In a public notice issued on March 24, 2026, the Central Bank Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye said the move follows Presidential Order nº11/01 of February 27, 2026, which authorised the withdrawal of specific banknote series. The order was published in the Official Gazette on March 2, 2026, marking the start of the transition period.
The affected denominations include Rwf 500 notes issued on July 1, 2004 and January 1, 2013; Rwf 1,000 notes issued on July 1, 2004 and May 1, 2015; Rwf 2,000 notes issued on October 31, 2007; as well as Rwf 5,000 notes issued on April 1, 2004 and February 1, 2009.
According to the announcement, these banknotes will officially lose their legal tender status on March 2, 2027.
“After this period, these banknotes will no longer be accepted as a means of payment,” said the central bank boss.
Holders of the affected notes have been advised to exchange them within set timelines. From March 2, 2026, to November 1, 2026, the banknotes can be exchanged at commercial banks and Umwalimu SACCO branches across the country. After this period, they will only be exchangeable at the headquarters of the National Bank of Rwanda in Kiyovu, Kigali, and its branches until March 1, 2027.
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