The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is set to roll out improved Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) banknotes, aligning their quality and design with international standards, officials announced Thursday.
The RBZ said it would introduce the upgraded notes soon, with further details to be disclosed later.
RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu made the announcement while presenting the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement, acknowledging concerns about the durability and usability of the ZiG notes.
Alongside the redesign, the central bank is also launching a broad educational campaign to ensure the proper distribution of the currency, particularly in remote areas.
“Cognisant of the need to ensure the optimal distribution of ZiG notes in the economy, particularly for ease of access in the remote areas and to further entrench financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank is embarking on an intensive and extensive educational campaign programme and other initiatives, working with key stakeholders in the communities,” Mushayavanhu said.
He added that the RBZ is “working on enhancing the quality and design of ZiG banknotes in line with international standards. The rollout of the improved high-quality ZiG notes will be communicated in due course.”
When the ZiG currency was introduced in mid-2024, many voiced frustration over the poor quality of the banknotes, which were prone to damage and rapid wear.
The low denominations also presented challenges, making them impractical for larger transactions and limiting their use, particularly in rural areas.
The RBZ’s latest move seeks to address these issues, with the central bank hoping to build confidence in the local currency and improve accessibility nationwide.
