The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has maintained the 30 percent foreign currency surrender requirement for exporters while introducing new measures requiring small-scale gold miners to begin contributing to the system, as authorities move to strengthen foreign currency supply and close regulatory loopholes.
Presenting the 2026 Monetary Policy Statement, RBZ Governor Dr John Mushayavanhu said exporters will continue to surrender 30 percent of their foreign currency earnings, while retaining 70 percent, a framework the central bank says has helped stabilise the foreign exchange market.
However, small-scale gold miners — who were previously exempt from surrender requirements — will now be required to surrender 10 percent of their export proceeds while retaining 90 percent.
The Governor said the adjustment is aimed at ensuring fairness across the mining sector and preventing arbitrage, where some large-scale producers allegedly channelled gold through small-scale operators to avoid surrender obligations.
Authorities say the policy will be reviewed over time as the central bank works to deepen foreign currency liquidity while maintaining confidence among exporters. The RBZ maintains that sustained foreign currency inflows remain key to supporting exchange rate stability and ensuring the smooth functioning of the willing-buyer willing-seller foreign exchange system.
