Bank of Zambia explains delay in production of K50, K100 notes, says September is delivery date

The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has clarified that the new K100 and K50 banknotes—part of the newly introduced currency family—will only be rolled out in September 2025, dismissing concerns over their current absence as misplaced.

BoZ Governor, Dr. Denny Kalyalya, explained that the delayed release is due to technical production issues, not oversight or error.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Friday, Kalyalya assured the public that there was no anomaly in the temporary unavailability of the two highest denominations under the revised currency system.

“We have heard the statements and concerns regarding the K50 and K100 notes. We were very clear from the beginning that these denominations were not available at the time of the launch and will only be introduced in September due to technicalities in their production,” he said.

The central bank officially launched the new family of banknotes in March 2025 and has since been withdrawing the old currency from circulation.

However, Kalyalya said the BoZ was still reissuing usable K50 and K100 notes from the previous series to meet current demand until the new versions are ready.

“If you’re holding a K50 or K100 note that is in good condition, we are still reissuing those. The full withdrawal and replacement of these denominations will begin in September,” Kalyalya explained.

He emphasized that the BoZ had not received any significant reports of shortages in the circulation of these notes.

“It is not an anomaly. It’s not an oversight. We have been very clear and transparent about this timeline from the outset,” he added.

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