Zimbabwe to increase ZiG circulation

Government is working on increasing the circulation of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) cash to address widespread public concerns over limited availability of the local currency, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has said.

The move comes after the introduction of the gold-backed ZiG currency in April last year, replacing the inflation-battered Zimbabwe dollar. Authorities have since praised the currency's stability, citing a firming exchange rate and declining inflation.

However, calls for increased access to ZiG cash dominated public discussions during the 2026 National Budget consultations held countrywide.

Speaking during the 2026 Pre-Budget Seminar in Bulawayo last week, Prof Ncube said the demand for more local currency in physical form was one of the most prominent issues raised by citizens.

"One of the major key issues that emerged during the 2026 budget consultations was a call from the public for more ZiG cash," Ncube said.

"The Government has a programme through the central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), to increase the amount of cash available in ZiG form so the public can feel this currency. Going forward, we will introduce higher denomination notes to improve convenience, and we are also going to improve the quality of the notes so they are durable."

He said the rollout would be done carefully to maintain monetary discipline.

"We want to do it in a prudent, not reckless manner, and continue to show the public that we are responsible," he added. "We are going to make sure the public can have more of this ZiG in circulation and feel it in cash form as we go forward."

Authorities have introduced several measures to expand the use of ZiG, including enforcing mandatory acceptance of the currency for domestic transactions, widening access to ZiG-denominated banking and digital payment platforms, and ensuring availability of smaller denominations for everyday purchases.

The RBZ has also maintained a tight monetary policy stance to manage money supply growth, backed by increased gold and foreign currency reserves anchoring the ZiG.

Government officials argue that sustained discipline and broader currency adoption will further strengthen confidence in the local unit.