Rwanda: National bank issues two new denominations as part of new series of banknotes

The National Bank of Rwanda has released (11th February) two new banknote denominations of 1,000 (U.S. $1.13) and 500 francs (U.S. $0.565), which introduce a new series of banknotes and integrate new designs and security features. The designs of both notes in the new series incorporate elements that highlight the beauty of Rwandan culture and the country’s tourism, and it is hoped that the designs of the banknotes will be seen as part of the promotion of the economic contribution of the activity.

1,000 francs: The note retains the same blue colour scheme and dimensions as the previous issue, along with the same design and features. The face includes a depiction of the Ethnographic Museum, formerly the National Museum of Rwanda, which is located in Butare, a city in the southern province and is the former colonial capital of Rwanda. The back of the notes includes the image of a golden monkey, a species prevalent in Central Sub-Saharan Africa, and resides in the Volcanoes National Park. Dimensions of the note are 140 by 72 millimetres, with the date shown on the front as 01.02.2019.

500 francs: The new note in this series was changed in its colour scheme from the previous green to a dominant brown with corresponding shades. The face includes a depiction of the Nyungwe Canopy, a walkway which is in the Nyungwe National Park, an untouched natural rainforest that is filled with exciting biodiversity located in the southwest corner of Rwanda. Shown on the back of the new notes are three young students with laptops, reflecting Rwanda’s efforts to promote and strengthen quality education using information technology. Dimensions for this denomination are 135 by 72 millimetres, with the date shown on the front as 01.02.2019.

The National Bank has announced that the old series notes will continue to be used alongside the newly issued series in cash transactions for the next three years until they are officially removed from use. 

It is noteworthy to mention that a proposal exists to introduce a common currency, a new East African shilling, for the six member states of the East African community which includes the countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. While originally scheduled to occur by the end of 2012, as of June 2016, the proposed common currency has not been introduced. For additional information about these banknotes and others issued by the National Bank of Rwanda, please visit their website.

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