Zimbabwe introduces Z$100bn note…move to Zimbabwe. BBC News reported Zimbabwe’s recent introduction of its Z$100bn bank note. Aside from becoming an instant billionaire (or even trillionaire), another advantage of living in Zimbabwe is the realization that even in the worst of economic times, everyone can still become billionaire. Annual inflation exceeds 2,200,000%!

But seriously, IMF in its latest World Economic Outlook Update, continues to project global growth to decelerate significantly in the second half of 2008, with only a gradual recovery in 2009. IMF is forecasting a moderate contraction in US economy during second half of 2008 and a slowdown in Euro area and Japan. China, while slowing, is expected to expand by 10% in 2008-09. Inflation is a core concern, driven by higher food and fuel prices in many countries.

I suppose, we should be thankful that our economic worries are much more manageable by comparison.

Here’s the full BBC News article on Zimbabwe:

Zimbabwe introduces Z$100bn note

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%.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.”

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.

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