Staff Writer
The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has officially introduced the upgraded Namibian dollar banknotes and the new coinage series into circulation at a ceremony in Mariental, Hardap Region.
The event followed the launch of the series by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 23 July, during the bank’s 35th anniversary celebrations under the theme ‘Our Currency, Our Heritage, Our Pride – Meet the Next Generation of the Namibia Dollar.’
BoN said the choice of Mariental was deliberate, showing its commitment to inclusivity and to celebrating national milestones beyond the capital.
It said the Namibian dollar is more than a medium of exchange, describing it as a unifying national symbol for all Namibians.
BoN governor Johannes !Gawaxab called the issuance both a moment of renewal and continuity in the country’s monetary journey.
“Today marks a historic moment as we usher into circulation the upgraded banknotes and an entirely reimagined coinage series. The Namibian dollar has always stood as a declaration of confidence in ourselves, our economy, and our future. This upgraded series enhances the durability, inclusivity, and security of our currency.”
The coins have been redesigned for the first time in more than 30 years. They are smaller, lighter, and more durable, with new imagery representing agriculture, energy, tourism, retail and mining.
The upgraded banknotes retain the portraits of founding president Sam Nujoma and Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi, while the reverse continues to feature Namibia’s wildlife.
New security elements include colour-shifting inks, transparent and embossed windows, tactile marks for the visually impaired, and composite substrates on the N$10 and N$20 notes to combine polymer strength with paper feel.
Enhancements include a composite substrate on the ten- and twenty-dollar notes that combines the durability of polymer with the feel of paper.
Modern security features include colour-shifting inks, transparent and embossed windows, and tactile marks for the visually impaired.
“The designs have been refined with cleaner lines and richer colours, offering both a fresh look and greater protection against counterfeiting,” BoN said.
Caption
The Bank of Namibia has stated that the issuance of new banknotes and coins is both a moment of renewal and continuity in Namibia’s monetary journey.
- Photo: Bank of Namibia
