CEMAC countries to withdraw old coins
Seven categories of old FCFA coins minted between 1958 and 1985 will lose legal tender status on November 1, 2026.
The Bank of Central African States (BEAC) will demonetize seven categories of old FCFA coins starting November 1, 2026, across the CEMAC region. These coins, minted between 1958 and 1985, will no longer be accepted for transactions after this date. The operation aims to gradually withdraw these older currencies from circulation.
BEAC National Director Serge Dino Daniel Ngassakys announced on October 28 in Brazzaville that citizens have 12 months to exchange the targeted coins. The first phase, from November 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, allows exchanges at BEAC, commercial banks, and microfinance institutions. The final phase, from August 1 to October 31, 2027, will be exclusively handled by the BEAC.
Coins from the 2006 and 2024 series will remain valid and continue to circulate within the six CEMAC countries. This measure provides a transitional period for holders of the old coins to exchange them before they are permanently removed from the monetary system.
Why it mattersCitizens in the six CEMAC countries, including the Republic of Congo, must exchange old FCFA coins within a 12-month period to avoid losing their value.