THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has ordered that all local payments in Zambia must now be made in Kwacha and Ngwee.
According to BoZ assistant director communications Besnat Mwanza, the central bank’s new currency directives came into effect yesterday, to make sure the country’s money is used properly and to prevent the use of foreign currency for everyday transactions.
Foreign currencies like the US Dollar or South African Rand cannot be used if you are buying or selling goods or services within Zambia, unless specifically exempted by the Bank.
“The Bank of Zambia has issued the Currency Directives, 2025 that take effect on December 26, 2025. This has been done in exercise of the powers contained in Sections 18 and 73 of the Bank of Zambia Act, 2022,” Mwanza stated.
Under the new rules, any domestic transaction, whether private or public, must be settled in Kwacha.
This means if you are buying something from a local shop, paying for services or conducting business inside Zambia, you must use the local currency.
The rules do not apply to international transactions, so payments for imports or exports are unaffected.
BoZ said the move is intended to stabilise the Kwacha, promote its use in everyday transactions, and ensure that Zambia’s economy remains on a strong footing.
By George Musonda
Kalemba December 27, 2025
