Breaking News : New ZiG Notes availed as Zimbabwe moves towards Mono Currency

By Desmond Nleya
HARARE — Zimbabwe has unveiled a new series of ZiG banknotes, with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) confirming that the notes will enter circulation on 7 April 2026 as part of an ongoing currency reform process.
The RBZ governor announced on Friday that the previously fixed 2030 deadline for ending the country’s multi currency regime and transitioning fully to a single currency- the ZiG has been abandoned. Instead, the shift towards a mono currency will now be guided by key economic benchmarks.
Under the revised strategy, a full transition to the ZiG will be contingent on the attainment of core macroeconomic indicators, including sustained low inflation, an import cover of three to five months — up from the current 1.5 months — a well functioning foreign exchange market, and a stable ZiG supported by robust demand.
“At this stage, we have decided not to stick to a rigid deadline. What matters now are the fundamentals,” the governor said, noting that the 2030 timetable could be revised or moved back if the required conditions are not met in time.
The new ZiG notes, officially printed and ready for public use, are set to circulate nationwide from 7 April, RBZ Governor confirmed. The redesign and introduction of the bills are part of efforts to bolster confidence in the national currency and deepen its use in everyday transactions.
Despite the renewed focus on the ZiG, the RBZ emphasized that existing US dollar contracts will continue to be honoured in US dollars. Additionally, foreign currency accounts will remain unaffected, easing concerns among businesses and depositors who operate in multiple currencies.
Economists welcomed the move, saying it reflects a more pragmatic and flexible approach to monetary reform, but warned that Zimbabwe must still tackle structural constraints affecting forex liquidity and price stability if the ZiG is to gain widespread acceptance.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development said it will work closely with the RBZ and other stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of the new notes and to monitor progress against the conditions needed for full de dollarisation.