“We Can Did It Too” – Charamba’s Comment Ignites Debate on US Dollar Ban
Zimbabweans are divided over whether the country should follow Tanzania’s example and eliminate the use of the US dollar in local transactions, a move hinted at by Presidential Spokesperson George Charamba.
Tanzania recently outlawed the use of foreign currencies, including the US dollar and euro, requiring all purchases to be made in Tanzanian shillings.
The policy, which became effective on 28 March, also prohibits businesses from quoting prices in foreign currency, aiming to strengthen the local economy and reduce reliance on external currencies.
Following the announcement, Charamba reacted to Tanzania’s decision, posting:
“IF TANZANIA DID IT, WE CAN DID IT TOO!!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣”
His comment quickly sparked debate online, with Zimbabweans questioning the feasibility of adopting a similar approach.
Some argued it would contradict current economic policies, while others supported the idea, emphasizing the need for a stronger local currency.
Economic analysts warn that banning the US dollar in Zimbabwe could have serious consequences, given that over 80% of transactions in the country are currently conducted in foreign currency.
The Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, previously stated that Zimbabwe aims to phase out the US dollar by 2030, but no official policy has been implemented yet.
According to iHarare, citizens expressed mixed views on social media, with some stating that banning foreign currency would hurt businesses, while others believed it would strengthen the Zimbabwean dollar.
@njabulochitsiko: “That would contradict assurances by GoZ that forex will remain legal tender until at least 2030. It also goes against RBZ’s plans to strengthen the ZWG.”
@Washing96808543: “This will be a good start! We need our own currency.”
@BobbyDNdhlovu: “You can’t rig a currency—money holds value because people trust it.”
@TendayiManyange: “It won’t happen. Politicians benefit from USD dominance. People have advocated for its removal, but they won’t listen.”
@SiqokoqelaMpho2: “Zimbabwe has the systems in place. All that’s needed is implementation.
Despite speculation, Zimbabwe’s monetary policies still allow dual currency transactions, with the US dollar widely used in daily business activities.
Economic experts argue that the government would need to take careful steps to strengthen the local currency before removing foreign currency options, ensuring businesses and citizens are not negatively affected.
