The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe held stakeholder engagement meetings in Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West provinces to introduce communities to the upgraded ZiG banknotes and coins.
Central to these meetings was the affirmation that the ZiG — backed by gold — will remain stable.
At an outreach programme in Bindura, RBZ director for economic research, modelling and policy, Dr Nebson Mupunga, said three teams had been deployed to cover every district in the province, including remote areas such as Kanyemba in Mbire District.
“One team is covering Guruve, Mbire and Muzarabani, including the remotest parts like Kanyemba.
Another team is covering Rushinga and Mount Darwin, while the third team is focusing on Bindura and Shamva.
“We are leaving no part of the province behind,” he said.
The meetings aimed to raise awareness about the upgraded ZiG series, address misconceptions and gather feedback.
Low uptake and limited circulation of the ZiG in some districts emerged as concerns.
Residents from far‑flung areas such as Kanyemba indicated that while the ZiG is legally recognised, its use in transactions remains limited, with the US dollar still dominating informal trade.
Dr Mupunga said the outreach programme seeks to bridge this gap by enhancing understanding of the currency and promoting confidence through sustained monetary stability.
He noted that the central bank was committed to tight money‑supply management to ensure price and exchange rate stability.
“Our goal is to maintain inflation below 10 percent. If we maintain stability, confidence in the currency will naturally follow,” he said.
The RBZ also announced a gradual transition towards a mono‑currency regime in which domestic transactions will predominantly use the ZiG, with foreign currencies reserved for external payments.
Responding to concerns over bank charges, the RBZ said deposits of US$100 or its equivalent in ZiG and below will not incur charges.
The education and awareness campaign will run until March 22, reaching every part of the province.
In Mashonaland West, stakeholders welcomed the introduction of the upgraded notes, viewing them as a critical source of national pride.
In her opening remarks, delivered by Provincial Secretary Mr Josphat Jaji, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Marian Chombo, said:
“The province has activated all systems that will ensure the successful roll‑out of the education and awareness campaigns.
“This is our money and we need to embrace it.”
RBZ director, Mrs Virginia Sithole, implored people in the province to support ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy and the currency.
“We are gathered here to introduce the upgraded ZiG banknotes,” Mrs Sithole said.
“The upgraded ZiG banknotes education and awareness campaign comes at a time when the country is experiencing greater price, currency and exchange‑rate stability, providing the necessary conditions to deepen the usage of the local currency.”
Chinhoyi mayor, Councillor Owen Charuza, said people should embrace the local currency and shun actions that undermine it.
Pastor Canisio Vandirai of the Pastors Fraternal (Chinhoyi chapter) added:
“This is a noble initiative, which will help in restoring dignity to the country and its citizens.”-herald
