RBZ Rolls Out Upgraded 'Big Five' Currency Across Zimbabwe

The new currency series, introduced as the "Big Five" during the February 2026 Monetary Policy Presentation, marks a key milestone in the nation's currency reform programme. Customers have already begun accessing the new notes through ATM platforms.

Here are sample images of the new notes:

A Phased Rollout Approach

The central bank is taking a phased approach to the release.

• The first phase, effective April 7, 2026, introduces the ZiG10, ZiG20, and ZiG50 denominations.
• Higher denominations of ZiG100 and ZiG200 will be released in due course as public demand dictates.
• To ease daily transactions and improve access to change, the new series also includes smaller ZiG1, ZiG2, and ZiG5 coins.

RBZ Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu confirmed that the notes have been distributed nationwide in sufficient quantities to meet demand. Withdrawal limits are currently set at ZWG 10,000 per week for individuals and ZWG 100,000 per week for corporates. The public can access cash via banks, ATMs, Homelink kiosks, and retail cashback facilities.

Enhanced Security and Durability

The upgraded notes boast improved durability for a prolonged circulation period and feature high-quality designs aligned with international standards. The RBZ has included several advanced security features across the denominations:

• Lower Denominations (ZiG1 to ZiG10): These feature a latent image, tactile marks for the visually impaired, a see-through perfect register, a colour-shifting security thread, alpha-numeric numbering, and a Zimbabwe bird watermark.
• Higher Denominations (ZiG20 to ZiG200): These notes include all the base features, with the addition of raised Intaglio print and a colour-shifting Zimbabwe bird.

What Happens to the Old Currency?

Members of the public are advised that the older ZiG banknotes will continue to co-circulate alongside the new "Big Five" notes indefinitely. Dr. Mushayavanhu stated that the old notes will naturally and automatically phase out of circulation as they are deposited into the banking system.

Economic Context

The rollout arrives alongside positive economic gains, with foreign currency reserves backing the unit now standing at US$1.3 billion. Authorities note this strengthens confidence in the domestic currency, supported by a relatively stable exchange rate and single-digit inflation in local currency terms.

Economist Dr. Zachary Tambudzai praised the RBZ's tight monetary policy and educational campaigns ahead of the release. He noted that Tuesday serves as "an important milestone in Zimbabwe’s currency reform agenda, marking a step forward in safeguarding the domestic currency".