The Bank of Namibia has completed a series of currency enhancements, launching the modified fifty-dollar note in response to evolving market demands.

Over the past three years, the Bank of Namibia upgraded other banknotes, including the 10, 20, 100, and 200 dollar notes.

The modified notes feature key security enhancements, including the governor's signature serving as a level one security feature, along with a public recognition marker.

Central Bank Governor Johannes !Gawaxab said they remain committed to ensuring that cash is accessible, reliable and secure.

"By now, we should be aware that the regular enhancement of banknotes is anchored in global best practice. Central banks around the world have recognised that currency designs must be dynamic, evolving in tandem with technological advancements and emerging threats. In fact, monetary authorities update their banknotes every six (6) to eight (8) years to stay up-to-date. In our case, the last time we upgraded our banknotes was in 2012, and our coins have not been upgraded since their issuance in the 1990s. As technology advances, so do the tactics counterfeiters use. This ongoing challenge requires us to stay proactive by continuously innovating and updating our security measures."

Among the enhanced features of the new bill are holographic stripes, colour-shifting ink, microtext, tactile elements, and transparent windows that have significantly improved the central bank's ability to deter counterfeiting. 

These innovations, !Gawaxab said, send a clear message that "our currency is secure and should not be tampered with."

To bridge existing gaps, the bank is exploring technologies such as offline payment systems for areas with limited connectivity.

Later this year the bank is set to introduce its Instant Payment Solution, an inclusive innovation that will further integrate cash and digital payment ecosystems.

As part of its coming review, the Bank of Namibia has evaluated various advanced materials, production methods, and design innovations to ensure that the currency remains secure, durable, and cost-effective. 

The bank revealed that in 2024 alone, currency in circulation increased by 6.9%, demonstrating the trust and confidence Namibians have in the use of the Namibian dollar in day-to-day transactions.

At the same time, counterfeit incidents declined by 10.7%, indicating the effectiveness of the bank's currency security measures.