By Ellen Hambuba
The Bank of Zambia –BOZ- has announced that all old banknotes will cease to be legal tender on April 1, 2026.
The Central Bank says the cash exchange period for old notes will officially end on March 31, 2026.
The Bank of Zambia explained that the one-year exchange window was provided for under the Bank of Zambia – Withdrawal and Exchange of Currency – Regulations, 2025, issued through Statutory Instrument Number 9 of 2025.
BOZ warns that after the deadline, old banknotes will no longer be accepted for transactions or exchanged for the new currency series.
The bank said Members of the public holding old notes are urged to exchange them before March 31, to avoid inconvenience.
Exchanges can be made at any commercial bank or NATSAVE branch nationwide, at the same value, the bank said.
The statement was issued by BOZ Assistant Director Communications, BESNAT MWANZA.
