In a major initiative to align with international standards, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced plans to upgrade the quality and design of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) banknotes.
This development comes in response to feedback from the public regarding the issues faced with the initial launch of these notes.
During the unveiling of the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement on Thursday, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu outlined the central bank’s commitment to deliver new, high-quality notes in the near future.
Specific details regarding the launch will be communicated later.
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Mushayanavanhu also emphasized the RBZ’s dedication to financial inclusion and accessibility, particularly in remote areas of the country.
He stated, “Recognizing the need for optimal distribution of ZiG notes, especially to facilitate ease of access in underserved regions, the Reserve Bank is initiating a comprehensive educational campaign and collaborating with community stakeholders.”
Concern over the quality of the ZiG banknotes, which were introduced in mid-2024, had been prevalent among Zimbabweans.
Many criticized the notes for being easily damaged and wearing out swiftly, complicating everyday transactions.
Additionally, the low denominations posed significant challenges for larger purchases and were not widely adopted, particularly in rural communities.
The upcoming improvements aim to address these shortcomings while ensuring that better-quality notes are readily available throughout the nation.