Zimbabwe Mandates Partial Tax Payments in New Bullion-Backed Currency

In a strategic move to reinforce its new bullion-backed currency, Zimbabwe will require businesses to pay a portion of their taxes in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced on Wednesday.

The regulations, aimed at enhancing the stability and acceptance of the ZiG, are part of broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s fiscal and monetary framework.

“The Treasury is stepping up to complement the fiscal and monetary policy framework aimed at further anchoring the currency, exchange rate, and price stability,” Ncube stated in an emailed announcement.

Since 2020, Zimbabwe has allowed taxes to be settled in the currency businesses predominantly use. However, under the new system, specific ratios will dictate the portions of taxes that must be paid in ZiG and other foreign currencies, alongside those that can solely be settled in the new unit.

The ZiG, introduced on April 5, 2024, replaced the Zimbabwean dollar, which had depreciated by 80% against the US dollar in the official market earlier this year.

Backed by 2.5 tons of gold and $100 million in foreign currency reserves held by the central bank, the ZiG is part of Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to avoid the pitfalls that led to the collapse of its previous six currencies.

“The changes will add to a raft of measures aimed at ensuring the ZiG doesn’t suffer the fate of its predecessors,” Ncube stated.

The finance minister highlighted that the new tax policy is designed to foster greater stability in the ZiG’s value and ensure it becomes a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy. The government hopes that by requiring businesses to transact in ZiG, it will boost demand for the currency, thereby strengthening its position in the market.

Additional measures to bolster the ZiG include urging miners to increase gold production and extending the currency crackdown to include more stringent regulations on companies. These efforts are geared toward ensuring a steady influx of gold to back the currency, thus reinforcing its value and credibility.

Economists have noted that the success of the ZiG will depend heavily on these regulatory measures and the government’s ability to maintain a stable economic environment. The ZiG’s introduction has already shown a “positive impact” on the economy, but sustained confidence in the currency will be crucial.

“Zimbabwe’s new tax policy is a bold step towards economic stability,” said John Mangudya, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. “By ensuring that a portion of taxes are paid in ZiG, we are creating a consistent demand for the currency, which will help maintain its value and prevent the hyperinflation that plagued our previous currencies.”

The move has received a mixed reaction from the business community. While some see it as a necessary step towards stabilizing the economy, others are concerned about the immediate impact on cash flow and the complexities of adapting to the new system.

“We understand the government’s need to stabilize the currency,” said Takura Mugaga, CEO of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce. “However, we urge the authorities to consider the implementation challenges businesses might face and provide adequate support during the transition period.”