CEMAC to Withdraw Older CFA Franc Coins from Circulation

11 Oct 2026 14:52 • 1 source

Summary

Starting November 1, 2026, older CFA franc coins from the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series will no longer be legally valid across the six member countries of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). The decision was taken on October 7, 2026, in N’Djamena, Chad, during the third ordinary session of the year of the Ministerial Committee of the Central African Monetary Union (UMAC), held under the auspices of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). End of an Era for Older CFA Franc Coins The meeting marked a major turning point for older CFA franc coins in the Central African region. After reviewing a proposal to withdraw several outdated coin series from circulation, the finance ministers of the six UMAC member states approved their demonetisation. Under the decision, coins belonging to the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series will lose their legal tender status and liberating power as of November 1, 2026. This means that, from that date, the affected coins will no longer be legally recognised as a means of payment within the six CEMAC member countries. The measure forms part of the region’s monetary management efforts and marks the end of the official validity of these older coin series.

Sources

• List It Africa Insights