Cabo Verde Wins Africa’s Best Banknote 2026 Award
Cabo Verde Wins Africa’s Best Banknote 2026 Award
The IBNS Mosaic Chapter competition recognizes the continent’s most outstanding banknote designs. Cabo Verde’s 2,000 escudos note took first place, while the DRC’s 20,000 francs earned second place and a special distinction.
Top 10 African Banknotes 2026
1⃣ Cabo Verde — 2,000 Escudos
The winning note features Cesária Évora, the legendary “Barefoot Diva” who brought Cape Verdean morna music to the world. Her portrait, musical elements and ocean imagery create a distinctive design.
2⃣ DRC — 20,000 Francs
The yellow note highlights Congolese wildlife and culture, featuring giraffes, grey crowned cranes and a traditional Bashilele carved head.
3⃣ São Tomé & Príncipe — 200 Dobras
The design celebrates island biodiversity with endemic butterflies, the Príncipe sunbird and historic figure Rei Amador.
4⃣ Botswana — 200 Pula
The note honors women’s role in education, showing a teacher with children, alongside zebras at a waterhole.
5⃣ South Africa — 20 Rand
Featuring Nelson Mandela, the note combines the former president’s portrait with an elephant family design.
6⃣ Seychelles — 50 Rupees
The note showcases unique island species, including the Seychelles black parrot and coco-de-mer palm.
7⃣ Zambia — 500 Kwacha
The design features the African fish eagle, Victoria Falls, lions and buffalo, highlighting Zambia’s natural heritage.
8⃣ Uganda — 20,000 Shillings
The note depicts the Independence Monument, the equator map and Ankole long-horned cattle.
9⃣ Ghana — 100 Cedis
The note honors the Big Six independence leaders and features the Independence Arch and Parliament.
Angola — 200 Kwanzas
The polymer note features first president Agostinho Neto and the Black Rocks of Pungo Andongo.
AI-generated image.
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