The National Bank of Rwanda has reiterated that all coins in circulation remain legal tender, following reports that some merchants were refusing to accept small denominations, according to Africa Business Insider.
Officials said consumers had complained that merchants were declining Rwf20 coins and other small denominations, sometimes insisting on larger bills or failing to return correct change. The issue was discussed during a briefing of the bank’s Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Committee on February 19, 2026.
Chantal Kasangwa, the bank’s Executive Director for Markets and Banking Operations, emphasized that all six coin denominations, Rwf1, Rwf5, Rwf10, Rwf20, Rwf50, and Rwf100, must be accepted for payments. She added that the central bank would collaborate with commercial banks and businesses to ensure an adequate supply of coins and encourage their continued use, particularly in rural and cash-dependent markets.
Kasangwa noted that the rise of digital payments has changed transaction habits in urban areas, but coins remain essential for everyday commerce, especially in informal sectors. The announcement aligns with broader efforts by the central bank to strengthen financial systems and reduce digital payment fraud, which has declined due to consumer awareness campaigns and enhanced oversight of payment providers, as highlighted by AllAfrica.
