Bank of Zambia Announces End of Old Currency Exchange Period

The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has reminded the public that the cash exchange period for old banknotes will officially end on March 31, 2026.

‎According to a public notice issued on January 14, 2026, the central bank stated that old Zambian banknotes will cease to be legal tender effective April 1, 2026 and will no longer be valid for transactions or exchange.

‎The notice explains that on March 31, 2025, the Bank of Zambia introduced a new currency family consisting of six banknotes and six coins, which has since been circulating alongside the old currency. At the time of launch, the public was given a one-year window to exchange old notes for the new series.

‎This process is guided by the Bank of Zambia (Withdrawal and Exchange of Currency) Regulations, 2025, under Statutory Instrument No. 9 of 2025, issued by the Minister of Finance and National Planning.

‎The Bank has advised members of the public to exchange old banknotes at designated cash exchange points by March 31, 2026. Exchanges can be done at any commercial bank or NATSAVE branch nationwide, and will be conducted at the same value.

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