RWFRwandan FrancRwandan Franc (RWF)
The Rwandan franc is Rwanda's national currency and an East African unit supporting a fast-changing service, agriculture and regional trade economy.
- ISO code
- RWF
- Symbol
- FRw
- Region
- Africa
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- Market-based exchange-rate framework
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
RWF at a glance
Currency profile
How RWF works
The Rwandan franc is Rwanda's national currency and an East African unit supporting a fast-changing service, agriculture and regional trade economy.
The National Bank of Rwanda issues franc banknotes and coins and manages the country's monetary and foreign-exchange framework.
- RWF is divided into 100 centimes, although routine cash values are generally written in whole francs.
- Rwanda introduced its separate franc after the former Rwanda-Burundi shared currency period.
Context
Why this currency matters
RWF represents Rwanda's development of an independent monetary system after the earlier shared franc arrangement. It is increasingly relevant to regional services, logistics and digital payments, while the country label remains vital because many unrelated currencies are also called francs.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
Market-based exchange-rate 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 RWF
National Bank of Rwanda established
Rwanda created its central bank and independent national currency framework.
National Bank of Rwanda - historyRwandan franc introduced
RWF replaced the former Rwanda and Burundi franc as Rwanda's separate currency.
National Bank of Rwanda - historyModern banknote issues expanded
The National Bank continued updating franc notes with new designs and security features.
National Bank of Rwanda - history
Usage and economy
How RWF is used
- Prices, wages, taxes and digital payments throughout Rwanda.
- Regional comparisons involving KES, UGX, TZS and XAF.
Banknotes and coins
RWF currency units
The National Bank of Rwanda publishes current franc banknotes and security details.
The National Bank of Rwanda documents Rwandan franc circulation coins.
One Rwandan 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
RWF questions
What currency preceded RWF?
The Rwandan franc followed the former Rwanda and Burundi franc when Rwanda established a separate monetary system in 1964.
Why must RWF include the country code?
Several unrelated currencies use the franc name, while RWF specifically identifies Rwanda's national currency.
Why is RWF relevant in East Africa?
Rwanda's regional services, transport, trade and digital-payment links make RWF useful in East African comparisons.
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.