# Zambian Kwacha

> official currency of Zambia

**Wikidata**: [Q73408](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q73408)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zambian_kwacha)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zambian-kwacha

## Summary
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency of Zambia, introduced on January 1, 2013, to replace the Zambian pound and Old Zambia kwacha. It is issued by the Bank of Zambia and serves as the primary medium of exchange for goods and services in the country, alongside the United States dollar in some transactions.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Zambian Kwacha (ZMW).
- **ISO Code**: ZMW (Alpha-3: ZMW; Numeric: 967).
- **Issuing Authority**: Bank of Zambia.
- **Introduction Date**: January 1, 2013.
- **Replaced Currencies**: Zambian pound (1964–1968) and Old Zambia kwacha (1968–2013).
- **Subunit**: Ngwee (100 ngwee = 1 kwacha).
- **Banknotes**: Denominations include 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 kwacha.
- **Coins**: Denominations include 50 ngwee, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 kwacha.
- **Country**: Zambia (ISO 3166: ZM).
- **Central Bank**: Bank of Zambia (inception: January 1, 1964).
- **Manufacturer**: Giesecke+Devrient (supplier of banknotes and security solutions).
- **Sitelink Count**: 51 (Wikipedia language editions).
- **Wikidata Description**: Official currency of Zambia.

## FAQs
**What is the Zambian Kwacha, and when was it introduced?**
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency of Zambia, introduced on January 1, 2013, to replace the Zambian pound and Old Zambia kwacha. It is issued by the Bank of Zambia and serves as the primary medium of exchange for goods and services in the country.

**What are the denominations of Zambian Kwacha banknotes and coins?**
Zambian Kwacha banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 kwacha. Coins include 50 ngwee, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 kwacha.

**Which organization issues the Zambian Kwacha?**
The Zambian Kwacha is issued by the Bank of Zambia, which was established on January 1, 1964. The Bank of Zambia serves as the central bank of Zambia and is responsible for the issuance and regulation of the Zambian Kwacha.

**What is the relationship between the Zambian Kwacha and other Zambian currencies?**
The Zambian Kwacha replaced the Zambian pound (1964–1968) and the Old Zambia kwacha (1968–2013). The Zambian pound was introduced upon Zambia's independence from the United Kingdom, while the Old Zambia kwacha was used until its replacement by the Zambian Kwacha in 2013.

**How is the Zambian Kwacha used in international transactions?**
While the Zambian Kwacha is the official currency of Zambia, the United States dollar is also widely accepted in some transactions, particularly in urban areas and for international trade. This dual-use reflects the country's economic integration with global markets.

## Why It Matters
The Zambian Kwacha plays a crucial role in Zambia's economy by facilitating trade, investment, and financial transactions. Its introduction in 2013 aimed to stabilize the economy and modernize the currency system, replacing outdated denominations and improving security features. As the primary medium of exchange, the Zambian Kwacha supports economic growth, regional trade, and national development initiatives. Its issuance by the Bank of Zambia ensures monetary stability and aligns with Zambia's membership in international financial organizations such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community. The currency's use alongside the United States dollar reflects Zambia's economic openness and its role as a key player in the Southern African region.

## Notable For
- **Currency Replacement**: The Zambian Kwacha replaced two previous Zambian currencies, the Zambian pound and the Old Zambia kwacha, marking a significant monetary reform.
- **Banknote Security**: Designed by Giesecke+Devrient, the Zambian Kwacha banknotes feature advanced security measures to prevent counterfeiting.
- **Economic Stability**: The introduction of the Zambian Kwacha aimed to stabilize Zambia's economy and modernize its financial infrastructure.
- **Dual Currency Use**: The Zambian Kwacha is used alongside the United States dollar in some transactions, reflecting Zambia's economic integration with global markets.
- **Central Bank Leadership**: The Bank of Zambia, established in 1964, has played a pivotal role in issuing and regulating the Zambian Kwacha.

## Body

### Currency Overview
The Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency of Zambia, introduced on January 1, 2013, to replace the Zambian pound and the Old Zambia kwacha. It is issued by the Bank of Zambia, which serves as the central bank of the country. The Zambian Kwacha is divided into 100 ngwee, with banknotes and coins available in various denominations.

### Historical Context
The Zambian Kwacha replaced the Zambian pound, which was introduced upon Zambia's independence from the United Kingdom in 1964. The Zambian pound was later replaced by the Old Zambia kwacha in 1968. The introduction of the Zambian Kwacha in 2013 aimed to modernize the currency system, improve security features, and stabilize the economy.

### Denominations and Security
Zambian Kwacha banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 kwacha. Coins include 50 ngwee, 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 kwacha. The banknotes and coins are designed with advanced security features to prevent counterfeiting, ensuring the integrity of the currency.

### Economic Role
The Zambian Kwacha serves as the primary medium of exchange for goods and services in Zambia. It is also widely accepted alongside the United States dollar in some transactions, particularly in urban areas and for international trade. This dual-use reflects Zambia's economic integration with global markets and its role as a key player in the Southern African region.

### Issuing Authority
The Bank of Zambia, established on January 1, 1964, is responsible for the issuance and regulation of the Zambian Kwacha. The Bank of Zambia plays a crucial role in maintaining monetary stability and supporting economic growth in Zambia.

### International Relations
Zambia is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Southern African Development Community. These memberships enhance Zambia's economic and diplomatic influence on the global stage.

### Manufacturing and Security
Giesecke+Devrient, a German company, is the manufacturer of the Zambian Kwacha banknotes. The company is known for its expertise in producing secure banknotes and other identification and data protection solutions. The advanced security features of the Zambian Kwacha banknotes reflect the company's commitment to quality and innovation.

### Wikipedia and Digital Presence
The Zambian Kwacha has a significant digital presence, with articles available in multiple languages on Wikipedia. The sitelink count of 51 indicates the currency's widespread recognition and documentation across various language editions.

### Related Currencies
The Zambian Kwacha is part of a broader category of currencies used in Africa and globally. It is distinct from other Zambian currencies, such as the Zambian pound and the Old Zambia kwacha, which it replaced. The Zambian Kwacha's introduction marked a significant step in Zambia's monetary history.

### Economic Impact
The Zambian Kwacha's role in Zambia's economy is multifaceted. It facilitates trade, investment, and financial transactions, supporting economic growth and development. The currency's use alongside the United States dollar reflects Zambia's economic openness and its integration with global markets.

### Cultural and Symbolic Significance
The Zambian Kwacha holds cultural and symbolic significance in Zambia, representing the country's economic identity and financial stability. Its design and features reflect Zambia's rich cultural heritage and modern economic aspirations.

### Future Developments
The Zambian Kwacha is expected to continue playing a key role in Zambia's economy, supporting economic growth and development. Future developments may include further modernization of the currency system and enhanced security features to ensure its integrity and stability.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. GF WordNet