World's Newest Currency: Zimbabwe Rolls Out Gold-Backed Zig To Combat Economic Instability

Zimbabwe has faced economic problems for many years, with high inflation and unstable currency making it hard for the country to grow. In April 2024, Zimbabwe introduced the Zig, a new currency backed by gold, to try to fix these issues. In this article we will learn why the Zig was created, the challenges it faces, and its possible impact on Zimbabwe's future.

A History of Currency Problems

Before the Zig, Zimbabwe struggled to have a stable currency. The Zimbabwean dollar, introduced in 1980, became useless due to high inflation in the late 2000s. The country then used several currencies, mostly the US dollar, but this made Zimbabwe dependent on foreign money and limited its control over its own economy.

The Zig is the sixth currency Zimbabwe has used since the dramatic collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009, when hyperinflation reached an astounding 5 billion percent, one of the worst currency crashes in history. This led to a chaotic series of events: initially, the US dollar was allowed as a legal tender, then it was banned and later unbanned again.

What is Zig the world's newest currency?

Zimbabwe Introduced Gold-Backed Zig | Photo: AP

The Zig is a new currency introduced by Zimbabwe in April 2024. It is unique because it is backed by gold reserves, meaning its value is supported by the physical gold held by the government. This backing aims to provide a stable and reliable foundation for the currency, which is intended to help control inflation, encourage economic growth, and restore public trust in Zimbabwe's financial system after years of currency instability. The introduction of the Zig represents Zimbabwe's effort to move away from past economic troubles and establish a more secure monetary future.

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The government has allowed some businesses, like petrol stations, to refuse the Zig and accept US dollars instead. Some government departments, such as the office handling passport issues and renewals, also only accept US dollars. Meanwhile, other businesses are being mandated to exclusively use the Zig, facing penalties if they do not comply.

Why the Zig Was Created

The Zig is an effort to bring stability and help the economy grow. By backing the currency with gold, the government hopes to gain people's trust. Unlike a currency with no backing, which can change in value a lot, the Zig should be more stable. This could help stop high inflation and encourage people to save and invest in their own money.

Gaining Trust: The Zig's Biggest Challenge

Zimbabwe Introduced Gold-Backed Zig | Photo: Yahoo

For the Zig to work, people need to trust it. Years of unstable currency have made Zimbabweans doubtful. The government is running campaigns to teach people about the Zig's gold backing and its benefits. But trust takes time to build, and how quickly people start using the Zig will show if they trust it.

External Pressures and Competition

Even with gold backing, the Zig can still be affected by the global economy and changes in gold prices. The US dollar is still widely used in Zimbabwe, and getting people to switch to the Zig and stop using black markets for foreign currency will be difficult.

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Looking Ahead: Cautious Hope

The Zig is a new attempt to fix Zimbabwe's currency issues. While it's unclear if it will succeed in the long run, it shows a strong effort to end currency instability. The next months and years will be important to see if people trust the Zig and if it can stop inflation and boost the economy. Only time will tell if the Zig can bring lasting financial stability to Zimbabwe.