African Currencies

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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ฎBurundian Franc (BIF)

Burundi's official currency, issued by the Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB).
Symbol
FBu
Code
BIF
Subunit
100 centimes (rarely used)
Central bank
Bank of the Republic of Burundi (BRB)

The Burundian franc has been the country's currency since 1960, when Burundi (then still tied to Rwanda in the Belgian-administered territory of Ruanda-Urundi) split from the shared Rwanda-Burundi franc ahead of independence in 1962. It has never been part of the CFA franc system used by France's former colonies. Persistent inflation and a shortage of foreign currency have kept the franc under pressure for years, and small-denomination coins have effectively disappeared from daily circulation.

BIF โ‡„ USD Converter

Quick reference conversion โ€” see disclaimer below.
โ€”
Rate used: 1 USD โ‰ˆ 2,900 BIF. Approximate reference value as of late July 2026 โ€” for real-time rates, check your bank, Wise, or XE.

History

The Burundian franc has been the country's currency since 1960, when Burundi (then still tied to Rwanda in the Belgian-administered territory of Ruanda-Urundi) split from the shared Rwanda-Burundi franc ahead of independence in 1962. It has never been part of the CFA franc system used by France's former colonies. Persistent inflation and a shortage of foreign currency have kept the franc under pressure for years, and small-denomination coins have effectively disappeared from daily circulation.

Denominations

Burundian Franc banknotes commonly circulate in these denominations:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the currency symbol for the Burundian franc?

The Burundian franc's symbol is FBu. Its ISO 4217 currency code is BIF.

Is the Burundian franc linked to the CFA franc?

No. Despite the similar name, the Burundian franc has always been a separate, independently managed currency โ€” it has never been pegged to the CFA franc or the euro.

Why is the Burundian franc losing value?

Burundi has faced chronic foreign-currency shortages and high inflation for years, which has pushed the franc's black-market and official rates well apart at times.

Where can I see rates for other African currencies?

Check the full currency directory on the African Currencies homepage, which covers all 54 African countries.