Rwandan Franc (RWF) to USD Converter 2026

Q: Where can I see rates for other African currencies?

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Rwandan Franc (RWF)

Rwanda's official currency, issued by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).

Symbol

FRw

Code

RWF

Subunit

100 centimes

Central bank

National Bank of Rwanda

The Rwandan franc has been the country's currency since 1964, when the former Rwanda-Burundi monetary union split into two separate currencies following the two countries' independence. Rwanda is a member of the East African Community, which has long-term plans for a regional single currency, though the Rwandan franc remains firmly in place as of 2026.

RWF ⇄ USD Converter

Quick reference conversion — see disclaimer below.

Amount

From

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Rate used: 1 USD ≈ 1474.54 RWF. Approximate reference value as of late July 2026 — for real-time rates, check your bank, Wise, or XE.

History

Rwanda and Burundi shared a common currency, the Rwanda-Burundi franc, during the colonial period. When the two countries became independent in 1962, they continued the monetary union briefly before splitting into separate currencies in 1964, giving rise to the Rwandan franc issued by the National Bank of Rwanda. The currency has depreciated gradually but steadily over the decades rather than experiencing the sharp crises seen in some neighboring countries, and cent-level centime coins have effectively fallen out of practical use.

Denominations

Rwandan franc banknotes currently circulate in these denominations:

500, 1,000 francs — common lower-value notes
2,000, 5,000 francs — higher-value notes

Coins are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 francs, though smaller coins are rarely seen in daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the currency symbol for the Rwandan franc?

It's commonly written as FRw. Its ISO 4217 currency code is RWF.

Is Rwanda planning to adopt a regional East African currency?

The East African Community has long discussed a single regional currency, but as of 2026 no firm implementation date exists and the Rwandan franc remains the country's official currency.

Is the Rwandan franc the same as other African francs?

No — while several African currencies use the word "franc" due to shared French or Belgian colonial history, Rwanda issues its own separate, non-interchangeable franc distinct from the CFA franc zones or the Central African franc.

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.