08/04/2020: COVID-19 impact on currency circulation
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, circulation of nakfa banknotes decreased as people relied more on digital transactions.
25/02/2019: Introduction of new nakfa banknotes
Eritrea introduced new banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 nakfa.
30/10/2018: Currency devaluation
Eritrea devalued the nakfa by 14%, reducing its official exchange rate to 1 USD = 15 ERN.
22/01/2015: Dollarization policy imposed
Eritrea imposed a dollarization policy, making the US dollar the predominant currency for most transactions.
10/09/2008: Introduction of Birr Denominations
Ethiopia introduced new banknotes of different denominations in an effort to combat counterfeiting and improve security features.
14/11/2005: Currency redenomination
The Eritrean nakfa underwent a redenomination where old nakfa notes were replaced with new nakfa notes in a ratio of 1:1,000.
08/11/1997: Introduction of the Eritrean nakfa
The Eritrean nakfa was introduced as the official currency of Eritrea, replacing the Ethiopian birr.
08/11/1997: Currency exchange rate fixed
The Eritrean nakfa was fixed at an exchange rate of 1 USD = 10 ERN.
27/05/1991: Introduction of Birr Coins
Ethiopia introduced coins for the birr denominations, replacing the previous notes.
17/09/1976: Introduction of New Birr
A new birr was introduced, replacing the previous Ethiopian birr and being equal to 100 old birr.
08/07/1945: Decree to Change Birr Decimalization
Ethiopia changed the birr decimalization from talari and ghersh to dollars and cents.
31/12/1931: Introduction of Ethiopian birr
The Ethiopian birr was introduced as the official currency, replacing the Maria Theresa Thaler.
05/07/1931: Ethiopian Monetary Authority Established
The Ethiopian Monetary Authority was established to regulate the country's monetary system and issue currency.
14/02/1894: Introduction of Maria Theresa Thaler
Ethiopia adopted the Maria Theresa Thaler as the official currency, which remained in circulation until 1935.