HARARE – The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said banks’ lending portfolio continue to be skewed towards consumptive lending at the expense of productive sectors of the economy.
In its Banking Sector Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the central bank noted that consumption lending has overtaken productive sector loans since January this year on the back of short term deposits and limited external lines of credit.
Economists say the growth in consumption lending is a reflection that industry is shunning the current short term loans.
“The rise in consumption loans is likely to deprive the economy of capital projects and long term investments at a time sectors such as agriculture and mining are on a recovery path,” said a senior economist with a local bank.
RBZ also noted that credit remains a key challenge in the country’s banking institutions leading to a continual upsurge in Non-Performing Loans (NPLs).
“Total loans increased to 16,96 percent as at March 31, 2014, up from 15,92 percent as at 31 December 2013. This trend is partly a reflection of macroeconomic challenges that have militated against borrowers’ ability to service loans,” noted RBZ.
The central bank, however, noted the banking sector remained profitable for the period under review.
“With an aggregate net profit of $20,47 million up from $0,47 million during the corresponding period in 2013, the sector remained profitable,” the report said.
According to the report, six operating banking institutions had recorded profits for the quarter ended 31 March 20140.
“Generally, banks that recorded losses lacked critical mass to generate sufficient revenue and cover operating costs.
“The losses were mainly attributable to credit impairment, in a market characterised by increased loan delinquencies, balance sheet structures which are skewed towards non-interest earning assets, largely a reflection of non-liquid capital, high funding costs and operational expenses,” said RBZ.
As at March 31 2014, five banking institutions held cumulative deposits amounting to $3,2 billion, representing 61,72 percent of total banking sector deposits.
“One banking institution continued to account for the largest share of total deposits, with deposits amounting to $1,46 billion and representing 29,88 percent of total banking sector deposits,” said the central bank.
The sector’s average prudential liquidity ratio of 38,1 percent as at 31 March 2014 was above the regulatory minimum of 30 percent, and has been stable since 31 January 2013, according to the report.
The central bank also said deposits amounted to $4,82 billion, whilst loans and advances were $3,64 billion, translating into loans to deposits ratio of 78,03 percent.
“Generally, the period was characterized by transitory deposits, limited inter-bank trading, general market illiquidity and limited lender of last resort function.
“The prevailing macroeconomic environment translated into low capitalisation of banking institutions, high cost of funding; limited credit creation, liquidity constraints and rising non-performing loans,” the central bank said.
The RBZ also said a few banking institutions, with a combined market share of 8,14 percent in terms of assets, were facing liquidity and solvency challenges and these were considered to be of low systemic importance.