RBZ rolls out new ZiG notes

LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has introduced a new series of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) banknotes, which will begin circulating on April 7, 2026, alongside the existing notes introduced in April 2024.
Presenting the 2026 Monetary Policy Statement, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said the new notes are more durable and form part of efforts to strengthen the quality and resilience of the local currency in circulation.
“So, now, turning to the new notes that we are introducing, there is a statutory instrument that is going to be committed just now. That statutory instrument is going to usher in a new series of the ZiG,” Dr Mushayavanhu said.
“I must reiterate that these bank notes are going to co-circulate with the existing notes that we have in the system. So, we have 10 and 20 that are in the system. We are going to introduce new notes that are coming in.
“They will circulate side by side. So, banks are required to make sure that they continue to receive the old series bank notes. When you are in a shop, you are buying, someone brings the new one, it’s okay,” he said.
“Someone brings the old one, it’s okay. If you get change from the shop and you are given the old one, it’s okay. But when that money comes to the banking system, banks are expected to take the old notes, bring them to the centre of the economy and destroy them and give them value in new notes.”
Dr Mushayavanhu said the new series will officially enter circulation on April 7, with the central bank rolling out an extensive public awareness campaign ahead of the launch to familiarise the market with the security features and design elements.
“Between now and the 7th of April, we are going to go on an extensive awareness so that people know the features of these notes. Today, by the 5th of April, we are going to make sure that the ZiG10, ZiG20 and ZiG50 notes are introduced to the market,” he added.
The new series comprises ZiG10, ZiG20, ZiG50, ZiG100 and ZiG200 denominations. The ZiG10, ZiG20 and ZiG50 notes will begin circulating immediately and co-exist with the current series, while the higher denominations — ZiG100 and ZiG200 — will be introduced at a later stage.