kwacha

American  

[kwah-chuh] / ˈkwɑ tʃə /

noun

1. a cupronickel coin, paper money, and monetary unit of Malawi, equal to 100 tambala. K.

2. a cupronickel coin, paper money, and monetary unit of Zambia, equal to 100 ngwee. K.

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kwacha British  

/ ˈkwɑːtʃɑː /

noun

1. the standard monetary unit of Zambia, divided into 100 ngwee

2. the standard monetary unit of Malawi, divided into 100 tambala

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Etymology

Origin of kwacha

from a native word in Zambia

Example Sentences

Annual inflation has come down to just below 12%, and the currency, the kwacha, has recently strengthened following a precipitous decline in the early years of the Hichilema presidency.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

This forces some to look for US dollars on the black market, where the exchange rate is higher than the official rate of 1,750 kwacha for $1.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

Inflation in Zambia has since soared 50%, unemployment has hit a 17-year high and the nation’s currency, the kwacha, has lost 30% of its value in just seven months.

From Washington Times • May 18, 2023

While the recent gains for the kwacha may provide respite for some imported goods traders and their customers, the big currency swings are putting others out of business.

From Reuters • Apr. 18, 2023

For this reason, people often plaster their walls and bed mats with kwacha notes to protect themselves during the night.

From "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba