CDFCongolese FrancCongolese Franc (CDF)
The Congolese franc is the national currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is used for domestic prices, public accounts and local cash payments.
- ISO code
- CDF
- Symbol
- FC
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- CDF operates under the Democratic Republic of the Congo's national monetary framework.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
CDF at a glance
Currency profile
How CDF works
The Congolese franc is the national currency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is used for domestic prices, public accounts and local cash payments.
The Banque Centrale du Congo issues CDF and administers the country's monetary system. One franc is formally divided into 100 centimes.
- The present Congolese franc was reintroduced in 1998 after the zaire currency period.
- CDF is distinct from the Central African CFA franc and from the francs used in neighboring Burundi and Rwanda.
Context
Why this currency matters
The name franc is shared by several African currencies, making the CDF code essential for accurate comparisons. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also has extensive cross-border trade and a dollarized commercial context in some sectors. A dated reference rate helps users separate the national unit from a specific cash or contract quotation.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
CDF operates under the Democratic Republic of the Congo's national monetary framework.
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 CDF
Congo franc established
A franc-based monetary unit entered use in the territory during the colonial period.
Banque Centrale du CongoZaire introduced
The zaire replaced the Congolese franc during a national monetary change.
Banque Centrale du CongoCongolese franc restored
CDF replaced the new zaire and became the current national currency.
Banque Centrale du Congo
Usage and economy
How CDF is used
- Congolese francs denominate local retail prices, salaries and government accounts.
- RWF, BIF, UGX and ZMW are useful regional comparison currencies.
Banknotes and coins
CDF currency units
Banque Centrale du Congo is the authoritative source for the current CDF banknote framework.
Banque Centrale du Congo is the authoritative source for the current CDF coin framework.
One Congolese Franc unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Centime as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
FAQ
CDF questions
What currency did CDF replace in 1998?
The current Congolese franc replaced the new zaire.
Is CDF the same as the Central African CFA franc?
No. CDF and XAF are separate currencies with different issuers, users and values.
Who issues the Congolese franc?
The Banque Centrale du Congo issues and administers CDF.
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.