The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced the effective issuance and circulation of upgraded Big 5 ZiG banknotes beginning April 7, 2026, marking the next phase in the country’s currency stabilisation efforts.

In a press statement issued Sunday, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said the new banknote series will enter circulation following the completion of logistical preparations and a nationwide public education campaign.

“The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is pleased to advise the public that the upgraded Big5 ZiG Banknotes will commence circulation in the economy from 7 April 2026 as advised in the February 2026 Monetary Policy Statement,” the central bank said.

According to the RBZ, the rollout follows Statutory Instrument 37 of 2026 and comes after a month-long ZiG education and awareness campaign conducted between March 1 and March 31, during which the issuance and rollout plan were explained to the public.

“The Reserve Bank and banking institutions have put in place all the necessary logistics and operational modalities for the seamless rollout of the upgraded Big5 ZiG Banknotes,” the statement reads.

Authorities said the new notes have already been distributed across the country in sufficient quantities to meet anticipated cash demand, with withdrawals continuing under stipulated daily and weekly limits.

The central bank noted that the upgraded ZiG banknotes will be introduced in phases, beginning with lower denominations.

“As stated in the February 2026 Monetary Policy Statement and emphasised during the one-month long ZiG educational and awareness campaigns, the upgraded ZiG banknotes series will be availed in a phased and orderly manner starting with the ZiG 10 and 20, and the new issuance of ZiG 50 denomination, effective 7 April 2026,” the RBZ said.

Higher denominations, including ZiG100 and ZiG200, will be introduced gradually depending on transactional demand and prevailing monetary and financial conditions. ZiG coins re-issued in April 2024 — including ZiG1, ZiG2, ZiG5 and ZiG10 — will remain in circulation to support smaller transactions.

The RBZ also reassured the public that existing ZiG banknotes will continue circulating alongside the upgraded series.

“Members of the public are further reminded that the old ZiG banknote series will continue to co-circulate with the new ‘Big5 ZiG’ banknotes indefinitely. The old ZiG banknotes will naturally and automatically be phased out of circulation once they are deposited into the banking system,” the bank said.

The new notes will be accessible through banking halls, automated teller machines (ATMs) and home-link kiosks. The central bank urged retailers and mobile money operators to facilitate cash availability and restore cash-in and cash-out services in ZiG.

“Accordingly, the Reserve Bank assures the public of the availability and adequacy of ZiG Banknotes to meet cash demand,” the statement said.

Under the updated withdrawal framework, individuals will be able to withdraw up to ZiG10 000 per week, while corporate entities will have access to weekly withdrawals of up to ZiG100 000.

The RBZ said the rollout forms part of broader monetary policy measures aimed at maintaining currency and exchange rate stability.

“The Reserve Bank affirms its strong commitment to stay the course with prudent monetary policy management, which is critical for sustained price, currency, and exchange rate stability now and in the future,” the statement said, urging citizens to “embrace and use the upgraded Big5ZiG Banknote Series with pride and confidence.”