The 20 kwacha of the 1980–1988 series is devoted to rural work: the back shows a woman carrying a basket on her head against the background of a field. This image on the back complements the head of state's portrait on the front: the series portrayed the country through its people.

On the right of the front is Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's first president, who led the country from 1964 to 1991; to the left is the African fish eagle. Kaunda is repeated in the watermark. The notes were printed by Thomas De La Rue in London.

The type was issued in five varieties, P27a to P27e. After the 2013 redenomination, which removed three zeros, notes of the series were demonetised on 1 July 2013.

The 20-kwacha piece of the Kaunda portrait series and an expressive subject for a thematic collection on women and rural work in banknotes. UNC condition means the note has never circulated: no folds, no wear, no soiling, even corners — just as it left the press.

Other banknotes of this country and issues on related themes can be found in the VPcoins catalogue.