Zimbabwe's foreign exchange reserves rose to nearly **2 billion dollars** in September 2026, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), up from **1.4 billion dollars** in June 2026. This increase is due to higher inflows of foreign currency, which totaled approximately **15.9 billion dollars** during the first nine months of 2026, compared to **11.9 billion dollars** during the same period in 2025. This represents a **33.7 percent** increase in foreign currency inflows. The RBZ noted that the strong inflows of foreign currency have exceeded the country's foreign currency payment needs, resulting in a cumulative surplus of **4.3 billion dollars**. Export revenues have been the main source of foreign currency for Zimbabwe, making up an average of **69 percent** of total inflows during the period. Diaspora fund transfers, which are money sent home by Zimbabweans living abroad, account for **15 percent** of the inflows, while resources from loans contribute about **9 percent**. The increase in foreign currency inflows has improved the RBZ’s ability to continue building up its foreign exchange reserves. Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus in the third quarter of 2026, which increased from **320 million dollars** in July to **526.5 million dollars** in August. The stability of the ZiG, the national currency introduced in April 2024 and backed by gold, is supported by the relatively stable exchange rate. In the third quarter of 2026, the exchange rate of the ZiG against the US dollar remained generally stable, averaging **26.70 ZiG per dollar** during the period, and ending the quarter at **26.80 ZiG per dollar**. The accumulation of foreign exchange reserves is taking place in a context of relative stability in the foreign exchange market. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe believes that continuing to build up reserves will be crucial for maintaining the stability of the ZiG and strengthening the country’s ability to handle potential external shocks, such as changes in global economic conditions or fluctuations in commodity prices.