1 Tambala magnetic

The KM#33a designation marks the magnetic copper-plated steel variant introduced as the original bronze composition became too costly relative to the coin's face value — a calculation that forced dozens of African central banks to rethink their lowest denominations in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Malawi's kwacha system had already survived multiple devaluations driven by IMF structural adjustment conditions, and by 2003 the tambala's purchasing power had eroded to the point where its production cost was the more pressing concern.