Zimbabwe’s new central bank governor, John Mushayavanhu, has made remarkable strides in stabilizing the country’s economy in his first 100 days, garnering both praise and skepticism from various quarters.
Zimbabwe has been synonymous with economic instability, hyperinflation, and failing currencies for years. However, the nation’s new central bank governor, John Mushayavanhu, seems to be on a mission to turn things around. In his first 100 days, Mushayavanhu has introduced a new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), and implemented policies aimed at stabilizing the economy. His efforts have been met with cautious optimism from international observers, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which praised the ZiG for curbing currency instability.
The introduction of the ZiG, Zimbabwe’s sixth attempt at a stable currency in 15 years, replaced the Zimbabwean dollar, which had lost a staggering 80% of its value against the US dollar in 2024. Since its launch, the ZiG has maintained relative stability, aided by a zero-tolerance policy towards the parallel market and aggressive law enforcement actions against street currency dealers. As of now, the ZiG trades at 13.69 against the US dollar, only slightly lower than its debut value.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hinted at the possibility of the ZiG becoming the sole legal tender within two years, a move that could phase out the US dollar before the multicurrency system’s 2030 deadline. The ZiG’s stability has also been bolstered by Mushayavanhu’s commitment to orthodox monetary policy and a tight money supply, a stark contrast to his predecessors’ practices.
Despite these achievements, skepticism remains. Businesses and investors who have weathered previous currency crises are cautious. Lloyd Mlotshwa, head of research at Harare-based brokerage IH Securities, acknowledges the progress but questions the long-term sustainability. The country’s ongoing El Niño-induced drought, reduced farm output, and lower commodity prices pose significant challenges to maintaining currency stability.
The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and major retailers like OK Zimbabwe Ltd. are still assessing the ZiG’s impact. While there has been a decline in foreign currency collections, there are early signs of volume growth. Deputy Governor Innocent Matshe underscores the central bank’s commitment to orthodox policies and emphasizes that no sacred cows will be spared in their quest for economic stability.
As Mushayavanhu’s tenure progresses, the world watches with bated breath to see if Zimbabwe can finally achieve lasting economic stability.
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