Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mushayavanhu says the new ZiG banknotes are ready to be rolled out through banks and other authorised channels.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail, Mushayavanhu said the central bank would continue working to maintain stable prices and a steady exchange rate. He said:
“The Reserve Bank’s readiness is advanced, with the new ZiG notes ready for delivery through financial institutions and other authorised channels.
“The rollout will be gradual and systematic, strictly aligned with economic developments and genuine cash demand for transactions.”
The rollout is expected within the first three months of 2026. Mushayavanhu said the release of the new notes will not increase the money supply, as banks will exchange ZiG cash for their electronic balances (RTGS) held at the Reserve Bank.
He added that a full awareness campaign will be rolled out to explain the security features, durability and why the process will not affect ZiG stability, ensuring a smooth and convenient transition.
The RBZ is giving ZiG notes a makeover because the current ones simply don’t last. They fade, tear and quickly become a hassle in everyday use.
They wear out far faster than expected, especially when they’re handled a lot in busy cash transactions.
The print quality isn’t holding up either, so the notes start looking shabby and dirty.
On top of that, the paper itself is flimsy — it doesn’t cope well with folding, constant handling or even a bit of humidity.
Once the notes are damaged, they cause problems at the tills and on the buses, with traders and commuters often refusing to accept them.
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