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.
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.
10/09/2008: Introduction of Birr Denominations
Ethiopia introduced new banknotes of different denominations in an effort to combat counterfeiting and improve security features.
10/04/2000: Introduction of New Kwacha Banknotes
Malawi introduced new banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and to modernize the currency.
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.
27/05/1991: Introduction of Birr Coins
Ethiopia introduced coins for the birr denominations, replacing the previous notes.
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.
17/09/1976: Introduction of New Birr
A new birr was introduced, replacing the previous Ethiopian birr and being equal to 100 old birr.
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.
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.