MBABANE – The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) has announced the release of updated E10 and E20 banknotes into circulation this week.

The updates on the banknotes reflect significant developments in the Kingdom, including the official change of the country’s name from Swaziland to Eswatini. Both denominations now display the new name.

Other changes include the Siswati narrative on the obverse and the incorporation of the name and signature of the current Governor, Dr. Phil Mnisi. The security thread has also been enhanced to strengthen anti-counterfeiting measures.

Despite these updates, the design, colour, size, and substrate of the E10 and E20 notes remain the same. 

CBE Head of Strategy and Communications, Mandla Luphondvo, stated that the updated notes were released to reflect changes in the country over recent years while also retaining strict security features.

“As a Bank, we had to ensure that there is incorporation of significant milestones achieved by the country in recent years, particularly, the name change. Also, we had to incorporate our Governor’s name and signature in line with international best practice,” he said.

A Government Gazette has also already been released, informing the public that the updated notes are legal tender and would have been deemed to have come into effect on April 1, 2025.

As a standard warning, Luphondvo also cautioned the public about the risk of counterfeit and dye-stained notes. He urged citizens to familiarise themselves with genuine banknote features and report any suspicious currency. “While our banknotes may not be easily manipulated or counterfeited, we still plead with the public to know their money and guard against fraudsters. Similarly, with dye-stained notes, the public is urged to be extra vigilant and not accept them as these are presumed to be proceeds of crime. If you happen to have one, bring them to the CBE or the nearest police station,” he advised.

According to the Governor’s Annual Monetary Policy Statement (GAMPS) 2025, the Bank noted a decline in the discovery of uncontrolled dye-stained banknotes resulting from ATM bombings. There was only one reported incident of ATM bombing during the financial year.