The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has started to redesign its ZiG banknotes, aiming to improve their quality and make them last longer. Bank officials want the new notes to match international standards and resist counterfeiting through enhanced security features.
Users have reported problems with the current ZiG notes, which entered circulation last April. The bills fade quickly, fray easily, and become hard to handle. Banks and businesses have struggled to keep using worn bills, prompting calls for more durable currency.
RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu told The Sunday Mail the bank will announce the release date for the improved notes later. The central bank has put just two denominations into circulation: the ZiG10 and ZiG20 notes.
The redesign follows feedback from stakeholders during consultations about the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement and the Reserve Bank's 2025-2029 strategy. Dr. Mushayavanhu said people have accepted the ZiG currency, but they want better-quality bills that meet global standards.
Central banks worldwide often update their currency designs to thwart counterfeiters, use stronger materials, and extend the life of their banknotes. These changes help reduce the cost of replacing damaged bills.
Dr. Mushayavanhu emphasized that the redesign does not mean Zimbabwe will change its currency system. The improvements focus on making existing notes more durable and secure.
Users have reported problems with the current ZiG notes, which entered circulation last April. The bills fade quickly, fray easily, and become hard to handle. Banks and businesses have struggled to keep using worn bills, prompting calls for more durable currency.
RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu told The Sunday Mail the bank will announce the release date for the improved notes later. The central bank has put just two denominations into circulation: the ZiG10 and ZiG20 notes.
The redesign follows feedback from stakeholders during consultations about the 2025 Monetary Policy Statement and the Reserve Bank's 2025-2029 strategy. Dr. Mushayavanhu said people have accepted the ZiG currency, but they want better-quality bills that meet global standards.
Central banks worldwide often update their currency designs to thwart counterfeiters, use stronger materials, and extend the life of their banknotes. These changes help reduce the cost of replacing damaged bills.
Dr. Mushayavanhu emphasized that the redesign does not mean Zimbabwe will change its currency system. The improvements focus on making existing notes more durable and secure.
