AOAAngolan KwanzaAngolan Kwanza (AOA)
The Angolan kwanza is Angola's national currency and legal tender. The National Bank of Angola is the monetary authority responsible for issuing the kwanza and supporting the country's payment system. AOA is the ISO code used to distinguish the currency in international records, and one kwanza is divided into 100 cêntimos in the formal denomination structure. The kwanza is the unit used for domestic prices, wages, accounts and settlement, even when a company compares imported goods or travel costs with a foreign currency.
- ISO code
- AOA
- Symbol
- Kz
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Angolan Kwanza operates under the reviewed market-determined exchange-rate framework arrangement.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
AOA at a glance
Currency profile
How AOA works
The Angolan kwanza is Angola's national currency and legal tender. The National Bank of Angola is the monetary authority responsible for issuing the kwanza and supporting the country's payment system. AOA is the ISO code used to distinguish the currency in international records, and one kwanza is divided into 100 cêntimos in the formal denomination structure. The kwanza is the unit used for domestic prices, wages, accounts and settlement, even when a company compares imported goods or travel costs with a foreign currency.
National Bank of Angola administers AOA within a market-determined exchange-rate framework system.
- Introduced in 1977, replacing the Angolan escudo.
- The reviewed cash profile records AOA 200, AOA 500, AOA 1,000, AOA 2,000, AOA 5,000, AOA 10,000 for banknotes and AOA 1, AOA 2, AOA 5, AOA 10, AOA 20, AOA 50, AOA 100 for coins.
Context
Why this currency matters
The kwanza was introduced in 1977 as Angola replaced the escudo with a national currency after independence. Angola has since experienced currency reforms and changes in the denomination scale, so historical records must distinguish the specific kwanza period rather than relying only on the word kwanza. The National Bank publishes the currency framework and the notes and coins used in circulation. For current AOA calculations, the useful context is the relationship between the domestic unit, the issuing authority and the published date of the external rate. The kwanza is the national monetary unit of Angola and the code AOA provides a clear label for international records. The issuing authority and current currency framework are more useful than unsupported claims about future inflation or market direction. Readers comparing amounts should keep the provider date and conversion direction beside the result.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Angolan Kwanza operates under the reviewed market-determined exchange-rate framework arrangement.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for AOA
Kwanza introduced
Angola replaced the escudo with its first national kwanza after independence.
National Bank of AngolaNovo kwanza transition
A monetary reform introduced the novo kwanza during a period of high inflation.
National Bank of AngolaCurrent kwanza established
The present AOA replaced the kwanza reajustado and reset the national currency system.
National Bank of Angola
Usage and economy
How AOA is used
- AOA is used for Angolan wages, taxes, local contracts and domestic settlement.
- Oil revenue, imports and regional trade create frequent comparisons with USD, ZAR and neighboring currencies.
Banknotes and coins
AOA currency units
The issuing authority documents the reviewed AOA banknote denominations used in the current cash system.
The issuing authority documents the circulation coin system for AOA.
One Angolan Kwanza unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Cêntimo as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
AOA questions
When was the kwanza introduced?
The kwanza was introduced in 1977 as Angola replaced the escudo after independence.
Who issues the kwanza?
The National Bank of Angola is the monetary authority responsible for issuing and managing Angola's currency system.
What changed for AOA in 1977?
Angola replaced the escudo with its first national kwanza after independence.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.