By 
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has commenced production of redesigned ZiG banknotes as part of broader efforts to transition the country towards a mono-currency regime over the next five years.
The newly designed notes will feature enhanced security elements to combat counterfeiting, while improved paper quality and durability are expected to extend their lifespan and ease day-to-day handling.
This development follows widespread complaints from consumers, banks, and retailers over the poor durability of the current notes—particularly the ZiG10 and ZiG20 denominations currently in circulation. Users have cited issues such as rapid fraying, fading, and disintegration, especially in high-volume transactions, which has affected usability and added cost burdens for businesses managing worn-out cash.
In an interview with , RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu confirmed that the central bank is well advanced in its efforts to upgrade the ZiG note series.
“The Reserve Bank is working on the modernisation of the ZiG banknote series as advised in the recent mid-term Monetary Policy Statement,” said Dr Mushayavanhu.
“The new ZiG banknotes will be re-designed including improved quality and durability for the convenience of the transacting public. In this regard, the production process of the improved banknotes has progressed well and is at an advanced stage. The public will be advised of the expected roll-out at the appropriate time.”
The redesigned notes will eventually span all denominations announced during the initial launch of the ZiG currency in April 2024, though only the ZiG10 and ZiG20 are currently in circulation.
Central banks worldwide routinely redesign currency to improve security features, enhance physical durability, and cut long-term printing and replacement costs—objectives now being pursued by Zimbabwe’s monetary authorities.
The redesign initiative coincides with a notable rise in the use of local currency, with the ZiG now accounting for over 35% of all transactions, up from just 15% a year ago. This uptick has been accompanied by sustained price stability, with the cost of basic goods largely holding steady since October 2024. Food inflation registered at minus 0.5% in March 2025, while non-food inflation stood at 0.2%.
Authorities view this stability as critical to the long-term viability of the ZiG and its role in the country’s de-dollarisation roadmap.
“The Reserve Bank is strategically accumulating foreign currency reserves to support the transition to mono-currency and to ensure sustainability of the local currency,” Dr Mushayavanhu said.
“In this regard, the build-up of foreign currency reserves is just one of the preconditions for successful transition to mono-currency.”
He also sought to clarify misconceptions regarding the redesign effort.
“I must reiterate that the Reserve Bank is not going to issue a new currency, and in this regard, the public should not be apprehensive,” he said.
“Instead, the Reserve Bank is merely redesigning the current banknotes to enhance quality in line with international standards.”
Economist and RBZ Monetary Policy Committee member, Mr Persistence Gwanyanya, welcomed the move as a critical confidence-building measure.
“All this can be construed as measures to restore confidence in the country’s currency and answering a call to introduce better quality notes,” he said.
“It also reflects on the policy maker’s attitude towards the currency. It is also a reflection of the authorities’ seriousness in the local currency’s stability and supporting its permanency.”
As Zimbabwe moves cautiously towards a mono-currency system, the RBZ appears committed to laying a solid monetary and fiscal foundation—prioritising stability, credibility, and sustainability.
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