• Zimbabwe launches new “BiG5 ZiG” banknotes to boost confidence

• Rollout starts with lower denominations, higher notes to follow

• Move supports currency stability amid improving economic conditions

Zimbabwe’s central bank on Tuesday launched a new series of Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) banknotes, called “BiG5 ZiG,” as part of efforts to boost confidence in the currency and stabilise prices and the exchange rate.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) said in a statement on Sunday that the rollout would be phased.

Phased rollout

The new series will start with ZiG10 and ZiG20 notes, alongside a new ZiG50 issue. Higher denominations, ZiG100 and ZiG200, will follow depending on demand and economic conditions.

ZiG coins introduced in April 2024, including ZiG1, ZiG2 and ZiG5, will remain in circulation to support low-value transactions and ease pressure on small banknotes, the bank said.

The move comes as Zimbabwe shows signs of economic stabilisation after a prolonged crisis that began in the early 2000s.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund say the recovery has been driven by tight monetary policy, stronger fiscal discipline and favourable global conditions, helping stabilise prices and the exchange rate.

The World Bank said gross domestic product grew from 1.7% in 2024 to 7.5% in 2025, supported by agriculture and higher global metal prices. Inflation in local currency fell to a record 4.1% in January 2026.

Background on the ZiG currency

Authorities introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) in April 2024, backed by gold and replacing the Zimbabwean dollar, in a bid to curb hyperinflation and restore confidence in the currency. It marked the government’s sixth attempt in 15 years to establish a stable local currency.

The International Monetary Fund said the move helped end a period of instability that had weighed on the economy.

According to the central bank’s February 2026 monetary policy report, confidence in the ZiG has strengthened as it gains traction as a unit of account, store of value and medium of exchange, with easing concerns over purchasing power.

The exchange rate has remained broadly stable, trading between ZiG25 and ZiG27 per U.S. dollar since a market-driven adjustment in September 2024.

The new banknotes will circulate alongside existing ones, which will be phased out as they return to banks.

Lydie Mobio