RBZ Says New ZiG Notes Ready, Rollout Set for Early 2026

RBZ Confirms New ZiG Notes Ready for Release

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has confirmed that newly designed ZiG banknotes are ready for circulation, with distribution set to take place through banks and authorised outlets once rollout begins.

RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said preparations are at an advanced stage, but stressed that the introduction of the new notes will be carefully managed to safeguard price and exchange rate stability.

Also Read: Upgraded ZiG Banknotes Coming in 2026 as Government Moves to Boost Confidence in Local Currency

Gradual Rollout Planned for Early 2026

Speaking in an interview, Dr Mushayavanhu said the release of the new ZiG notes will follow a phased approach guided by economic conditions and actual demand for cash.

He explained that circulation is expected to begin within the first quarter of 2026, allowing authorities to closely monitor market conditions and ensure a smooth transition.

No Expansion of Money Supply

The central bank governor assured the public that the introduction of physical ZiG notes will not increase the amount of money in circulation. Instead, banks will receive cash in exchange for their existing electronic balances held at the RBZ.

This approach, he said, is designed to maintain monetary discipline while improving convenience for cash users.

Public Awareness Campaign to Support Transition

To ensure public confidence, the RBZ plans to roll out a nationwide awareness campaign highlighting the new notes’ security features, durability and the safeguards in place to preserve currency stability.

Dr Mushayavanhu said the strategy builds on economic gains recorded in 2025 and aims to enhance everyday transactions without destabilising the ZiG.

Stable Prices and Positive Economic Outlook

The RBZ expects inflation and the exchange rate to remain stable in the near term, supported by stronger foreign currency management systems and improving economic fundamentals.

Zimbabwe’s foreign currency reserves have risen to about US$1.1 billion, providing cover for roughly 1.2 months of imports and strengthening confidence in the ZiG.

Looking ahead, Dr Mushayavanhu said economic prospects for 2026 remain encouraging, with growth projected at 5 percent under the National Development Strategy 2.

He added that inflation is expected to continue easing, with the central bank targeting single-digit annual inflation by the first quarter of 2026 and alignment with SADC macroeconomic benchmarks by 2029 as part of the transition toward a mono-currency system.