened access to competitive sport, particularly among young girls and emerging athletes.
The bank also supported the Antelope Park Wild Run, which attracted over 300 participants, as part of efforts to promote wellness and environmental awareness.
Financial literacy remained a cornerstone of CABS’ social investment strategy, with programmes reaching more than 45 000 people across churches, schools and tertiary institutions nationwide.
“These initiatives aim to empower individuals with essential financial knowledge and skills, fostering a culture of informed financial decision-making,” Tapambgwa said.
Through its partnership with Old Mutual’s “On the Money” programme, the bank expanded its outreach, providing training and resources to communities to enhance financial awareness and inclusion.
On environmental sustainability, CABS undertook several initiatives aimed at promoting conservation and climate resilience. In partnership with SPAR and MyTrees Trust, the bank facilitated the planting of 500 trees at Marlborough High School and donated an additional 1 200 trees to the Harare City Junior Council.
Internally, the institution planted trees at its head office and distributed nearly 1 000 trees to staff and customers for planting in their communities, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.
CABS also supported biodiversity conservation through its involvement in the Kariba International Tiger Fish Tournament, which promotes sustainable tourism and wildlife preservation.
Tapambgwa said the bank’s combined focus on economic empowerment and social impact positions it as a key player in Zimbabwe’s development trajectory.
“Through these various initiatives, CABS continues to create meaningful social impact, support sustainable development, and strengthen communities across Zimbabwe,” he said.
Analysts says the building society’s dual approach of financing economic activity while investing in social programmes highlights the growing role of financial institutions in driving inclusive and sustainable development in the country.
