ZiG600m injected into economy as uptake of new notes grows

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe injected about ZiG600 million into circulation during the first half of 2026 as it moves to deepen the use of the local currency and address cash-related challenges, including difficulties in accessing change in the transport sector.

The central bank said the availability of ZiG coins in banking halls would help ease change shortages, particularly for commuters and transport operators, as uptake of the upgraded BiG5ZiG banknote series continues to grow
In his Mid-Term Monetary Policy Review Statement issued on Thursday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said the central bank had successfully introduced the upgraded BiG5ZiG banknote series on 7 April.

“Leveraging improved price, currency and exchange rate stability, the Reserve Bank successfully introduced the upgraded BiG5ZIG Banknote Series with a modern look and feel as well as enhanced durability and quality on 7 April 2026.

“Reflecting positive uptake of the upgraded BiG5ZiG Banknote Series, a total of about ZiG600 million was issued into circulation during the first half of 2026,” he said.
The upgraded ZiG10, ZiG20 and ZiG50 banknotes, together with ZiG coins, were introduced to improve transactional convenience and support wider use of the local currency.

Dr Mushayavanhu said the increased use of ZiG was also evident in electronic transactions, with the proportion of ZiG-based transactions processed through the National Payment System continuing to rise.
“The increased use and uptake of ZiG in the economy is also shown by an increase in the proportion of ZiG-based transactions on the National Payment System. The value of ZiG transactions processed through the RTGS system steadily increased during the first half of 2026 to above 40% in May and June 2026,” he said.

Dr Mushayavanhu urged the banking public to make greater use of ZiG coins, which are available in banking halls, particularly to address challenges around change in the transport sector.
“The banking public is also advised that ZiG coin is available in banking halls, and that they should access these to alleviate change challenges, especially in the transport sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, consultative review meetings showed that an increasing number of banks were offering ZiG savings and time deposits.

However, the central bank noted that awareness of available local currency savings and investment products remained limited.

“To promote pooling of funds, the Reserve Bank encourages banking institutions to regularly promote the available savings and investment products to their customers,” Dr Mushayavanhu said.
“Specifically, banks are reminded to communicate the terms and business conditions of the available savings and investment products at least once a month.”

The renewed push for ZiG savings products comes as authorities seek to deepen financial intermediation and increase the use of the local currency across the economy.