Kwacha trades steady against major currencies as export inflows offer support

2 Views The Zambian Kwacha was trading relatively steady against key convertible currencies on Monday morning, with Zanaco quoting the US Dollar at K18.7274 buying and K19.1000 selling at 07:53 on 18th August, 2026. The British Pound was at K25.3550 buying and K25.8595 selling, while the Euro traded at K21.6732 buying and K21.1045 selling. The […]

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The Zambian Kwacha was trading relatively steady against key convertible currencies on Monday morning, with Zanaco quoting the US Dollar at K18.7274 buying and K19.1000 selling at 07:53 on 18th August, 2026.

The British Pound was at K25.3550 buying and K25.8595 selling, while the Euro traded at K21.6732 buying and K21.1045 selling. The South African Rand was at K1.1520 buying and K1.1749 selling, and the Chinese Yuan was at K2.7760 buying and K2.8312 selling.

The stability is being supported by a steady flow of foreign exchange into the market.

Copper exports remain the largest source of forex for Zambia and continued output from the mines, together with quarterly tax payments by mining companies, has kept dollar inflows consistent.

Agricultural marketing has also added to supply, with proceeds from maize, soya beans, wheat, sugar and horticultural products being converted to Kwacha.

Tourism has picked up in peak season, bringing in dollars, euros and pounds that are exchanged locally by hotels and lodges in Livingstone, Lower Zambezi and other destinations.

Diaspora remittances and inflows into government securities have provided additional support, while measures requiring exporters to repatriate and convert a portion of earnings and tighter control on government spending in foreign currency have helped ease pressure on the local unit.

Zambia’s economy continues to be driven by a mix of mining and non-mining sectors.

Mining, led by copper and supported by cobalt, gold and gemstones, remains the backbone of exports and government revenue.

Agriculture sustains rural incomes through maize, soya, wheat, cotton and livestock, with growth in milling, stock feed and edible oils expanding its contribution to exports.

Energy, mainly hydropower with growing investment in solar, underpins production for mines and manufacturers. Manufacturing and construction are supported by demand for food processing, cement, steel and housing, while services including financial services, retail, transport, ICT and tourism continue to add jobs and drive domestic consumption.

Zanaco said the rates are indicative and subject to change depending on market conditions.

The bank also noted that buying and selling of foreign currency over the counter is available at all branches and open to non-account holders.