Central Bank of Rwanda

History of the Rwandan franc

The franc became the currency of Rwanda in 1916, when Belgium occupied the previously German colony and the Belgian Congo franc replaced the German East African rupie. Rwanda used the currency of Belgian Congo until 1960, when the Rwanda and Burundi franc was introduced. Rwanda began issuing its own francs in 1964.

There are plans to introduce a common currency, a new East African shilling, for the five member states of the East African Community by the end of 2009.

Coins
In 1964, coins were introduced for 1, 5 and 10 francs, with the 1 and 10 francs in cupronickel and the 5 francs in bronze. In 1969, aluminium 1 franc coins were introduced, followed in 1970 by ½ and 2 francs also in aluminium. A reduced sized copper -nickel 10 franc coin was issued in 1974. Brass 20 and 50 francs were introduced in 1977. New coins were issued in 2004 (dated 2003) for

1 franc - 98% Aluminium, 2% Magnesium
5 francs - Bronze
10 francs - Bronze
20 francs - Nickel-plated steel
50 francs - Nickel-plated steel


Banknotes
In 1964, notes of the Rwanda and Burundi Bank of Emission were overstamped for use in Rwanda alone. Denominations were 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 francs. These were followed by regular issues for the same amounts. 20 and 50 francs notes were replaced by coins in 1977, with 5000 francs notes introduced in 1978. A 2000 franc note will be introduced in June 2007.


Historical exchange rates

Rwandan francs per US dollar:

262.20 (1995)
393.44 (2000)
574.62 (2004)
542.22 (Sep 2005)