A Roadmap for ZiG Stabilization, Monetary Credibility, and Economic Recovery
Published: 10 January 2026 By Tete Getty, Founder, Tete Getty House & TGRI
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has released its comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030), outlining a clear roadmap to consolidate the stability of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, restore public and investor confidence in monetary policy, and pave the way for a gradual transition to a mono-currency system by 2030. Unveiled in early January 2026, the plan builds directly on the gains achieved since the ZiG’s introduction in April 2024, including sustained exchange rate stability (ZiG trading between 26–27 per USD for much of 2025), inflation moderation (below 20% in 2025, with single-digit targets for Q1 2026), and reserve accumulation (reaching ~US$1.1 billion by late 2025, covering ~1.2 months of imports).
For Zimbabweans seeking reliable financial tools, investors evaluating currency risk, and global partners in trade, this strategic framework signals a renewed commitment to disciplined monetary management amid projected 5% GDP growth in 2026 and the launch of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The plan is structured around three Strategic Key Focus Areas (SKFAs) supported by three Enabling Key Focus Areas (EKFAs), with SKFA 1 prioritising price, currency, and exchange rate stability as the RBZ’s core mandate.Key Pillars of the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan
Consolidating ZiG Viability and Stability
Improve currency management, enhance banknote quality (with new high-denomination, durable notes rolling out in Q1 2026), and increase ZiG usage in deposits (target: at least 5% share).
Continue strategic gold and precious metal purchases in 2026 to bolster reserves, aiming for 3–6 months of import cover by 2030.
Deepen the willing-buyer, willing-seller foreign exchange market, introduce electronic trading platforms for transparency, and gradually ease capital controls aligned with OECD standards.
Strengthening Monetary Policy Design and Data Integrity
Maintain tight monetary conditions, refine open market operations, and ensure fiscal-monetary coordination to anchor inflation expectations.Achieve single-digit inflation by Q1 2026 and SADC convergence criteria (5–7%) by 2029, supporting the transition to mono-currency.
Broader Economic and Financial System Support
Enhance financial inclusion, consumer protection, and banking sector soundness to support credit growth and private sector recovery.
Promote export diversification, foreign exchange inflows through mining royalties, and alignment with NDS2 priorities.
The plan acknowledges ongoing challenges: historical policy reversals, public skepticism from past currency failures (bond notes, RTGS dollar, Zimbabwe dollar), and persistent dollarisation (USD still dominant in transactions). Yet, it emphasises market-driven transition, with no abrupt forced de-dollarisation, and protections for USD savings during the process.
Progress Since ZiG Introduction and Outlook
Since April 2024, the ZiG has achieved short-term stability through tight policy, quasi-fiscal activity transfer to Treasury, and gold backing. Inflation declined significantly, exchange rate volatility narrowed (parallel premium below 20%), and reserves grew from US$276 million to over US$1 billion.
The RBZ projects continued positive momentum in 2026: low inflation, stable rates, and 5% real GDP growth under NDS2.
Tete Getty Perspective: Strengthening Monetary Stability and Confidence in the ZiGAt the Tete Getty Research Institute (TGRI), we regard the RBZ’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan as a clear, disciplined, and forward-looking framework essential for consolidating the ZiG’s credibility and supporting sustained economic recovery. Building on the measurable achievements since its launch—exchange rate stability, inflation moderation, and reserve growth—the plan’s emphasis on transparent currency management, reserve building, and gradual market-driven reforms positions Zimbabwe to achieve single-digit inflation, enhanced financial inclusion, and a credible path toward monetary sovereignty by 2030. While challenges such as public trust and transitional risks require vigilant monitoring, the strategy’s focus on fiscal-monetary coordination, data integrity, and stakeholder engagement will help mitigate these concerns and foster inclusive growth. In a multipolar global economy, continued diversification of partnerships across BRICS, the European Union, the United States, and other key actors will further reinforce the ZiG’s viability and Zimbabwe’s attractiveness in critical minerals, renewable energy, and innovation sectors. Transparent execution and national unity will be critical to realising these objectives and advancing toward an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Tete Getty | Founder, Tete Getty House & TGRI | January 2026
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