Luanda, June 1, 2026 (Lusa) - The Angolan currency, the kwanza, will be used as a means of payment between countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from the second half of 2026, the National Bank of Angola (BNA) announced on Monday.

According to the BNA, it is expected that, during the second half of 2026, the kwanza will be used directly for the settlement of payments for goods and services between SADC countries that join the regional organisation’s Real-Time Settlement System.

In a statement released today, the Angolan central bank notes that the measure forms part of efforts to integrate SADC payment systems regionally, and is in line with G20 recommendations for improving cross-border payments.

In practice, the BNA notes, the measure will allow Angolan companies to make payments for goods and services to other countries in the region using bank accounts in the national currency, held at banks operating in Angola, “eliminating the need to use foreign currencies”.

Ease of sending money to countries in the region, “without the need to buy foreign currency”, cost reductions – resulting from fewer currency conversions and financial intermediation –, simpler transfers and greater security and predictability are described by the BNA as “concrete benefits” of this measure.

With the completion of this project, Angola’s central bank notes, another important step will be taken towards the modernisation of the country's financial system, “contributing to the strengthening of regional integration and the expansion of cross-border trade between the SADC economies”.

DAS // AYLS

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