CEMAC to demonetize several series of old coins in 2026

The Monetary Union of Central Africa (UMAC) has announced the demonetization of several series of old coins across the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) zone. Effective November 1, 2026, coins from the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series will no longer be valid for payments or settling debts in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, and the Central African Republic.

Decision-makers met in N’Djamena on October 7, 2026, to address regional monetary stability. BEAC Governor Yvon Sana Bangui described the move as a “historic event” aimed at renewing the region's monetary stock. To mitigate impact, holders of the affected coins will have a one-year grace period to exchange them for new currency.

The initiative seeks to replace worn and disparate old coins with the “type 2024” series, which began circulation in April 2025. This renewal addresses ongoing shortages of small metal coins that have complicated transactions in markets, shops, and transport sectors. The new series includes nine denominations, ranging from 1 to 500 FCFA, and introduces a 200 FCFA coin to improve availability.