The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has announced that a new upgraded series of Zimbabwe Gold banknotes, known as the “Big 5 ZiG” series, will enter circulation starting 7 April 2026. Authorities say the rollout represents an upgrade of existing notes rather than the introduction of a new currency.

The improved banknotes were unveiled by central bank governor John Mushayavanhu as part of the country’s 2026 Monetary Policy measures aimed at strengthening confidence in the local currency and improving the quality of cash circulating in the economy.

The first banknotes to be issued will include ZiG10, ZiG20, and ZiG50 denominations, while ZiG100 and ZiG200 notes are expected to be introduced later depending on economic conditions. The new designs are inspired by Zimbabwe’s famous wildlife “Big Five.”

Each note will feature one of the country’s iconic animals — the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros — highlighting Zimbabwe’s natural heritage while promoting a distinctive national identity in the currency’s design.

Zimbabwe introduced the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) in April 2024, backed by gold and foreign currency reserves in an effort to stabilize the monetary system. Officials say the upgraded banknotes are part of broader reforms to improve cash durability, strengthen trust in the currency, and support economic stability.