Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is preparing to launch a new series of banknotes—and the news is as big as Africa’s five largest animals, which figure prominently in the new notes’ design.
The Big 5 ZiG* series of banknotes boast a new design, enhanced security features, and more durable material. Denominations of 10, 20, and 50 ZiG to enter circulation April 7, 2026. Two additional denominations, 100 and 200 ZiG, will be issued at a future date, when deemed necessary by the RBZ.
*Note: ZiG stands for “Zimbabwe Gold.” The ZiG currency replaced a Zimbabwean dollar, the RTGS, starting in 2024.
Why create a new series of banknotes so soon after the last?
As we previously reported, the RBZ planned to issue a new family of banknotes in 2024. However, of the eight denominations planned in that series, only two of them—the 10- and 20-ZiG—were put into circulation. The notes soon proved to be of poor quality; they faded quickly and tore easily, resulting in widespread criticism from banks and retailers, who pressured the RBZ to produce higher-quality notes. The result is the Big Five ZiG series due out next month.
The older, inferior banknotes will circulate alongside the newer notes but will gradually be returned to the RBZ in exchange for equal denomination notes in the new, more secure style. It should be mentioned that most cash transactions in Zimbabwe are still done using the U.S. dollar.
New visual design celebrates Africa’s Big Five
The design of the new banknotes prominently features Africa’s Big Five, the largest wild animals, which include the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard.
The first three denominations of the Big 5 ZiG notes include images of the African buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros.
The African leopard and lion will appear on the 100 and 200 ZiG banknotes, to be issued at a future date.
Enhanced security features to help prevent counterfeiting
A critical improvement in the Big 5 ZiG banknotes is the integration of stronger security features than previous ZiG notes. For example, the new notes are protected by:
- Intaglio printing
- Magnetic security threads
- SPARK®
- PEAK (Printed and Embossed Anti-copy Key)™
- A ColorShift™ element.
Feature to help visually impaired consumers
The front side of each banknote has rough (tactile) horizontal lines on the short edges to help visually impaired consumers “feel” the denomination of each note.
Sources/References:
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Notafilia
MRI Bankers’ Guide to Foreign Currency
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