The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced that the education and awareness campaign for the new BiG Five ZiG banknotes is gaining traction, with citizens showing approval for the upcoming currency release on April 7, 2026. The RBZ’s monetary policy committee meeting noted the positive feedback on the new notes, which are expected to enhance transactional convenience and ensure the local currency’s availability in the market.
The nation has applauded the RBZ for its efforts in taming inflation, which has fallen to single digits, a historic feat, and stabilizing the exchange rate, maintaining the local currency’s buying power. The inflation rate dropped to 4.1% in January and 3.85% in February 2026, while the economic growth rate reached 6.6% in 2025.
The new currency is expected to support economic growth, with foreign currency receipts increasing by 78% in January and February 2026 to US$3.35 billion, driven by mining exports, particularly gold. The RBZ has maintained the bank policy rate at 35% and statutory reserve requirements for savings and time deposits at 15% and 30%, respectively.
The committee welcomed the 90% export retention scheme for Small Scale Gold Miners, and plans are underway to implement it to help miners cover production costs. The positive growth in foreign currency receipts will enable the country to meet its foreign currency obligations, including the purchase of critical inputs such as fuel.
The RBZ is confident that the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) growth target of 5% for 2026 is achievable, driven by the country’s economic momentum and policy initiatives. However, the bank noted that the current fuel price increase is a supply-side shock that may affect the economy and cause inflation to rise for at least three months, although it is anticipated to remain in single digits.
