13/05/2020: Introduction of New Thousand Kwacha Banknotes
Malawi introduced new banknotes with higher denominations to address issues of inflation and to streamline transactions in a cash-based economy.
23/06/2016: Brexit Referendum
The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, causing significant uncertainty and volatility in the pound sterling's value.
01/05/2016: Currency Floatation
The Malawian government allowed the kwacha to float freely against other currencies, leading to a significant depreciation of the currency.
07/08/2012: Introduction of New Kwacha Coins
Malawi introduced new coins to replace smaller denominations of the kwacha banknotes, facilitating transactions and reducing the cost of producing money.
10/04/2000: Introduction of New Kwacha Banknotes
Malawi introduced new banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and to modernize the currency.
31/12/1999: Establishment of the Euro
The euro was introduced as an electronic currency, paving the way for the eventual replacement of some national currencies, including the pound.
14/06/1994: Malawi's First Multiparty Democratic Elections
Malawi held its first multiparty democratic elections, leading to a political and economic transition which affected the value of the kwacha.
16/09/1992: Black Wednesday
The pound sterling experienced a severe drop in value and the UK was forced to withdraw from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM).
01/09/1979: First Devaluation of the Kwacha
The Malawian government devalued the kwacha by 30% in response to economic challenges and to promote exports.
06/07/1971: Introduction of the Malawian Kwacha
The Malawian Kwacha (MWK) was introduced as the official currency of Malawi, replacing the Malawian pound at a rate of 2 kwacha = 1 pound.
14/02/1971: Decimalization of the Pound
The pound sterling was decimalized, with the old system of pounds, shillings and pence replaced by a decimal currency.
06/12/1921: Currency Separation with Ireland
Following the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ireland left the United Kingdom and established its own currency, leading to separate pound sterling notes.
21/12/1816: Gold Standard Introduced
The pound sterling was officially placed on the gold standard, meaning it was backed by a fixed amount of gold.
27/07/1694: Bank of England Established
The Bank of England was founded and granted a royal charter, becoming the central bank of England.