4084) Namibia has introduced upgraded Banknotes and Brand new Coinage with the theme of “Our Currency, Our Heritage, Our Pride – Meet the Next Generation of the Namibia Dollar”: New Look, Same Value: 2025:
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Namibia, (officially the Republic of Namibia) is a country in Southern Africa.
Its borders include the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south; in the northeast, approximating a quadripoint, Zimbabwe lies less than 200 metres (660 feet) away along the Zambezi River near Kazungula, Zambia. Namibia's capital and largest city is Windhoek.
Namibia is the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times by the Khoi, San, Damara and Nama people.
Around the 14th century, immigrating Bantu peoples arrived as part of the Bantu expansion.
From 1600 the
Ovambo formed kingdoms, such as Ondonga and Oukwanyama.
In 1884, the German Empire established rule over most of the territory, forming a colony known as German South West Africa.
Between 1904 and 1908, German troops waged a punitive campaign against the Herero and Nama which escalated into the first genocide of the 20th century.
German rule ended during the First World War with a 1915 defeat by South African forces.
In 2021, German and Namibian diplomats created a "reconciliation agreement" acknowledging atrocities from the German colonial period.
In 1920, after the end of the war, the League of Nations mandated administration of the colony to South Africa. From 1948, with the National Party elected to power, this included South Africa applying apartheid to what was then known as South West Africa.
In the later 20th century, uprisings and demands for political representation resulted in the United Nations assuming direct responsibility over the territory in 1966, but South Africa maintained de facto rule until 1973.
That year the UN recognised the South West
Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) as the official representative of the
Namibian people.
Namibia gained independence from South Africa on 21 March 1990, following the South African Border War. However, Walvis Bay and the Penguin Islands remained under South African control until 1994.
Namibia is a stable parliamentary democracy.
Agriculture, tourism and the mining industry – including mining for gem diamonds, uranium, gold, silver and base metals – form the basis of its economy, while the manufacturing sector is comparatively small.
Despite significant GDP growth since its independence, poverty and inequality remain significant in the country. 40.9% of the population is affected by multidimensional poverty, and more than 400,000 people continue to live in informal housing.
With a population of 3.1 million people, Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Since the end of the Cold War, it has attracted notable immigration from Germany, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
Namibia is a member state of the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and the Commonwealth of Nations.
The New Banknotes and Coins:
The Bank of Namibia has officially released the next generation of the Namibia dollar, designed and printed in collaboration with the security and Banknote printing major - "De La Rue".
- De La Rue has once again partnered with the Bank’s currency team and witnessed their clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence in banknote design and production.
- Following the
successful release of the "N$60 commemorative polymer banknote" on SAFEGUARD®
earlier this year, De La Rue has been entrusted with a second major
initiative.
The new banknote series features a range of cutting-edge security enhancements:
- These include De La Rue’s IGNITE® and PUREIMAGE™
security threads, as well as the Enhanced GEMINI™ UV print feature.
Both IGNITE® and PUREIMAGE™ are seamlessly integrated into the design, leveraging the threads’ customisation capabilities.
- Each
denomination showcases a unique antelope species, reflected through the
security thread, watermark, and print elements.
The new banknotes are set to enter circulation later this year from March 2025 onwards.
- The newly introduced second-generation coinage series, the first complete redesign since the Namibia Dollar's introduction in 1993, will enter circulation in August 2025.
The coins are lighter, smaller, and more durable,
making everyday transactions easier and more efficient.
- The Bank of Namibia introduced its upgraded Banknote Series alongside a fully redesigned new Namibian Coinage Series, marking a historic milestone in the Bank’s 35th year journey of promoting price and financial stability.
Launched under the fitting theme, “Our Currency, Our Heritage, Our Pride – Meet the Next Generation of the Namibia Dollar”, the new series celebrates both continuity and innovation in the evolution of Namibian currency.
- The unveiling marks a significant chapter in Namibia’s economic story, one that embodies continuity, national identity, and the spirit of innovation that is central to the Bank’s mission.
- The introduction of the new currency series is driven by a bold objective:
To modernise Namibia’s currency in line with international standards, while reinforcing its national identity and purpose.
This upgrade is not merely aesthetic; it reinforces the security, functionality and integrity of our currency, ensuring it remains a trusted means of exchange while embodying the nation’s ambitions, values, resilience and aspirations in a rapidly changing, technologically driven world.
This means the currency must evolve with cutting-edge security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters and safeguard public trust.
- The newly introduced second-generation Coinage Series, the first complete redesign since the Namibia Dollar’s introduction in 1993, will enter circulation in August 2025.
- The coins are lighter, smaller, and more durable, making everyday transactions easier and more efficient.
- Instead of depicting Namibia’s fauna and flora, the new coins now symbolically represent the five key sectors that anchor Namibia’s economy.
These sectors were selected for their substantial contributions to national GDP and their pivotal roles in driving economic growth and development:
• The N$0.10 cent coin features the pearl millet or mahangu, symbolising Namibia’s agricultural backbone and its vital contribution to food security.
• The N$0.20 cent coin is a new coin introduced to bridge the gap between the N$0.10c and N$0.50c coin denominations. It celebrates the manufacturing sector through the lens of renewable energy, reflecting Namibia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
• The N$0.50 cent coin depicts the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, a proud tribute to Namibia’s tourism sector and its role in shaping the nation’s natural heritage and sharing it with the world.
• The N$1.00 coin honours the vibrancy of the retail sector, symbolised by the human connection in everyday trade through hands exchanging coins.
