Malawi 1 Kwacha – 1 April 1988 Issue | Currency of Agricultural Strength and Presidential Legacy Pick# 14i | Numista# 214672

The 1988 1 Kwacha banknote from Malawi represents a mature phase in the nation’s post-independence currency design, issued under the Reserve Bank of Malawi during the presidency of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda. As part of the long-running first Kwacha series (1971–1990s), this note reflects Malawi’s emphasis on agricultural development, national leadership, and economic self-reliance.

Issued on 1 April 1988, the note retains the visual and thematic elements that defined Banda’s era—highlighting rural labor, natural resources, and centralized governance. It remains a key piece for collectors interested in African monetary history and transitional post-colonial economies.

Key Features:

Obverse Design: Right-facing portrait of President Hastings Kamuzu Banda. To the left, fishermen casting nets on Lake Malawi with the sun rising over mountainous terrain—symbolizing sustenance, labor, and national optimism. Text includes “RESERVE BANK OF MALAWI” and “ONE KWACHA.”

Reverse Design: Depicts two Malawian farmers harvesting tobacco, with mountains in the background. The scene emphasizes agriculture as the backbone of Malawi’s economy and a source of national pride.

Watermark: Rooster—an enduring symbol of vigilance and identity in Malawian currency.
Printer: De La Rue, London
Dimensions: 134 × 76 mm
Material: Paper
Date of Issue: 01.04.1988
Catalog References: Pick# 14i, Numista# 214672

This note stands as a visual narrative of Malawi’s development goals in the late 1980s. Its consistent design across years reflects the stability and control of Banda’s administration, while its agricultural themes offer insight into the country’s economic priorities. A foundational piece for collectors of African banknotes and post-independence currency reform.