By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Zimbabweans are expressing concern and debating the potential impact of a move to ban the use of the US dollar for local transactions, following a cryptic message that seem to suggest so by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba.
The discussion arose after Tanzania officially outlawed the use of foreign currencies such as the US dollar and euro for buying goods and services within its borders on May 2. A regulation, effective since March 28, mandates that all local transactions in Tanzania must now be conducted in Tanzanian shillings. The regulation also prohibits businesses from quoting or advertising prices in foreign currency or refusing to accept the local currency.
Reacting to the news from Tanzania, George Charamba, President Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, posted on his X account (@Jamwanda2) on May 6, sharing the Bank of Tanzania’s statement. He wrote:
“IF TANZANIA DID IT, WE CAN DID IT TOO”
Charamba’s post ignited a flurry of reactions among Zimbabweans, with opinions divided on the feasibility and potential consequences of such a policy in their country. Many expressed outrage and skepticism about the effectiveness of banning the US dollar in Zimbabwe’s current economic climate.
Among the reactions, one user stated, “You obviously don’t understand what gives money value. You can never rig a currency.”
Another commenter expressed doubt about the likelihood of such a ban.
“It won’t happen akoma because there’re powerful politicians and their business accomplices benefiting from the suffering the USD is causing in society. We have been advocating for the removal of USD from domestic transactions but they won’t listen. It will not happen.”
The potential move has fueled concerns about its impact on the economy and the daily lives of citizens, who have increasingly relied on the US dollar amid currency volatility.