BEAC: Old Coins Withdrawal 2026 Deadline For CEMAC Currency

• The Banque des États de l'Afrique centrale (BEAC) will withdraw specific coin series from circulation starting November 1, 2026.
• The affected coins are from the 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 series.
• A 12-month free exchange period will be available, initially at various financial institutions and later exclusively at BEAC counters.
• The UMAC coin withdrawal decision, made on October 7, 2026, aims to modernize currency and combat trafficking.
• After November 1, 2027, the old coins will lose all monetary value, making timely exchange crucial.

As of November 1, 2027, the BEAC 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 coins will be completely stripped of their monetary value, rendering them worthless.

The Banque des États de l'Afrique centrale (BEAC) has announced a significant change to the monetary landscape of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region. Beginning November 1, 2026, specific coin series will no longer be accepted for daily transactions across the six CEMAC member states. This measure targets the BEAC 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 coins, marking a historical shift for the divisional currency in circulation.

The primary objective behind this BEAC withdrawal old coins 2026 initiative is to modernize and enhance the security of the region's currency. Authorities also aim to remove older, more susceptible coins from circulation that have become targets for illicit trafficking. This comprehensive operation underscores the central bank's commitment to maintaining a robust and secure monetary system for the region.

The decision for this CEMAC currency invalidation 2026 was formally adopted by the Union Monétaire de l'Afrique Centrale (UMAC) on October 7, 2026, during a meeting held in N'Djamena. This UMAC coin withdrawal decision sets the stage for a structured, free-of-charge exchange program designed to facilitate the transition for citizens and businesses alike. The Banque des États de l'Afrique centrale coin exchange process will span a twelve-month period, ensuring ample opportunity for the public to convert their old currency.

The exchange mechanism is divided into two distinct phases. The initial phase, running from November 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, will allow for the exchange of these coins at a broad network of financial institutions, including commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and all BEAC counters. This widespread accessibility aims to streamline the process for the general populace across the CEMAC zone.

Following the initial period, a more restricted second phase for the Banque des États de l'Afrique centrale coin exchange will commence on August 1, 2027, and conclude on October 31, 2027. During this final window, exchanges will be exclusively conducted at BEAC counters. This phased approach provides a clear timeline for the public to manage their currency holdings.

It is imperative for individuals and entities, including those in Cameroon facing the old currency deadline, to adhere to these dates. As of November 1, 2027, the BEAC 1958, 1959, 1971, 1976, and 1985 coins will be completely stripped of their monetary value, rendering them worthless. Lawyers advising clients in CEMAC countries should highlight these critical deadlines to prevent financial losses from holding invalid currency, emphasizing that no value will be retained after this final date.

This extensive BEAC withdrawal old coins 2026 operation is not an isolated event but forms part of a broader strategic initiative by the central bank. The new 2024 series of coins, designed with enhanced security features, was introduced into circulation on April 2, 2025. The overarching goal is to inject a substantial volume of these new, secure denominations into circulation.

This move is also intended to address the persistent shortage of small change that has affected the region, with the BEAC aiming to resolve this issue comprehensively by 2030. The withdrawal and replacement program represents a pivotal step towards a more modern, secure, and efficient monetary system for the CEMAC region.

Lawyers advising businesses, financial institutions, or individuals in CEMAC countries should inform clients about the impending withdrawal of specific coin series by BEAC, highlighting the exchange deadlines (November 2026 to October 2027) and the complete loss of value thereafter, to ensure compliance and prevent financial losses from holding invalid currency.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun