South Korea Enters the Race for Zimbabwe's Lithium as Global Supply Chain War Escalates
South Korea is entering the race for Zimbabwe's lithium, joining China and the US in competing for access to Africa's largest deposits of the battery metal.
ZimRate Blog
Insights on Zimbabwe's forex market, USD/ZiG rates, and financial news.
Defying Cost Volatility: Why Zimbabwe's Businesses Need Strategic Pricing, Not Just Survival
Zimbabwe's economy demands more than reactive price adjustments. Businesses that build pricing discipline as a strategic capability will protect margins and outlast the volatility cycle.
UAE Buys Half of Zimbabwe's Exports in Q1 2026 - Overtaking South Africa as Top Market
Zimbabwe exported USD 1.401 billion to the UAE in Q1 2026 - 50% of total export earnings. Bilateral trade projected to surpass USD 6 billion for the full year.
Zimbabwe Fuel Cushion Measures Stay as Global Oil Prices Retreat - But Pump Prices Still 33% Above Pre-War Levels
Despite a global crude correction of 23%, Zimbabwe pump prices are still 33% above pre-war levels. The government tax cuts have helped, but the gap with regional neighbours keeps widening.
Beyond the Lithium Boom: Why Sodium Batteries Are Rising
Sodium-ion batteries are gaining ground globally and Zimbabwe cannot afford to ignore the shift. Here is what the technology means for the country mining ambitions.
RBZ Rate vs Black Market Rate: Understanding the Gap
The gap between Zimbabwe's official and parallel market rates is one of the most watched numbers in the economy. Understand why the premium exists, how it narrowed from 100%+ to below 20%, and what it means for prices and your wallet.
Zimbabwe Bank Rate Today: What You Need to Know
Zimbabwe's bank rate is not a single number. Learn how RBZ interbank, commercial bank TT vs cash rates, and the parallel market spread work. Real data, practical tips, and live tools at ZimRate.
Zimbabwe's 2026 Gold Boom: 12.6 Tonnes in Four Months
Zimbabwe delivered 12,636 kg of gold in the first four months of 2026, led by a 28% surge in large-scale mining output. With prices above US$4,000 per ounce and a 50-tonne annual target, gold remains the backbone of the ZiG currency system.
Zimbabwe Signs First Oil and Gas Production Deal in Cabora Bassa Basin
Zimbabwe signed its first Petroleum Production Sharing Agreement with Invictus Energy, unlocking the Cabora Bassa gas project. The deal could cut fuel imports and ease foreign currency demand.
Millers Fight New Grain Levies That Could Push Bread, Mealie Meal Prices Up 15%
GMAZ demands repeal of SI 87 of 2025, which imposes levies on imported wheat, maize, and soya. The millers say the levies are unconstitutional and will push staple food prices up 13-15%.
OK Zimbabwe Suspends All Worker Salaries, Union Threatens Legal Action
OK Zimbabwe has suspended all salaries indefinitely from May 2026. The Commercial Workers Union of Zimbabwe calls the move illegal and threatens court action.
Zimbabwe's Monthly Inflation Falls to 0.5% as Global Tensions Ease
ZimStat data shows monthly inflation dropped sharply in May across both ZiG and USD, driven by easing global energy tensions.
Zimbabwe Black Market Rate Today: What It Means
Zimbabwe's black market rate is not one number. Understand the parallel market premium, why cash trades at 50% above the official rate, how businesses navigate dual pricing, and the risks of informal trading.
1 USD to ZiG Today: Zimbabwe Exchange Rate Explained
A comprehensive guide to reading the 1 USD to ZiG rate: RBZ official rates, bank TT vs cash, parallel market premiums, common conversion amounts, and the history behind Zimbabwe's latest currency.
Zimbabwe Counterfeit Goods Law Targets Fake Imports
Zimbabwe is weighing a dedicated Counterfeit Act as fake goods threaten consumers, local manufacturers and revenue collection.
ZiG Dollar Shortages Push Firms to Parallel Market
Manufacturers are turning back to the parallel market for US dollars as ZiG forex access strains widen the official-rate premium.
Banks Want Credit Revival as ZiG Facility Stalls
Zimbabwe banks say tight RBZ policy is holding back lending, even as the ZiG1.2bn Targeted Finance Facility remains barely used.
ZERA keeps Zimbabwe fuel prices flat as oil risks linger
ZERA kept diesel and Blend E20 prices unchanged, giving motorists short-term relief while global oil risks remain.
World Bank lifts Zimbabwe 2026 growth forecast to 5%
The World Bank now sees Zimbabwe growing 5% in 2026, supported by agriculture, mining and tighter fiscal policy.
Zimbabwe GDP Growth Forecast Jumps After IMF Programme
Zimbabwe is projecting its fastest growth in 14 years after an IMF staff-monitored programme, but the real test is whether the ZiG, inflation and foreign exchange market stay stable.
Zimbabwe Export Ban Drives Lithium and PGMs to Nearly $1 Billion in Q1 Mineral Sales
Zimbabwe mineral sales hit US$983.85M in Q1 2026, up 79% year-on-year, as the February export ban drives a surge in lithium and PGM beneficiation value.
