Since the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency in April 2024, growing evidence from communities across the country suggests that while the currency has gained acceptance in formal retail outlets, it is still struggling to establish itself as an everyday medium of exchange in many towns, growth points and border communities.

Across several provinces, consumers continue to rely on the United States dollar, South African rand and electronic transactions for day-to-day purchases, raising questions about the depth of ZiG penetration beyond large supermarkets and formal businesses.

A resident who stay in Harare said  they are often surprised by the limited circulation of ZiG in other parts of the country.

"I am staying in Harare but today I am in Bulawayo. What is surprising me is that here they don't put together ZiG and US dollars. In Harare we don't have that problem," said Tafadzwa Moyo

In Bulawayo, Sibongile Ndlovu said many businesses rarely transact in ZiG because of its limited circulation

"In Bulawayo we have never seen ZiG. It is difficult for business people to use ZiG because it does not circulate," she said.

Others argue that the currency deserves support as Zimbabwe's official currency.

"Mari iyi inoshandiswa navanhu saka tinofanirwa kuitsigira zvavanoda," said Tendai Muchengeti.

Yet scepticism remains among some consumers.

"Ndiyani anoda ZiG kana chinonzi Zim dollar given our recent history?" said Farai Mashingaidze.

The challenge appears particularly pronounced in border towns and regions with strong economic links to neighbouring countries.

Tatenda Dube said he  tried to use ZiG while travelling through Gwanda

"I needed to use public toilets run by Gwanda Municipality and tried to pay using a ZiG note. The women collecting money looked at it and said they had never seen money like that before. They returned it and I had to use US dollars," he said.

Similar experiences have been reported in Beitbridge where cross-border trade continues to shape local transaction patterns.

"I had an experience in Beitbridge where they did not accept ZiG. They only wanted US dollars and rands, and they even give change using rand coins," said Nyasha Mlambo.

In Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands and parts of Masvingo Province, residents say the South African rand remains widely used, particularly in transport services, informal retail businesses and cross-border trading activities.

"Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo, Bulawayo and Midlands provinces don't recognise ZiG for transaction purposes. Only major supermarkets such as TM Pick n Pay readily accept it. Most traders prefer the rand and the US dollar," said Tapiwa Ncube.

In Zvishavane, Talent Garise said ZiG is largely confined to formal retail chains.

"In Zvishavane we only use ZiG in big shops such as Pote, TM and OK. For transport and many daily transactions people use rands and US dollars," he said.

Leonel Chikowore said a similar pattern exists in parts of the Midlands.

"Mvuma, Masvingo and much of Midlands use rands and US dollars as local currency. ZiG is mostly used when people swipe in TM or OK supermarkets," he said.

Even in Mashonaland Central, some consumers report difficulties using the currency.

"I struggled to use ZiG in Guruve too," said Richard Chikomo.

The experiences point to a growing divide between the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

While large retailers, banks and regulated businesses routinely accept ZiG under the country's multi-currency framework, many informal traders continue to favour foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar and rand.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe  consistently maintained that ZiG remains stable and continues to fulfil its role as a domestic transactional currency.

Reserve Bank Governor John Mushayavanhu has previously stated that the central bank will continue implementing measures aimed at preserving currency stability and strengthening confidence in ZiG, while Government has repeatedly said the currency is backed by foreign currency reserves and precious metals.

Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has also maintained that currency stability remains critical to broader economic growth and investment confidence.

However, the experiences emerging from communities across the country suggest that public confidence and circulation remain uneven, particularly in regions where the rand has become entrenched through trade links with South Africa and where foreign currencies continue to dominate informal transactions.

For many consumers, the issue is no longer whether ZiG exists, but whether it is readily accepted when they need to buy groceries, pay transport fares or access essential services.