CBE’s E50 Anniversary Banknote Wins International Award

The Bank’s E50 Anniversary banknote has won the Best New Commemorative Banknote Award, further elevating the Kingdom of Eswatini’s profile on the global stage. This award was presented on Tuesday evening in Basel, Switzerland, during the Reconnaissance High Security Printing EMEA Conference — a regional forum for secure document technologies.

His Majesty King Mswati III unveiled the winning commemorative 50 Emalangeni banknote on the 10th of May 2024, when the Central Bank celebrated its 50th Golden Jubilee. On the same day, His Majesty also launched the E50 anniversary non-circulating commemorative coin, which also won a global award last year in Portugal.

The commemorative banknote, which started circulating in September 2024, celebrates Eswatini’s economic achievements over the past five decades. It highlights the nation’s cultural heritage, environmental beauty, tourism, technological innovations, and infrastructural advancements.

The banknote, printed by Giesecke & Devrient (G+D), is a sustainable banknote that minimizes the environmental footprint of currency production. The unique banknote is crafted from a blend of organic cotton and certified cellulose sourced from sustainable forestry - and is therefore referred to as a “Green Banknote.” Notably, support for sustainable cotton cultivation in Africa is provided through Louisenthal’s partnership with Cotton made in Africa (CmiA).

CBE Governor, Dr. Phil Mnisi, expressed excitement at this achievement saying “the banknote is more than just currency; it is a testament to Eswatini’s rich history and ongoing progress.” “We take immense pride in telling our nation’s story through currency,” said Dr. Mnisi. ?“The E50 commemorative banknote celebrates Eswatini’s cultural heritage, its environmental assets, and the significant strides we have made in finance, technology, and infrastructure.”

The banknote is part of the Bank’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) protocol and aligns?with the Bank’s strategic initiative of “Greening the Central Bank.”?

?“This award represents a legacy, not just for the Central Bank but for the entire Kingdom of Eswatini. Siyabonga. Thank you,” the Governor said.?

The Bank has been adding one achievement after another. Recently, the Bank received two other international awards: Best Recirculation or Innovative Initiative for its coin management efficiencies (winner), and Best New Commemorative/Limited Circulation Coin (finalist) for the 50th Anniversary E50 Coin. These awards were announced at the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) Excellence in Currency ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, in October 2024.

Two years ago, Eswatini also made history by becoming the second African country to win the Central Banking Website of the Year award, joining Kenya as a recipient of this prestigious honor.

FEATURES OF THE COMMEMORATIVE BANKNOTE

??Portrait of His Majesty King Mswati III —? Symbolizing the unity and cultural identity of the Swati people.

??Sibebe Rock — The country’s foremost tourist attraction considered as one of the largest and oldest granite rocks in the world.??

??King Mswati III? International Airport — A gateway to the World that plays a crucial role in enhancing Eswatini's economic development.

??Central Bank of Eswatini building – also known as “Umntsholi WemaSwati” — inner secret storage — has been in use since 1979.

??Manzini Inter-change Highway — The MR3 is a designated SADC regional road used as a facilitator for regional trade and integration for the region as a whole.??

??NFC / tap-and-pay symbol — Highlights the significant strides in? financial technology and innovation, which includes cardless and contactless payments including mobile money payments.