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.
27/04/2010: Adoption of new currency symbol
Sierra Leone adopts a new currency symbol for the leone (Le), representing its cultural heritage and national identity.
29/07/2003: Introduction of new leone notes
Sierra Leone introduces a new series of leone banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting.
10/04/2000: Introduction of New Kwacha Banknotes
Malawi introduced new banknotes with enhanced security features to combat counterfeiting and to modernize the currency.
22/02/1996: Civil war ends
The Sierra Leonean Civil War comes to an end, providing an opportunity for economic stabilization and currency reform.
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.
29/04/1980: Coup d'etat
A military coup takes place in Sierra Leone, leading to economic instability and a decline in the value of the leone.
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.
15/07/1974: Redenomination of the leone
Sierra Leone redenominates its currency, replacing the old leone with a new leone at a ratio of 1:4.
04/11/1971: Introduction of decimal currency
Sierra Leone adopts a decimal currency system, replacing the pound with the leone as its new official currency.
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.
27/04/1961: Independence of Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone gains independence from the United Kingdom, introducing the Sierra Leonean leone as its official currency.