The Zambian government, through its central bank, the Bank of Zambia, has introduced a new family of banknotes dubbed the heritage series to replace the older ones.

The new notes come for the first time with an introduction of high-value notes that include 200 and 500 Zambian kwacha (ZK).

The new notes that were introduced in circulation yesterday will, however, run side by side with the older ones for a year. 

Zambia is a country where many citizens believe in dealing with cash transactions even for the purchase of a car or a house.

Therefore, hard cash plays a critical role in daily transactions of goods and services.

Worn-out money bills are a common sight, and their presence has prompted the government to introduce stronger banknotes alongside coins in circulation.

For the Bank of Zambia, these notes have come at the right time, as they also cater to the needs of the visually impaired.

Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane, alongside Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, officially unveiled the new currency into circulation.