Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the situation in the country where others earning US dollars were enjoying stability while those who earn local currency had become "unfair and unsustainable.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said it had always been clear that for the country's economy to take off, "we need our own currency".
Two-tier economy
He said while the majority earn in the local currency, goods are priced in US
dollars, resulting in a two-tier economy.
"Stable and affordable prices for those with access to dollars, while the majority face an unrealistically high cost of living. This is unfair and unsustainable," he said.
He said the introduction of the local dollar was made possible after his government regained "control of our budget, through decreased spending, increased revenues and, for the first time in recent memory, budget surpluses."
'Restoring normalcy'
He said the move to abolish use of foreign currency in local transactions was an "important step in restoring normalcy to our economy".
He said apart from outlawing use of foreign currency, the move would "change very little."
"People will still be paid in RTGS dollar and bond notes, and goods and services will be priced in the same (local) currency," he said.
"Those holding Nostro (forex) accounts will still have access to those accounts in the currency they held."
Mnangagwa added: "We cannot be fearful of change, but must boldly embrace it as we move forward.
"The conditions are in place for Zimbabwe to have its own currency."
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