The Bank of Zambia has announced that all old banknotes will cease to be legal tender on April 1 2026. The central bank confirmed that the cash exchange period for the old currency will officially end on March 31 2026.
In a statement issued to ZNBC News, the Bank of Zambia said the decision follows the introduction of a new currency family that entered circulation on March 3 2025. The new series consists of six banknotes and six coins, which have been circulating alongside the old currency for the past year.
The Bank of Zambia explained that the one year exchange period was provided for under the Bank of Zambia Withdrawal and Exchange of Currency Regulations 2025. These regulations were enacted through Statutory Instrument Number 9 of 2025 to allow the public sufficient time to replace old notes with the new currency.
The central bank has warned that after March 31 2026, old banknotes will no longer be accepted for transactions. They will also not be eligible for exchange into the new currency series after this deadline. This means any old notes held beyond the cut off date will lose their monetary value.
Members of the public who still have old banknotes are strongly encouraged to exchange them before the deadline to avoid inconvenience. The Bank of Zambia stated that exchanges can be made at any commercial bank or NATSAVE branch across the country. All exchanges will be conducted at the same face value, with no loss to the holder.
The announcement was issued by Bank of Zambia Assistant Director Communications, Besnat Mwanza. The central bank has urged the public to act early and ensure all old currency is exchanged well before March 31 2026 to support a smooth transition to the new currency family.