Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s recent introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency has sparked significant unrest among the population due to its immediate impact on daily financial transactions and savings.
The new currency, intended to stabilize the nation’s economy and curb rampant inflation, was launched on April 5 but has been met with widespread skepticism and logistical issues.
Arnold Mutiri, a carpenter in Harare, exemplifies the challenges faced by many. Attempting to buy a beverage, Mutiri was unable to receive change in the local currency and found his Zimbabwean dollars (ZWL) — popularly known as bond notes — rejected by the retailer.
This scenario is becoming increasingly common as businesses, transport services, and even government entities like tollgates reject the old notes despite the unavailability of new ZiG bills until later in the month.
The transition has been marked by a lack of coordination, with significant implications for Zimbabweans who rely on cash transactions, particularly those in the informal economy.
Many find themselves needing to double or even triple their usual spending to get through the day due to shops rounding up transactions or refusing smaller denominations.
The ZiG currency, which replaces both the ZWL bond notes and the Zimbabwean dollar, is Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt at a new currency since the hyperinflation crisis in 2008, when inflation reached unprecedented levels.
However, the introduction of ZiG has not been accompanied by sufficient public education or preparation, leaving many, especially in rural areas, confused and disadvantaged.
Agnes Kwaramba, a retired teacher from Murewa, a rural area east of Harare, voiced her concerns about the lack of consultation and clear communication regarding the new currency. Having lost her savings multiple times due to changes in monetary policy, Kwaramba is apprehensive about the new currency’s reliability.
Economic experts and locals alike are critical of the government’s handling of the currency transition. Tashinga Henry Kajiva, an economist, pointed out that while the idea of a currency backed by gold could theoretically ensure stability and boost investor confidence, the lack of consumer confidence and fundamental issues within the financial sector pose significant barriers to the success of ZiG.
Despite the challenges, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has assured that ZiG is backed by gold and should be stronger than the ZWL.
However, the persistence of transactions in U.S. dollars for key commodities and services underscores the ongoing reliance on foreign currency, reflecting a deep-seated lack of trust in domestic monetary policies.
As Zimbabwe navigates this latest economic hurdle, the government faces the critical task of restoring public trust and ensuring the ZiG can achieve its intended goals of economic stability and inflation control.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans continue to grapple with the immediate impacts of this transition, balancing the necessity of daily expenses against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.
