RBZ Claims Enough ZiG Notes Yet Cities Barely See Them

Zimbabwe's central bank claims it has enough ZiG cash for everyone who needs it. Reserve Bank Governor John Mushayavanhu says the new currency works well across the country. Many people cannot find the physical notes anywhere. They still use US dollars and South African rand to buy things. Citizens feel frustrated because they cannot see or touch their new money.

The bank released numbers showing ZiG use jumped from April 2024 to May 2025. Electronic payments grew from 7.86 billion to 56.8 billion ZiG dollars. Banks hold 207 million ZiG dollars in cash right across Zimbabwe. The central bank believes this amount covers daily banking needs for deposits and withdrawals.

People living in Bulawayo, Gweru and Beitbridge say they have never seen ZiG notes. Traders cannot make change without foreign money. Even Harare residents struggle to complete basic purchases with physical ZiG cash. The currency launched in April 2024 but availability problems continue.

Mushayavanhu wants banks to work harder putting ZiG cash into ATMs and branch offices. He thinks stable exchange rates will help people trust the currency more. The government plans new steps to encourage ZiG use throughout Zimbabwe's economy.