The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has commenced the issuance and circulation of the upgraded BiG5 ZiG banknotes today, 7 April 2026.
In a statement yesterday, RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said the rollout follows prior commitments made in the February 2026 Monetary Policy Statement and is being implemented in line with Statutory Instrument 37 of 2026.
“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is pleased to advise the public that the upgraded BiG5 ZiG banknotes will commence circulation in the economy from 7 April 2026. This follows a successful nationwide ZiG educational and awareness campaign conducted from 1 to 31 March 2026, during which the rollout plan was comprehensively communicated,” the Governor added.
Dr Mushayavanhu emphasized that the central bank and financial institutions have put in place adequate systems to ensure a smooth rollout across the country.
“The Reserve Bank and banking institutions have put in place all the necessary logistics and operational modalities for the seamless rollout of the upgraded BiG5 ZiG banknotes.
The new banknotes have already been distributed nationwide in sufficient quantities to meet anticipated cash demand,”he added.
The rollout will be phased, beginning with ZiG10 and ZiG20 denominations, alongside the introduction of a new ZiG50 note. Higher denominations, including ZiG100 and ZiG200, will be introduced gradually.
“As previously advised, the upgraded ZiG banknotes will be availed in a phased and orderly manner, guided by transactional demand and prevailing monetary and financial conditions,” Dr Mushayavanhu said.
He added that ZiG coins specifically ZiG1, ZiG2, and ZiG5 will remain in circulation to support small-value transactions and ease pressure on lower denomination notes.
The RBZ Governor also assured the public that both the old and new banknote series will co-circulate.
“The old ZiG banknotes will continue to co-circulate with the new series indefinitely and will only be phased out naturally as they are deposited into the banking system,” he added.
ATMs, and HomeLink kiosks, with retailers and mobile money operators expected to support cash access.
“Individuals will be able to withdraw up to ZiG10,000 per week, while corporates will access up to ZiG100,000 per week,” he said.
Reaffirming the RBZ’s policy stance, Dr Mushayavanhu said, “The Reserve Bank remains committed to prudent monetary policy management to ensure sustained price, currency, and exchange rate stability.”
He urged Zimbabweans to adopt the new currency series.
“We strongly encourage the public to embrace and use the upgraded BiGS ZiG banknotes with pride and confidence,” the Governor said.
Zimbabwe introduced the ZiG currency as part of efforts to stabilise the economy and restore confidence in the monetary system, with ongoing reforms focused on strengthening its functionality and public acceptance.
