The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has issued an SMS reminder to citizens across the country, urging them to exchange old banknotes before the deadline as they cease to be legal tender today.
In the message seen by ZED GOSSIP, the central bank reminded the public that the deadline for exchanging old notes is 31st March 2026, warning that the banknotes will no longer be accepted as legal tender after 1st April 2026.
“Exchange old banknotes by 31 March 2026. They won’t be legal tender after 1 April. Exchange is free at all commercial banks or NATSAVE. All coins remain valid,” reads the BoZ message.
The Bank of Zambia has further clarified that exchanging the old banknotes is free of charge and can be done at all commercial banks or through NATSAVE.
BoZ also noted that while the old notes are being phased out, all coins will remain valid and will continue to be used as legal tender.
The reminder comes as part of the central bank’s ongoing efforts to ensure that citizens, especially those in rural and high-density areas, are not left with banknotes that will no longer be accepted in shops, markets, transport services, or other transactions.
Members of the public are therefore advised to deposit or exchange any remaining old notes immediately to avoid inconveniences.