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.
30/06/2015: Demonetization of old Guinean franc banknotes
The old series of Guinean franc banknotes, denominated in 'Syli,' ceased to be legal tender, and only the new franc banknotes remained in circulation.
26/09/2012: Introduction of new Guinean franc coins
New coins denominated in the Guinean franc were introduced, replacing the previously used Guinean syli coins.
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.
30/06/2010: Revaluation of the Guinean franc
The Guinean franc underwent a revaluation, with 1 new franc being equivalent to 10,000 old francs.
10/04/2000: Introduction of New Kwacha Banknotes
Malawi introduced new banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and to modernize the currency.
30/06/1997: Introduction of new Guinean franc
A new series of Guinean franc banknotes, denominated in 'Syli,' was introduced as a replacement for the previous 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.
30/11/1985: Devaluation of the Guinean franc
The Guinean franc was devalued by 50%, leading to an economic crisis and high inflation.
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.
31/05/1971: Redenomination of the Guinean franc
The Guinean franc underwent a redenomination, with 1 new franc being equivalent to 10 old francs.
01/10/1959: Introduction of Guinean franc
The Guinean franc was introduced as the official currency of Guinea following its independence from France.