kwanza

currency

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

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The kwanza is the official currency of Angola. It was introduced in 1977, replacing the Angolan escudo. The name "kwanza" is derived from the Cuanza River, a significant river in Angola.12

The National Bank of Angola is responsible for issuing the kwanza and acts as the country's central bank. The Angolan economy has faced significant challenges, including a civil war and high inflation, but has seen improvement since the end of the war, largely due to income from the petroleum industry.3

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Angola
Finance
…which issues Angola’s currency, the kwanza, acts as the central bank. Banks were nationalized after independence, but in 1985 foreign banks reentered the country, and in 1995 the government allowed the formation of private banks. Most savings are held in informal banking structures outside the cumbersome state system. Foreign investment…
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…which issues Angola’s currency, the kwanza, acts as the central bank. Banks were nationalized after independence, but in 1985 foreign banks reentered the country, and in 1995 the government allowed the formation of private banks. Most savings are held in informal banking structures outside the cumbersome state system. Foreign investment…
Read More