Zambia leads Africa, takes mining taxes in Chinese yuan

At a Glance

• Zambia first African nation to accept Chinese yuan for mining taxes, boosting trade ties.
• Yuan payments cut debt costs, support reserve diversification, and align with copper export flows.
• Move highlights China’s expanding currency influence across Africa’s mining and financial sectors.

Zambia has become the first African nation to formally accept China’s yuan for mining taxes and royalties, underscoring Beijing’s growing influence in the continent’s key resource sectors. 

The Bank of Zambia confirmed that payments in renminbi began in October, marking a shift in how the world’s second-largest copper producer handles its mining revenues. Chinese mine operators are now settling part of their tax obligations in yuan, reflecting China’s role as Zambia’s largest copper buyer and a major creditor.

Reserve strategy and cost savings 

The central bank said the move aligns with its strategy for reserve management and international trade realities. 

“A large portion of copper exports go to China, and Chinese mining firms already receive payments for their exports in renminbi,” the Bank of Zambia said. “Accepting yuan helps diversify our reserves and makes servicing Chinese debt more cost-effective.” 

Holding yuan reduces the cost of repaying Chinese loans, the bank added, providing a financial incentive alongside trade considerations.

China expands currency influence in Africa 

Zambia’s decision comes as Africa becomes a testing ground for China’s efforts to internationalize its currency. Last year, Kenya converted part of its Chinese debt into yuan, expecting to save roughly $250 million annually on a $5 billion railway loan.

Ethiopia has also entered discussions to do the same, while Zambia has indicated it may explore similar arrangements for other debts. 

To support the change, the Bank of Zambia began publishing an official renminbi-kwacha exchange rate, giving mining companies the choice to pay taxes in either dollars or yuan. 

A broader shift in Zambia’s mining sector 

The yuan system builds on rules introduced in 2018 and expanded in 2020, which required miners to sell foreign currency to the central bank to bolster reserves during the country’s debt crisis.

Analysts say the move signals that China’s influence in Africa’s mining industry is now matched by its growing presence in the region’s financial system. 

Zambia’s step highlights the practical considerations behind global trade and debt management, showing how countries increasingly balance relationships with China while managing domestic fiscal needs.