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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe introduces Z$100bn note | Zimbabwe introduces Z$100bn note |
| (4 days later) | |
| Zimbabwe is to introduce a bank-note worth Z$100bn in response to rampant inflation - but the note will barely cover the cost of a loaf of bread. | Zimbabwe is to introduce a bank-note worth Z$100bn in response to rampant inflation - but the note will barely cover the cost of a loaf of bread. |
| Some Zimbabweans are already calling for higher denominations in a country where the official annual inflation rate has exceeded 2,200,000%. | Some Zimbabweans are already calling for higher denominations in a country where the official annual inflation rate has exceeded 2,200,000%. |
| Independent economists believe the real rate is many times higher. | Independent economists believe the real rate is many times higher. |
| Zimbabwe's meltdown has left at least 80% of the population in poverty, facing mass shortages of basic goods. | Zimbabwe's meltdown has left at least 80% of the population in poverty, facing mass shortages of basic goods. |
| The country's central bank has introduced several new notes already this year in response to the hyperinflation. | The country's central bank has introduced several new notes already this year in response to the hyperinflation. |
| In January, a Z$10 million note was issued, followed by a Z$50 million. By June the denominations had reached tens of billions. | In January, a Z$10 million note was issued, followed by a Z$50 million. By June the denominations had reached tens of billions. |
| Daily bread | Daily bread |
| In a notice in the state-controlled Herald newspaper, central bank governor Gideon Gono said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe would introduce the new notes - known as special agro-cheques - to help consumers. | In a notice in the state-controlled Herald newspaper, central bank governor Gideon Gono said the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe would introduce the new notes - known as special agro-cheques - to help consumers. |
| "This new $100 billion special agro-cheque will go into circulation on Monday," the notice said. | "This new $100 billion special agro-cheque will go into circulation on Monday," the notice said. |
| But Zimbabwe residents say the latest note is already worthless, and does not even cover their daily lunch. | But Zimbabwe residents say the latest note is already worthless, and does not even cover their daily lunch. |
| "Nowadays, for my expenses a day, I need about Z$500 billion," one resident said. | "Nowadays, for my expenses a day, I need about Z$500 billion," one resident said. |
| "So Z$100 billion can't do anything because for me to go home I need Z$250 billion, so this [note] is worthless." | "So Z$100 billion can't do anything because for me to go home I need Z$250 billion, so this [note] is worthless." |
| Zimbabwe was once one of the richest countries in Africa. | Zimbabwe was once one of the richest countries in Africa. |
| But it has descended into economic chaos in recent years, with many international observers blaming the policies of President Robert Mugabe. | But it has descended into economic chaos in recent years, with many international observers blaming the policies of President Robert Mugabe. |