16/03/2021: New 5 Rial Polymer Banknote Introduced
A new polymer banknote with a denomination of 5 rials was introduced, enhancing durability and security features of the currency.
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.
15/01/2003: New Omani Rial Banknotes Issued
New series of Omani rial banknotes were introduced, featuring enhanced security features and updated designs.
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.
12/06/1994: Smaller Denomination Coins Issued
Small denomination coins, including 5, 10, 25, and 50 baisa coins, were issued in order to facilitate everyday transactions.
17/03/1986: 200 Baisa Coin Introduced
A new 200 baisa coin was introduced, becoming the highest denomination coin in circulation at that time.
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.
11/11/1975: 1/8 Rial Copper-Nickel Coin Introduced
A new 1/8 rial coin made of copper-nickel was introduced, representing a fractional value of the rial currency.
02/03/1973: Rial Oman Pegged to US Dollar
The Omani rial was officially pegged to the United States dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 OMR = 2.895 USD.
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.
27/07/1970: Rial Oman is Introduced
The Omani rial was introduced, replacing the Gulf rupee at a rate of 1 rial = 2.6008 rupees.