The Bank of Zambia has launched a public campaign urging citizens to exchange old and worn currency notes ahead of a firm deadline of April 1, 2026, after which the notes will cease to be legal tender, authorities said Thursday.
The central bank said the move is part of ongoing efforts to modernise Zambia’s currency, improve the quality of cash in circulation, reduce the prevalence of damaged notes and support the integrity of the national monetary system.
“All holders of old and mutilated notes are advised to exchange these at commercial banks and designated exchange centres before April 1, 2026,” the bank said in a statement. “After this date, old notes will no longer be accepted as valid currency for transactions.”
The announcement comes as Zambians prepare for the phased withdrawal of outdated banknotes and coins in favour of newer issues, which banking authorities say are more durable and secure, incorporating improved anti-counterfeiting features.
The Bank of Zambia said exchanges can be made free of charge at all branches of commercial banks, post offices and selected financial service outlets across the country. Citizens have been encouraged to visit their nearest bank with valid identification to surrender old notes and receive new currency in return.
Central bank officials said the deadline would be strictly enforced and urged the public to act promptly to avoid disruption as the deadline approaches.
“This exercise is intended to strengthen confidence in the currency, enhance cash handling efficiency, and ensure that the currency in circulation is fit for purpose,” a central bank spokesperson told AFP.
Authorities have launched a nationwide awareness campaign, using radio, television, print media and social platforms to inform the public of the deadline and the procedures for exchanging old notes.
The campaign also seeks to educate citizens on how to distinguish between old and new currency series, identify genuine banknotes, and understand where exchanges can be carried out safely.
The move mirrors similar modernisation efforts across several African countries, where central banks periodically withdraw outdated notes to improve monetary operations and mitigate counterfeiting risks.
In Zambia, the withdrawal affects a range of denominations of the kwacha the country’s official currency including notes that were first introduced years ago and have become worn through extended use.
Bank customers told AFP they welcomed the clear deadline but said that public education and access to exchange points would be key to ensuring a smooth transition.
“I would rather exchange the notes now than wait until the last minute,” said Joseph Phiri, a shopkeeper in Lusaka. “But some of my neighbours still do not know the deadline, so more information should reach rural areas too.”
Economists said the exercise could support broader monetary policy objectives by helping the central bank monitor cash in circulation more effectively and tighten control over the money supply.
“Removing old and degraded notes from circulation helps improve overall currency quality and can support anti-counterfeiting measures,” said a Lusaka-based economist, who asked not to be named. “But the success of such an exercise depends on public awareness and accessibility of exchange facilities.”
The Bank of Zambia said it has increased the number of authorised exchange locations to ensure coverage across urban and rural districts. It also reassured the public that adequate stocks of new currency are available to meet demand during the transition period.
Old and damaged notes are typically those soiled, torn, defaced or weakened by prolonged use. These can hinder everyday transactions, complicate cash-handling processes for businesses and financial institutions, and increase operational costs.
The bank said that security features in the new series of notes, including updated watermarks, security threads and tactile elements for the visually impaired, have been strengthened compared with older issues.
Zambia’s central bank has set April 1, 2026 as the final day for acceptance of the old notes in commercial banking channels. After that date, only the new series of banknotes and coins will be recognised as legal tender for payments and settlements.
Authorities said they will review the exercise’s implementation and continue to support financial institutions and the public through the transition period, ensuring the process is orderly and minimally disruptive to daily commerce.
