Zimbabweans urged to ditch negative mindset on ZiG

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has called on Zimbabweans to change negative perceptions about the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, saying public confidence is key to the country's transition toward a mono-currency economy.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Chinhoyi this week, RBZ Legal and Corporate Affairs Director Virginia Sithole said Zimbabweans should move beyond past experiences with previous local currencies and embrace the ZiG, which she said has performed strongly.

"As Zimbabweans, the ZiG is a symbol of our national identity and pride. Let us embrace it," Sithole said.

"Yes, I know most people have had unmemorable experiences with previous local currencies, but we need to change that mindset because the ZiG has done so well, resulting in annual inflation tumbling to single digits, a phenomenon that never happened in over 30 years."

Sithole was part of a central bank delegation touring Mashonaland West Province ahead of the rollout of upgraded ZiG banknotes scheduled for April 7, 2026.

The improved notes - in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 - feature Zimbabwe's iconic Big Five wildlife and incorporate enhanced security features designed to improve durability and reduce counterfeiting.

According to Sithole, the introduction of the redesigned notes does not represent a new currency, but rather an upgrade to existing banknotes.

"The public must be mindful that we are not introducing a new currency, but improved and upgraded ZiG notes which meet international standards," she said.

"They are more durable, but citizens must improve on handling etiquette to ensure they remain in circulation for the longest period of time."

RBZ Deputy Director for Economic Research, Modelling and Policy William Kavila said the release of the new notes comes at a time when Zimbabwe's macroeconomic indicators are showing signs of stability.

"The annual inflation rate has hit an all-time low, single digit, for the first time in three decades. Therefore, the timing to invest in more durable notes couldn't have come at a more opportune moment," said Kavila.

The central bank is set to conduct a nationwide public education campaign over the next month to familiarise citizens with the upgraded notes and their security features.

Meanwhile, Director of Economic Affairs in the office of the Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Douglas Chiwiro, said local authorities were mobilising grassroots structures to support the campaign.

In a speech delivered on behalf of the provincial minister Marian Chombo by Permanent Secretary Josphat Jaji, the government said the engagement programme was crucial in preparing communities for the currency developments.

"The education and awareness campaign will go a long way in deepening financial literacy, fostering trust in our currency, and empowering every Zimbabwean to participate more fully and confidently in our economy," the statement said.

Officials said the rollout of the upgraded ZiG banknotes aligns with the country's economic reform agenda under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which emphasises macroeconomic stability, financial inclusion and sustainable growth anchored on the use of a strong domestic currency.

Authorities believe strengthening the ZiG will ultimately support Zimbabwe's goal of building a resilient economy less dependent on foreign currencies.