Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica

Cloud Accounting Improves Financial Reporting for SMEs in Zimbabwe: Is it a Myth or Reality?

Phathisani Gumede, Banele Dlamini — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objectives: This paper examines whether cloud accounting enhances financial reporting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe, a sector that plays a critical role in national development but faces persistent financial management and compliance challenges. The study aims to evaluate the benefits, barriers, and enablers of cloud accounting adoption in this context. Prior Work: While cloud accounting has been widely studied in developed economies, limited evidence exists on its adoption and impact in developing countries with volatile economic conditions. This study builds on technology adoption research by extending its application to SME financial reporting in Zimbabwe. Approach: A quantitative survey of 132 SMEs was conducted and analysed using statistical techniques to assess adoption patterns, perceived benefits, and constraints. Results: The findings reveal that cloud accounting improves reporting accuracy, financial control, and accessibility. However, adoption is hindered by cost, limited technical capacity, and concerns over data security, while system integration and trust in providers emerged as key enablers. Implications: The study provides insights for policymakers, technology providers, and SME leaders on designing supportive policies and capacity-building initiatives to foster digital adoption. Value: By situating cloud accounting within a developing economy, this paper advances understanding of digital financial transformation and contributes original evidence to the discourse on SME financial resilience.

The Digitalisation of Integrated Reporting and Its Benefits for Corporate Governance: Evidence from Romania

Loredana Maria Clim (Moga) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The acceleration of digitalization processes has generated significant transformations in corporate reporting practices and in the functioning of governance mechanisms. In this context, integrated reporting, supported by digital solutions, has become an increasingly frequent tool to improve the transparency and quality of information used in decision-making processes. This study analyses the relationship between the digitalization of integrated reporting and corporate governance within companies in Romania, with a focus on the role of organizational transparency in explaining this relationship. The research adopts a quantitative approach, based on data collected through a standardized questionnaire applied to a sample of 210 companies in Romania. The measurement instruments are built on scales validated in international literature, and the data analysis is performed through structural equation modeling, an appropriate method for investigating the complex relationships between the analysed variables. The results indicate the existence of a positive relationship between the digitalization of integrated reporting and organizational transparency, as well as a favourable influence on the quality of corporate governance. The analysis shows that organizational transparency is a middleman in the relationship between digitalization of integrated reporting and corporate governance. This means that digitalization has an effect on how information is combined and used in management processes. From a theoretical perspective, the study contributes to the literature on integrated reporting and corporate governance by clarifying the information mechanisms associated with digitalization in an emerging economy context. From a practical perspective, the results provide relevant benchmarks for managers and decision-makers interested in strengthening organizational transparency and accountability.

Leveraging Crowdfunding to Finance Rural Water and Sanitation Projects: Opportunities, Challenges, and Pathways to Sustainable Development

Alexander Maune — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Access to safe water and sanitation remains a significant challenge in rural Zimbabwe, impacting public health, livelihoods, and socio-economic development. Traditional funding sources, including government budgets and donor aid, are constrained by limited fiscal capacity and declining external support. Crowdfunding, a technology-driven financing mechanism that mobilises small contributions from diverse donors, presents a viable alternative to address these gaps. This study systematically reviews literature using the PRISMA framework to explore the potential of crowdfunding in financing rural water and sanitation (WASH) projects. Findings indicate that donation-based, reward-based, and impact-investment crowdfunding models are most applicable to the Zimbabwean context. Key enablers include widespread mobile money adoption, diaspora engagement, community-led governance, and effective use of social media for storytelling and transparency. Challenges such as low digital literacy, connectivity issues, trust deficits, and regulatory ambiguities are also highlighted. The study underscores that integrating crowdfunding with community participation and local governance enhances ownership, accountability, and sustainability of WASH initiatives. Policy recommendations include establishing legal frameworks for crowdfunding, investing in rural digital infrastructure, and building community capacity. Harnessing crowdfunding effectively can supplement traditional financing, accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, and ensure equitable access to safe water and sanitation in Zimbabwe's rural communities.

The Emerging Financial Technology (FinTech) Innovation: A Movement from Barter Trade to Modern Digital Currency

Sibonelo Sibahle Mpanza — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The evolution of financial technology has significantly transformed global financial systems, shifting economic transactions from traditional barter trade to sophisticated digital ecosystems. This transformation has redefined how value is created, exchanged, and stored within modern economies. Aim: The study explored the impact of fintech innovation on traditional financial systems, tracing the evolution from barter to contemporary digital currency. The study further explores the underlying factors driving the adoption of digital financial technologies and their implications for financial systems. Method: The study relied on an extensive review and content analysis of existing literature on the evolution of money, fintech innovation, and the development of cryptocurrencies, examining how technological advancements have reshaped financial transactions, financial intermediation, and the broader financial ecosystem. Research findings: The findings reveal that fintech innovation, particularly the emergence of decentralized financial systems and digital currencies, has significantly reduced reliance on traditional financial intermediaries. Additionally, digital financial technologies have enhanced transaction efficiency, strengthened financial accessibility, and contributed to broader financial inclusion. Contribution: This study contributes to the emerging academic discourse on fintech by providing insights into the historical evolution of financial systems and highlighting the role of technological innovation in shaping modern digital finance. These findings provide implications for policymakers, financial institutions, and researchers seeking to understand the future trajectory of global financial systems.