The Bank of Zambia has advised members of the public and businesses not to be rejecting small coins as they still remain a legal tender.

Bank of Zambia Assistant Director for Currency Management, Raphael Phiri, says the Central Bank has kept the coins for easy trading, change and to accommodate people of different economic status in the country.

“From the K100 right up to the Five Ngwee, they are all legal tender. There is no reason to refuse because you are being given value which is legally accepted,” he said.

Speaking when he appeared on ZANIS Zambia Today Programme, Mr Phiri reiterated that the introduction of the new currency family by the Central Bank is partly to enhance security of the currency especially that the current notes have been in circulation for a long time and are susceptible to counterfeiting.

He explained that enhanced features have been introduced to inhibit counterfeiters and also make it easy for citizens to differentiate between the original and counterfeit, including the visually impaired.

Mr Phiri added that the Bank of Zambia is actively engaged in sensitisation campaigns in the communities across the country and through the media to ensure that all citizens are aware of the change and know what to expect during the transition period and beyond. 

He emphasised that the citizens will be given sufficient time to transition into the new currency family while still using the old currency interchangeably.

The Bank of Zambia announced the introduction of a new currency family last month, which will be launched on the 31st of March, 2025.