The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) now makes up 40 per cent of the value of electronic payment transactions, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has revealed.
Figures from the central bank show that ZiG’s share of the National Payment System jumped from 26 per cent in April 2024 to more than 40 per cent by June 2025.
The transactions cover a wide range of platforms, including Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), bank cards, mobile money, mobile apps, and online payments.
Presenting his mid-term policy review, RBZ Governor John Mushayavanhu said the surge in ZiG usage reflects the bank’s push to drive financial inclusion while steering the economy towards de-dollarisation.
He said:
“We continue to ensure the wider availability of ZiG cash through the banking system, complementing digital efforts.
“Our approach is not to supplant cash but to balance digital innovation with cash availability, catering to all segments of society.”
To boost cash circulation, the Reserve Bank has ordered banks to keep at least 3 per cent of ZiG deposits in cash reserves — a level it says is in line with regional standards.
Lenders have also been instructed to step up ZiG availability through ATMs and banking halls, with full compliance expected by September 2025.
