Investors cash in big on Zimbabwe gold coins

Launched in July 2022, Zimbabwe's Mosi-oa-Tunya gold coin—named after Victoria Falls, "The Smoke That Thunders"—has rapidly become a symbol of financial empowerment, attracting both local and international investors. The coin was designed not just as a financial product, but as a strategic tool to leverage the country's gold reserves, expand investment opportunities, and reinforce economic sovereignty.

Each coin weighs one troy ounce and is crafted from 22-carat gold, priced at approximately US$53 per gram at launch. This made it accessible not only to institutional investors but also to ordinary Zimbabweans seeking ways to safeguard and grow their wealth. The coin offered a rare promise in the region: a tangible, USD-denominated asset that could be owned, stored at banks, used as collateral, or kept privately.

Unlike conventional financial instruments that often favour the wealthy, the Mosi-oa-Tunya coin allowed investors to purchase as little as one ounce, providing flexibility and inclusion. This approach demonstrated a deep understanding of how financial tools can mobilise domestic capital, stabilise economic activity, and create wealth opportunities for ordinary citizens.

By October 2025, the coin's price per gram had nearly doubled to around US$105, reflecting exceptional growth. A US$10 million investment made in 2022 is now valued close to US$20 million, significantly outperforming traditional assets. For example, a US$200 000 property bought in Harare in 2022 may have appreciated to roughly US$230 000, whereas the same amount invested in Mosi-oa-Tunya coins would now exceed US$400 000, highlighting the coin's superior liquidity and returns.

The coin's performance is not merely financial—it embodies a broader vision of economic inclusion and resource-based development. By converting gold reserves into a liquid, internationally recognised asset, Zimbabwe has strengthened the domestic financial ecosystem, enabling citizens to hold USD-denominated wealth locally while supporting enterprise development.

Globally, the coin aligns with contemporary investment trends, providing a tangible, stable, and credible alternative to digital assets, tokenised commodities, and other high-risk instruments. For ordinary Zimbabweans, the benefits are tangible: a small business that bought 100 grams at launch now holds approximately US$10 500, enabling expansion or new investments, while corporations with kilogramme holdings see values exceed US$105 000.

The initiative demonstrates how well-designed policy, thoughtful regulation, and inclusive financial design can drive both individual wealth creation and broader economic development. It has created an accessible investment platform that grows alongside global gold prices, instilling confidence in the economy and providing liquidity, stability, and global recognition.

Looking ahead, authorities have the opportunity to scale the Mosi-oa-Tunya coin, broaden participation, and integrate private sector innovation, potentially setting a benchmark for Africa and global investors. Its success proves that strategic policymaking can deliver measurable results, empowering citizens while reinforcing Zimbabwe's economic sovereignty.