Cabo Verde’s 2,000 escudos banknote has been named the Best African Circulating Banknote of 2026 in the inaugural competition organized by the IBNS Mosaic Chapter of the International Bank Note Society.
The note, issued in 2024 as a tribute to the late singer Cesária Évora, scored 80.85 points to claim first place.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 20,000 francs note took second place with 77.61 points and received the special distinction of Distinguished African Circulating Banknote 2026.
The competition drew entries from 42 African countries. Sixteen banknotes advanced to the final stage, where scores combined evaluations from an expert jury and points from a public vote.
According to Serhiy Trushyn, regional director of the IBNS, the win recognizes the note’s strong artistic, cultural, and technical qualities, as well as the Bank of Cabo Verde’s efforts to reflect national history, heritage, and identity through its currency.
The Winning Design
The Cabo Verde 2,000 escudos note centers on Cesária Évora, the internationally acclaimed “Barefoot Diva” who brought Cape Verdean morna music to global audiences. The design incorporates her portrait with musical motifs and ocean imagery that evoke the archipelago’s maritime identity and cultural depth.
Full Top 10 Ranking
Here are the leading designs from the 2026 competition:
1. Cabo Verde — 2,000 Escudos
Features Cesária Évora, musical elements, and ocean imagery in a distinctive tribute to the country’s cultural icon.
2. Democratic Republic of the Congo — 20,000 Francs
A yellow note highlighting Congolese wildlife and culture, including giraffes, grey crowned cranes, and a traditional Bashilele carved head.
3. São Tomé and Príncipe — 200 Dobras
Celebrates island biodiversity with endemic butterflies, the Príncipe sunbird, and the historic figure Rei Amador.
4. Botswana — 200 Pula
Honors the role of women in education with a teacher and children, paired with zebras at a waterhole.
5. South Africa — 20 Rand
Combines a portrait of Nelson Mandela with an elephant family design.
6. Seychelles — 50 Rupees
Showcases unique island species, including the Seychelles black parrot and the coco-de-mer palm.
7. Zambia — 500 Kwacha
Highlights natural heritage through the African fish eagle, Victoria Falls, lions, and buffalo.
8. Uganda — 20,000 Shillings
Depicts the Independence Monument, an equator map, and Ankole long-horned cattle.
9. Ghana — 100 Cedis
Honors the Big Six independence leaders alongside the Independence Arch and Parliament.
10. Angola — 200 Kwanzas
A polymer note featuring first president Agostinho Neto and the Black Rocks of Pungo Andongo.
The remaining finalists included notes from Rwanda, Tanzania, Gambia, Guinea, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone.
Significance of the Award
The IBNS Mosaic Chapter competition aims to spotlight excellence in modern African banknote design and production. By focusing on notes currently in circulation, it draws attention both to aesthetic achievement and to the technical security features that protect everyday currency.
Cabo Verde’s victory underscores how a relatively small island nation can produce currency that resonates internationally through strong cultural storytelling and refined design.
The recognition also highlights the growing appreciation for African banknotes among collectors and the wider public.
