RBZ Partners Church Leaders in ZiG Currency Awareness Campaign

HARARE – Zimbabwe is preparing for the rollout of new banknotes and coins under the Upgraded Big5 ZiG Banknote Series, scheduled to start on April 7, 2026, with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) intensifying a nationwide public awareness campaign ahead of their introduction.

By Dickson Bandera

As part of the initiative, church leaders have pledged to support the central bank’s drive to educate communities about the new notes and the role of the ZiG currency in stabilising the country’s monetary system.

The President of the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association (ZCMA), Bishop Christopher Choto, who also serves as Chairman of Chaplains of Zimbabwe and Convenor of the Zimbabwe Network of Churches, met with an RBZ team led by the Director of Banking Supervision, Surveillance and Financial Stability, Mr Philip Madamombe, in Harare this week to explore ways the church can assist in promoting public understanding and confidence in the new currency.

RBZ teams are currently conducting nationwide awareness campaigns aimed at reaching communities across the country before the new notes are introduced into circulation.

During the meeting, RBZ officials briefed church leaders on the Upgraded Big5 ZiG Banknote Series. The notes and coins will be issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ZiG. The coins (1, 2, and 5 ZiG) will be used for smaller transactions to improve the availability of change in the market.

The central bank also explained that the ZiG currency is backed by a basket of reserves comprising gold and foreign currency, a structure designed to strengthen the value of the currency and curb inflationary pressures.

The new notes will also carry enhanced security features and distinct designs aimed at preventing counterfeiting and strengthening public confidence in the monetary system.

Speaking after the meeting, Bishop Choto said churches have a critical role to play in national development and can assist in educating communities about economic reforms.

“It is possible for us as Zimbabweans to work together for the love of our country and push it forward. We are encouraged by the progress that has been made so far in stabilising prices and strengthening the economy, which shows that we are moving towards our national goals,” he said.

He added that Zimbabwe is a blessed nation under God’s covering and urged citizens to focus on initiatives that promote national development while building confidence in the national currency.

Bishop Choto called on churches, ministries, chaplains, and Christian ministers across the country to support the RBZ awareness programme by allowing central bank officials a few minutes during church gatherings to educate congregants about the ZiG currency, how the new notes work, and their role in stabilising the economy.

Churches willing to participate in the programme are encouraged to liaise with the Faith Office via WhatsApp or call on +263 785 259 068 so they can be linked with RBZ teams operating in their respective provinces and districts.