At US$2.17 a Litre Zimbabwe Fuel Is Now the Most Expensive in Southern Africa
Zimbabweans pay US$2.17/litre for petrol, the highest in SADC. Taxes take a third. Neighbours cut levies. Zimbabwe did nothing.
Delta Corporation ZIMRA Tax Dispute Hits US$97 Million as Currency Conflict Deepens
Delta Corporation faces US$97 million in cumulative ZIMRA tax assessments, up from US$73 million. The dispute centres on retroactive currency revaluation of past liabilities.
Nurses Wages Crisis: Deputy Minister Says Only God Can Reward You as Healthcare Workers Demand US$600-800
Zimbabwe Deputy Health Minister Kwidini told nurses only God can reward them as healthcare workers demand US$600-800/month and the brain drain accelerates.
Zimbabwe Tightens Grip on Raw Mineral Exports, Reviews Lithium Quotas
Zimbabwe tightens grip on lithium exports, reviewing quotas for six producers as the government pushes miners to build processing plants by 2027.
Fidelity Steps Up Gold Mining Formalisation to Plug US$2bn Smuggling Losses
Zimbabwe loses US$2 billion a year to gold smuggling. Fidelity Gold Refinery wants to formalise small-scale miners to plug the leakage.
Mnangagwa Confirms 4.48 Tonnes of Gold Reserves in RBZ Vault Visit
President Mnangagwa confirmed Zimbabwe holds 4.48 tonnes of gold reserves backing the ZiG currency, up from 4.2t in February.
ZiG Stability Fuels 416% Surge in ZSE Trading Turnover for Q1 2026
Stable ZiG exchange rates and single-digit inflation drove a massive 416% surge in ZSE market turnover, pushing VFEX market cap to a record $4 billion.
ZiG is legal tender. So why can't you use it online?
ZiG is Zimbabwe's legal tender, but using it for online payments remains a huge challenge. We explore the payment gateway gaps holding back local e-commerce in 2026.
How Zimbabwe's US$328 Million EU Trade Surplus is Backing the ZiG
Most people assume forex is just draining out of Zimbabwe, but we actually hold a massive positive trade balance with the EU. This new grant boosts exports further, bringing in more USD, easing liquidity, and providing backing to stabilize the ZiG.
ZiG's Real Test: Why Purchasing Power Matters More Than New Banknotes
Economists warn that the success of the new ZiG currency will be judged by its purchasing power, not the physical quality of the banknotes. Here is why street value matters most.
The Minerals Mafia Report: US and China Clash Over Zimbabwe's Lithium Boom
A new US report accuses Chinese firms of smuggling Zimbabwe's lithium. State media is fighting back. We look at how this geopolitical clash impacts the local economy.
Zimbabwe Says It Created 464,000 Jobs in Two Years. The Fine Print Tells a Different Story.
NSSA says Zimbabwe created 464,000 jobs in 2024-2025. But official data shows 77% of the economy is informal and unemployment is still 20.7%.
RBZ has been borrowing millions from a loan shark and paying US$250,000 a week
A High Court ruling revealed the RBZ borrowed millions from a private lender and pays US$250,000 weekly. What it means for Zimbabwe's gold trade and the ZiG.
Zimbabwe Ships Africa's First Lithium Sulphate: What This Means for Jobs and the ZiG
Huayou Cobalt shipped Africa's first lithium sulphate from Zimbabwe. What local beneficiation means for jobs, exports, and the Zi.
RBZ Digital Forex Shift: Algorithm-Based Trading Platform to Transform Zimbabwe Currency Market
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is rolling out an algorithm-based electronic forex trading system aimed at automating price discovery and enhancing market transparency.
ZIMRA Is Coming For Your Side Hustle and Your Facebook Money Too
ZIMRA launched a voluntary disclosure programme targeting informal traders, content creators, and digital earners. Deadline: June 30, 2026.
Some Filling Stations Are Now Accepting ZiG for Fuel. Here's What That Actually Means.
Some filling stations in Zimbabwe have started accepting ZiG for fuel. It's a small step, but it matters. Here's why and what it means for the exchange rate.
Zimbabwe's US$1.2 Billion Forex Reserve Claim - Spin or Substance?
Mnangagwa says the economy is booming with US$1.2 billion in forex reserves. Analysts disagree. ZimRate breaks down the official spin versus what the markets actually think.
Why Zimbabwe's fuel prices are among the highest in Africa right now
Zimbabwe ranks second in Africa for fuel prices at $2.23/litre after the Iran war disrupted global oil supply. Here is what is driving costs up and what the government is doing about it.
Fuel prices dropped. Sort of.
ZERA cut fuel prices on April 17. Diesel down 2 cents, petrol down 15 cents. But the real story is the switch from E5 to E20 ethanol blending.
Zimbabwe's fuel prices are squeezing mines, commuters and the ZiG
Diesel hit US$2.11/litre, up 39% in two weeks. Mining firms are feeling the heat, and the ZiG still cannot buy fuel at the pump.
What is Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)? A Plain-English Guide
ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold) is Zimbabwe's official currency, backed by gold and foreign reserves. A plain-English guide covering ZiG vs ZWG, the BiG 5 banknotes, dual-currency reality, and the road to 2030.