The Zambian currency is known as the Zambian Kwacha and Ngwee. The Kwacha is the main unit of currency, while the Ngwee is the subunit, where 100 Ngwee is equal to 1 Kwacha.
Currently, there are six banknotes in circulation in Zambia. The highest denomination is the K100 banknote, followed by the K50, K20, K10, K5, and K2 banknotes. Each banknote features different designs and colors, making them easily distinguishable.
The K100 banknote is the largest denomination and is colored green. It features an image of the first President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, on the front, and a depiction of the Bank of Zambia building on the back. The K50 banknote is colored orange and showcases an image of the Victoria Falls on the front, and a portrait of Dr. David Livingstone on the back.
The K20 banknote is blue and displays an image of the Bank of Zambia headquarters on the front, while the back features a portrait of freedom fighter Queen Victoria Mwamba. The K10 banknote is purple and depicts an image of the Zambian Parliament building on the front, and a portrait of freedom fighter Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika on the back.
The K5 banknote is red and showcases an image of the Independence Stadium on the front, and a portrait of freedom fighter Esther Lungu on the back. Lastly, the K2 banknote is brown and features an image of the Mukuyu tree on the front, and a portrait of freedom fighter Julia Chikamoneka on the back.
In addition to banknotes, Zambia also has four coins in circulation. The highest denomination coin is the K1 coin, followed by the 50 Ngwee, 10 Ngwee, and 5 Ngwee coins. The K1 coin is made of nickel-plated steel and features the national coat of arms on the front, and an image of a fish eagle on the back.
The 50 Ngwee coin is made of copper-plated steel and showcases an image of a traditional Zambian drum on the front, and a depiction of the national bird, the African fish eagle, on the back. The 10 Ngwee coin is made of copper-plated steel and displays an image of a traditional wooden mask on the front, and a portrait of Kenneth Kaunda on the back.
Lastly, the 5 Ngwee coin is made of copper-plated steel and features an image of a traditional Zambian pot on the front, and the national coat of arms on the back.
Having visited Zambia myself, I can say that the currency is widely accepted and used in daily transactions. It is important to note that while larger establishments may accept credit cards, smaller businesses and markets often prefer cash transactions in Kwacha.
The Zambian currency consists of six banknotes and four coins, each with its own unique design and significance. The banknotes range in denomination from K2 to K100, while the coins range from 5 Ngwee to K1.