In a move aimed at quelling public concern and strengthening confidence in Zimbabwe’s newly introduced currency, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has reaffirmed that there is sufficient ZiG, both in electronic and physical form, available to meet current and future transactional needs across the country.
The announcement, made via a press statement by RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu, comes amid concerns raised by segments of the public, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, about the availability and accessibility of ZiG cash for everyday use. The Governor acknowledged the feedback and offered firm assurances, backed by data and policy interventions.
According to the RBZ, usage of the local currency has seen a remarkable upsurge in recent months. Settlements made in ZiG on the National Payment System surged from ZiG7.86 billion (26%) in April 2024 to ZiG56.8 billion (43%) by 30 May 2025, a development the bank attributes to improved market confidence and wider economic uptake.
At the heart of the statement was a reassurance that cash circulation is keeping pace with this growth. As of 12 June 2025, Zimbabwe had approximately ZiG16 billion in total deposits, with over ZiG207 million held by banks as cash reserves, a figure considered optimal for supporting daily public transactions including deposits and withdrawals.
To ensure convenience and accessibility, the RBZ has been working closely with commercial banks to ramp up distribution channels. While some banks have already made ZiG cash available via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), others are reportedly in the process of reconfiguring their systems to support cash disbursement in the new currency.
This coordinated push also reflects the government’s broader strategy to increase local currency usage, particularly in the wake of significant currency and exchange rate stabilisation efforts. With the monetary landscape more stable and inflation under tighter control, the groundwork is being laid for a sustainable return to confidence in local tender.
From an analytical standpoint, the rise in ZiG usage and the RBZ’s swift engagement with public concerns suggest a positive trajectory for Zimbabwe’s monetary reform. However, access and communication remain critical. For ZiG to be truly embraced, availability must match demand not only in cities like Harare but also in rural growth points and townships where informal economies dominate.
Governor Mushayavanhu underscored the bank’s unwavering commitment to maintaining currency and price stability, stating that safeguarding the ZiG’s purchasing power, now and in the future, remains a top priority. This pledge reinforces the bank’s role in not just managing monetary policy, but rebuilding trust in the local financial system.
While early days of any currency reform are bound to be met with skepticism and logistical challenges, the data signals growing acceptance of the ZiG, and the RBZ’s proactiveness could help smoothen the rollout across all sectors.
As Zimbabwe continues to chart a path toward financial sovereignty, the assurance that there is “enough ZiG in the system” is more than just a cashflow matter, it’s a vote of confidence in the country’s economic direction. And if managed well, this could mark a crucial turning point in Zimbabwe’s journey toward currency and macroeconomic stability.
