记者观察：津巴布韦——不想回到“人人都是亿万富翁”的日子

Core Viewpoint - Zimbabwe is attempting to stabilize its economy and currency through the introduction of a new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold Dollar (ZiG), which is pegged to gold, with a goal to de-dollarize by 2030 despite facing significant challenges [1][6]. Economic Background - Zimbabwe, once known as the "breadbasket" of Southern Africa, has a history of economic decline due to hyperinflation and failed currency reforms, leading to the widespread use of the US dollar for transactions [2][3]. - The country has experienced multiple iterations of its local currency, with the most notable being the issuance of a 100 trillion Zimbabwean dollar note in 2009, which became the world's largest denomination but had minimal purchasing power [3]. Introduction of ZiG - The Zimbabwean government launched the ZiG in April 2024, initially pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 13.56:1, supported by gold reserves [4]. - To promote the use of ZiG, the government mandated that major retailers display prices in ZiG and penalized those who only accepted US dollars [5]. Market Response and Challenges - Despite initial stability, the ZiG faced significant depreciation in the black market, reaching exchange rates of 30:1 against the US dollar by October 2024, reflecting public skepticism towards the new currency [4][5]. - The government has struggled to enforce the use of ZiG, with many businesses still preferring US dollars for transactions [5]. Future Outlook - President Mnangagwa has set a target for ZiG to become the sole legal tender by 2030, with plans to release a "de-dollarization roadmap" by the end of 2024 [6]. - The central bank is working on improving the durability and security features of the ZiG to regain public trust, which is crucial for the success of the currency [6][7]. - Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive political and economic reforms to address the root causes of past currency failures, including inflation control and reducing external debt [7][8].