Central Banks

Zimbabwe Central Banker’s Mission Impossible to Save Economy Clocks 100 Days

  • IMF gives strong support to latest monetary policy changes
  • Businesses and investors remain skeptical about reforms

John Mushayavanhu

Photographer: Cynthia R Matonhodze/Bloomberg

Zimbabwe’s new central bank Governor John Mushayavanhu has done the seemingly impossible in his first 100 days - created a stable currency and tamed price pressures in a nation that’s been a poster-child for hyperinflation and crashing currencies.

His efforts have both enthused and drawn skepticism. A team from the International Monetary Fund, who visited the country last month, hailed the governor’s introduction of the ZiG, short for Zimbabwe Gold, for ending a bout of currency instability.