Italy’s State-Owned Bank Trials Digital Bonds on Polygon Blockchain
The European Central Bank initiated the trial to explore how blockchains can enhance central bank settlement.
Key Takeaways:
Stabilisation Efforts: The Zimbabwe Central Bank is actively working on stabilising the new currency to curb inflation and restore confidence among the populace. Measures include tightening monetary policies and increasing foreign exchange reserves to support the currency’s value.
Public Trust and Adoption: Building trust in the new currency is a priority. The Central Bank is implementing public education campaigns to inform residents about the currency’s benefits and usage, aiming to foster broader acceptance and mitigate doubtful due to past economic challenges.
Technical and Regulatory Adjustments: The Bank is making necessary technical and regulatory adjustments to ensure the smooth functioning of the new currency. This includes updating financial systems, refining anti-counterfeiting measures, and ensuring compliance with international standards to facilitate trade and investment.
Zimbabwe, a country with a turbulent economic history, is again attempting to stabilise its financial system by introducing a new currency.
Overview of Zimbabwe’s Economic Landscape
The Zimbabwe Reserve Bank (ZRB) reached out to the public through its X account, encouraging them to report illegal currency traders or businesses refusing to accept the new currency. This move is part of an ongoing campaign to tackle unlawful foreign exchange trading, often conducted at unofficial rates.
On June 4 2024, Bloomberg announced that the ZiG has appreciated by 1,9% against the United States (US) dollar since it was introduced in physical form. Over the past two decades, Zimbabwe has faced hyperinflation, currency devaluation, and economic instability, making establishing a reliable and functional monetary system challenging. The latest effort by the RBZ aims to introduce a new currency to restore economic confidence and stability. However, as with any significant financial overhaul, several wrinkles need to be ironed out to ensure the success of this new currency.
The Challenges of Currency Introduction
Introducing a new currency is a complex process fraught with challenges, especially in a country with Zimbabwe’s economic background. One of the primary concerns is the issue of public trust. After experiencing hyperinflation and the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009, many Zimbabweans still need to be convinced about the stability and value of a new currency. The RBZ must work diligently to build and maintain public confidence, which is critical for successfully adopting the new currency. To address these concerns, the central bank has embarked on an extensive public awareness campaign, educating citizens about the new currency’s benefits and safeguards. This includes explaining the measures taken to prevent hyperinflation and ensuring that tangible assets back the currency.
Additionally, the RBZ is working with international financial institutions to bolster credibility and support for the new monetary system. Another significant challenge is transitioning from the existing currency regime to the new one. The RBZ must carefully calibrate the introduction of the new currency to avoid disrupting the economy. This involves setting appropriate exchange rates, ensuring an adequate supply of the new currency, and phasing out old currencies to minimise economic shock. The central bank is also implementing robust monitoring mechanisms to track the circulation and usage of the new currency, allowing for quick adjustments as needed. A shortage of coins is another problem affecting the central bank. In a post published a few hours after the announcement about illegal traders, the RBZ said, “The Bank particularly seeks to increase the availability of small change across the economy in the following denominations: ZiG1, ZiG2, ZiG5, ZiG10.”
Technological and Infrastructural Hurdles
On May 15, Crime Watch Zimbabwe, based in South Africa, reported that Zimbabwean police had apprehended 224 illegal foreign exchange traders. The RZB Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) also froze 90 bank accounts and imposed fines on 40 individuals. The FIU also scrutinised bank service activities to gather evidence of illegal ZiG transactions. Beyond public trust and transition management, technological and infrastructural hurdles can be overcome. Zimbabwe’s banking and financial infrastructure have suffered from years of underinvestment and neglect, resulting in outdated systems that must be equipped to handle the demands of a new currency. Upgrading these systems is essential to facilitate smooth transactions and maintain financial stability.
The RBZ invests in modernising the banking infrastructure, upgrading payment systems, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and improving interbank settlement processes. This modernisation effort is crucial for ensuring that the new currency can be efficiently circulated and managed within the economy. Additionally, the central bank is promoting the adoption of digital payment platforms to complement the new physical currency, which can help reduce the reliance on cash and enhance financial inclusion. Another critical aspect of the infrastructural upgrade is integrating the new currency with existing financial systems domestically and internationally. This requires collaboration with local banks, businesses, and international partners to ensure seamless compatibility and acceptance of the new currency. The RBZ is also working on establishing a reliable and transparent exchange rate mechanism to stabilise the value of the new currency and prevent speculative attacks.
Long-Term Vision and Economic Impact
Introducing a new currency is a short-term fix and a critical component of Zimbabwe’s long-term economic strategy. The RBZ’s vision is to create a stable and predictable monetary environment that fosters economic growth and development. The central bank aims to attract foreign investment, boost trade, and enhance economic confidence by establishing a reliable currency. An expected long-term impact of the new currency is improved inflation control. By implementing stringent monetary policies and ensuring that solid assets back the currency, the RBZ aims to prevent the runaway inflation that has plagued Zimbabwe in the past.
This stability is crucial for planning and investment, as businesses and individuals can confidently make economic decisions. Moreover, a stable currency can help reduce the cost of borrowing, as lenders will have more confidence in the country’s financial system. This can lead to increased access to credit for businesses and consumers, spurring economic activity and growth. The RBZ is also focused on promoting financial inclusion and ensuring that the benefits of the new currency reach all segments of society, particularly the underserved and rural populations.
While the introduction of a new currency in Zimbabwe is fraught with challenges, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s efforts to address these issues are crucial for the country’s economic stability and growth. By building public trust, upgrading financial infrastructure, and focusing on long-term economic goals, Zimbabwe can create a resilient and prosperous monetary system that supports sustainable development.