The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) says it is fully prepared for the rollout of the upgraded Big5 ZiG banknotes, assuring that all systems are in place to ensure a smooth transition and adequate cash availability.
John Mushayavanhu, RBZ governor, said the central bank and financial institutions have completed the logistical and operational groundwork required for the introduction of the new notes on 7 April 2026.
“The RBZ and banking institutions have put in place all the necessary logistics and operational modalities for the seamless rollout of the upgraded Big5 ZiG banknotes,” he said, stressing that the new banknotes have already been distributed across the country in sufficient quantities to meet expected demand.
“The…new Big5 ZiG banknotes…have since been distributed throughout the whole country in sufficient quantities to meet anticipated cash demand,” Mushayavanhu noted.
The rollout, he said, will be phased and guided by market conditions, with lower denominations forming the backbone of early circulation.
“The upgraded ZiG banknotes series will be availed in a phased and orderly manner,” the governor said, adding that higher denominations “will gradually be introduced in due course, guided by transactional demand, and monetary and financial conditions in the domestic economy.”
Mushayavanhu also assured that existing notes will not immediately lose value, emphasizing their continuity in the system.
“The old ZiG banknotes will continue to co-circulate with the new ‘Big5 ZiG’ banknotes indefinitely,” he said.
“The old ZiG banknotes will naturally and automatically be phased out of circulation once they are deposited into the banking system.”
On accessibility, he highlighted that there are multiple distribution channels to ensure widespread availability.
“The upgraded ZiG Banknotes series will be available through normal banking platforms, including banking halls, ATMs and HomeLink Kiosks,” he said.
Mushayavanhu also called on businesses and financial service providers to support circulation.
“Merchants and retailers… are encouraged to offer ZiG cashback facilities to customers on demand,” he said, adding that mobile money operators are expected “to resume cash-in and cash-out provisions in ZiG.”
“The RBZ assures the public of the availability and adequacy of ZiG banknotes to meet cash demand,” the governor said, further stating that individuals will be able to withdraw “up to ZiG10,000 per week, while corporates will access up to ZiG100,000 per week.”
“The RBZ affirms its strong commitment to ‘stay the course’ with prudent monetary policy management,” Mushayavanhu said, urging the public to “embrace and use the upgraded Big5ZiG banknote series with pride and confidence.” – TML