Kwacha and Ngwee Directives



Bank of Zambia rules that all domestic transactions must be in local currency

By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24, December 26, 2025 — The Bank of Zambia has issued the Currency Directives, 2025, reinforcing the legal requirement that all domestic transactions be conducted in Zambian Kwacha and Ngwee.

Assistant Director – Communications Besnat Mwanza said the Directives, effective December 26, 2025, were issued under Sections 18 and 73 of the Bank of Zambia Act, 2022.

She explained that the move follows a February 2024 announcement that the Bank was considering measures to ensure the use of Kwacha and Ngwee in domestic transactions.

The Bank, working with the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) and other organisations, held consultative meetings with stakeholders from mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, financial services, and government.

“These consultations, conducted across the country, ensured stakeholders were informed and could contribute to shaping the final Directives,” Ms. Mwanza said.

Under the Directives, domestic transactions are payments made to a person resident in Zambia for transactions occurring within the country.

The measures reinforce the legal requirement under Section 18 and are designed to make compliance easier for corporates, businesses, and individuals.

Ms. Mwanza noted that the Directives include specific exemptions and do not apply to international transactions.

The Directives and explanatory notes are available on the Bank’s website and official social media, and queries can be submitted to the Bank’s communications office.

© 2025 Zambia24. All rights reserved.

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