Recently, the Bank of Namibia officially launched the upgraded Namibia Dollar (N$) banknote series, along with a newly designed coin series. The theme is “Our Currency, Our Heritage, Our Pride – Meet the Next Generation of the Namibia Dollar.”
According to the Bank of Namibia, the new series was unveiled at a special ceremony presided over by Namibian President Dr. Nangolo Mbumba. The new series continues the evolution of Namibian currency while incorporating innovative elements, aiming to align the national currency with international standards and simultaneously strengthen national identity and the mission of the currency.
The second-generation coin series represents the first complete redesign since the introduction of the Namibia Dollar in 1993: the new coins are lighter, smaller, more durable, and no longer feature Namibia’s flora and fauna. Instead, they symbolize the five core sectors underpinning the country’s economy (agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, retail, mining). Furthermore, besides the existing N5, N1 coins and 50-cent, 10-cent denominations, a new 20-cent coin has been added.
Regarding banknotes, this is the third series since 1993 (the previous update was in 2011). The new banknotes retain the thematic motifs of the old series (obverse features portraits of Founding Father Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma and freedom fighter Kaptein Hendrik Witbooi; reverse features Namibian wildlife) but adopt a more refined, modern aesthetic design: richer colors, cleaner lines, and upgraded security features to effectively resist counterfeiting.
The lowest denominations, the N10 and N20 banknotes, are printed on Landqart’s Durasafe paper-polymer composite substrate, while the other denominations (N50, N100, N$200) use cotton paper. All banknotes include tactile marks for the visually impaired.
The new currency (banknotes + coins) was designed and printed by De La Rue. Security features include De La Rue’s IGNITE®, PUREIMAGE™ security threads, and Enhanced GEMINI® UV printing technology.
Following the unveiling, many Namibians expressed curiosity about the symbolism on the new banknotes. Mr. Kazembire Zemburuka, Director of Strategic Communications and International Relations at the Bank of Namibia, explained that the design inspiration comes from the key economic sectors that significantly contribute to Namibia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The N10 and N20 banknotes are particularly special. These two denominations are printed on a special, durable material. After they enter circulation, we will conduct relevant educational campaigns across all regions of the country.” Zemburuka stated that these two denominations are the most frequently used by the local population, especially for giving change.
He further explained that, similar to the popular “Big Five” concept in safari tourism, the Bank of Namibia adopted a similar approach when designing the features of this currency series. Mining was selected as one of the design elements due to its significant contribution to GDP, aligning with the President’s goal of promoting value addition to raw materials. “We are responding to the President’s call, striving to add value to raw materials, thereby creating more jobs for the nation – this is why mining was chosen.”
Zemburuka pointed out that while the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP is relatively low, it is the largest source of employment in the country, making it equally important. He mentioned that the meat industry consistently attracts foreign investment and that agriculture is a livelihood for the majority of the population.
Tourism was included because visitors to Namibia create approximately 11,000 jobs, contributing significantly to GDP. The retail sector was also considered, with the activities of street vendors and the employment it absorbs highlighting market vitality and job potential. Additionally, the renewable energy sector became a design element; this sector is focusing on green hydrogen, wind, and solar power, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on traditional energy sources.
“As the central bank, our responsibility is to print and maintain banknotes and coins, ensuring their quantity and quality meet the needs of all Namibians,” Zemburuka said. He noted that Namibia first issued coins in September 1993, and the last currency update was in 2012. Standard practice dictates that the Bank of Namibia updates the currency at least every six years.
He stated this is necessary because, with technological advancements, currency needs to keep pace to avoid a proliferation of counterfeits that could lead to a loss of public trust in banks and an inability to distinguish genuine currency. Therefore, the Bank must safeguard the value of the currency. The newly issued currency is made from special, durable materials, but the quality remains unchanged. He emphasized that if the currency maintains its value in 35 years, it would indicate the Bank’s work has been effective. They take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness and cannot allow technological advancements to outpace the Bank’s response capability, thereby damaging the credibility of the national currency. The upgrade in security features will allow Namibians to confidently identify and use the currency for transactions.
The new series will be issued in August, 2025, accompanied by a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate the public on the new currency’s features, verification methods, and usage.
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