OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ

Best African Circulating Banknote 2026

The IBNS Mosaic Chapter is pleased to announce the results of the inaugural Best African Circulating Banknote 2026 competition.

The competition was established to recognise an outstanding African banknote currently in circulation and to draw attention to the quality of contemporary banknote design and production across the continent.

Following the completion of the final round, the 2000 Escudos of Cabo Verde has been awarded the title:

🏆 Best African Circulating Banknote 2026

The 20,000 Francs of Congo, which achieved the second-highest overall score, has received the special recognition:

⭐ Distinguished African Circulating Banknote 2026

Evaluation Procedure

The final result for each banknote was determined by combining the scores awarded by the Expert Panel with the points received in the public vote.

Sixteen banknotes representing sixteen African countries qualified for the final round. Each finalist was evaluated using the established competition scoring system, with the combined result determining the final ranking.

Final Ranking

Rank	Country	Denomination	Final Score
1	Cabo Verde	2000 Escudos	80.85
2	Congo	20000 Francs	77.61
3	São Tomé & Príncipe	200 Dobras	63.02
4	Botswana	200 Pula	62.76
5	South Africa	20 Rand	61.10
6	Seychelles	50 Rupees	58.63
7	Zambia	500 Kwacha	57.24
8	Uganda	20000 Shillings	54.70
9	Ghana	100 Cedis	54.44
10	Angola	200 Kwanzas	54.09
11	Rwanda	2000 Francs	53.96
12	Tanzania	5000 Shillings	52.49
13	Gambia	200 Dalasis	52.27
14	Guinea	20000 Francs	52.16
15	Ethiopia	200 Birr	50.46
16	Sierra Leone	10 Leones	46.53

The IBNS Mosaic Chapter congratulates the issuing authorities, designers, and all contributors involved in the production of the winning banknote.

The Chapter also thanks the members of the Expert Panel and everyone who participated in the public vote for their contribution to the inaugural competition.

The Best Circulating Banknote competition will continue as an annual initiative of IBNS Region #5, encompassing Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe, providing an opportunity to recognise and document outstanding examples of contemporary circulating banknotes from across the region.

IBNS Mosaic Chapter
31 August 2026