• Lastly, the N$5.00-coin features both polished and rough diamonds, representing the mining sector’s enduring contribution to the national economy and its global stature in the diamond industry.
- In reimagining the third-generation banknotes, the Bank of Namibia has harmonised innovation with continuity.
- The upgraded banknotes feature a refined, modern aesthetic with richer colours, cleaner lines, and enhanced security features that provide robust protection against counterfeiting.
A notable advancement is the introduction of a hightech composite substrate, the material on which the banknotes are printed for the N$10.00 and N$20.00 denominations, combining the durability of polymer with the familiar feel of paper that Namibians are used to, ensuring greater longevity and resilience.
The designs remain deeply rooted in national heritage, continue to honour the revered figures of the Founding Father, His Excellency Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, and Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi.
- The Reverse side of the banknotes continues to celebrate Namibia’s iconic wildlife, reflecting the country’s natural wealth and enduring beauty.
- Inclusivity was a key consideration in the redesign. The upgraded banknotes incorporate tactile features to better support the visually impaired and partially sighted, ensuring that all Namibians can confidently interact with their currency.
The edges of each coin have been customised to enable easy identification.
- The Bank of Namibia has confirmed that the new currency series will officially enter circulation in August 2025, alongside the current series to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
- To support the public in recognising and adapting to the new features, the Bank will be conducting a comprehensive, countrywide awareness campaign.
- This campaign will educate citizens on the security features, proper handling, and authenticity checks of the upgraded banknotes and new coins, ensuring that all Namibians, across all regions, are well-informed and confident in the use of their money.
Some of the images of Banknotes which will enter into circulation:
Namibia - new 60-dollar Polymer Banknote commemorative Banknote introduced 17.03.2025:
According to a press release, the bank introduced the new N$ 60 notes into circulation on 17 March 2025.
On 5 March 2025, the Bank of Namibia unveiled new 60-dollar polymer notes to commemorate Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, who devoted 60 years of his life to “service and steadfast dedication to Namibia’s democracy, economic progress, and social inclusion,” culminating in his serving as the 3rd president of Nambia (21 March 2015 – 4 February 2024).
2,000,000 notes were printed by Oumolat Security Printing in Abu Dhabi under subcontract by De la Rue.
The Specifications of this Banknote are:
Colour: Brown, orange, green, blue, and purple.
Front: English text; facade of Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek; 3rd president H.E. Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob; Constituent Assembly of 1990; bank logo in purple-to-bronze SPARK Live; head of Hage Geingob in profile facing right on CCL Secure G-Switch window. Back: English text; wind turbines, hydrogen tank, biomass, solar panels; Hage Geingob holding football cup at his inauguration on 21 March 2015 at Independence Stadium in Windhoek; coat of arms; facade of Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek. No security thread. Watermark (shadow image): None.
Printer: (Oumolat Security Printing).
Size: 140.00 mm x 70.00 mm. Polymer.
100 dollars:
The specifications of this Banknote are:
Colour: Pink, green, and yellow.
Front: English text; Parliament building in Windhoek; Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi; bank logo in green-to-gold SPARK; BON as registration device.
Back: English text; BON as registration device; Namibian coat of arms; three standing oryx antelope (Oryx gazella). Ignite windowed security thread. Watermark: Hendrik Witbooi and electrotype 100.
Printer: (De La Rue).
Size: 147.00 mm x 70.00 mm. Paper.
Namibia new 100-dollar note is reported for introduction August 2025.
Namibia new 50-dollar note (B222a) reported for introduction August 2025:
These notes are like the preceding issues, but with a refined, modern aesthetic with richer colours, cleaner lines, and enhanced security features.
The two lowest denominations are printed on a composite substrate which combines the durability of polymer with the familiar feel of paper, ensuring greater longevity and resilience. The upgraded banknotes incorporate tactile features to better support the visually impaired and partially sighted.
Colour: Green and orange.
Front: English text; Parliament building in Windhoek; Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi; bank logo in green-to-gold SPARK; BON as registration device.
Back: English text; BON as registration device; Namibian coat of arms; five standing kudo antelope (Tragelaphus stepsiceros). Ignite windowed security thread. Watermark: Hendrik Witbooi and electrotype 50.
Printer: (De La Rue).
Size: 140 x 70 mm. Paper.
Namibia new 20-dollar note (B221a) reported for
introduction August 2025:
- These notes are like the preceding issues, but with a refined, modern aesthetic with richer colors, cleaner lines, and enhanced security features.
- The two lowest denominations are printed on a composite substrate which combines the durability of polymer with the familiar feel of paper, ensuring greater longevity and resilience. - The upgraded banknotes incorporate tactile features to better support the visually impaired and partially sighted.
The specifications of this Banknote are:
Colour: Orange, purple, and green.
Front: English text; Parliament building in Windhoek; H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma; BON as registration device. Back: English text; BON as registration device; Namibian coat of arms; three standing red hartebeest. PureImage windowed security thread. Watermark: Sam Nujoma and electrotype 20.
Printer: (De La Rue).
Size: 134.00 mm x 70.00 mm. Composite (Durasafe).
Namibia new 10-dollar note (B220a) reported for
introduction August 2025:
The specifications of this Banknote are:
Colour: Blue, green, and yellow. Front: English text; Parliament building in Windhoek; H.E. Dr. Sam Nujoma; BON as registration device.
Back: English text; BON as registration device Namibian coat of arms; three standing springbok antelope (Antidorcas marsupialis). PureImage windowed security thread. Watermark: Sam Nujoma and electrotype 10.
Printer: (De La Rue).
Size: 129.00 mm x
70.00 mm. Composite (Durasafe).
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