BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI– EmaSwati have been given an opportunity to turn their creativity into a lasting symbol of the country’s history, with a top prize of E100 000 up for grabs in a national competition to design a commemorative E10 coin celebrating Eswatini’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
The E10 Commemorative Coin Design Concept Competition was officially launched today by Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) Governor Dr Phil Mnisi at the CBE Complex in Ezulwini.
The competition marks the beginning of preparations towards the Kingdom of Eswatini’s diamond jubilee celebrations on September 6, 2028, when the country will commemorate 60 years of independence.
The winner of the competition will receive a Government Investment Instrument valued at E100 000, while the second- and third-place winners will receive investments valued at E30 000 and E20 000, respectively.
Dr Mnisi said the competition was an opportunity for every LiSwati to contribute towards creating a national symbol that could be carried and remembered by generations to come.
“This coin will serve as a lasting symbol of sixty years of independence and national pride,” said Mnisi.
The competition is open to all emaSwati, regardless of age, profession or background, with artists, students, designers, cultural enthusiasts and members of the public encouraged to submit original concepts that capture the spirit and significance of six decades of independence.
Dr Mnisi said a commemorative coin was more than simply a medium of exchange.
“It tells a story of our identity, our culture, our achievements and our aspirations as a nation. It is therefore fitting that the people of Eswatini should play a role in shaping the design of the commemorative coin,” he said.
The competition will officially run from August 27 to October 26, 2026, giving participants eight weeks to develop and submit their entries.
In an effort to ensure that emaSwati from across the country are able to participate, entries will be accepted through designated EPTC Post Office branches nationwide. Participants will also be able to submit entries online through a website that will be announced by the Central Bank.
Competition guidelines, eligibility requirements, judging criteria and submission procedures will be made available through the Bank’s communication platforms and other public channels.
The winning design concept will form the basis of a special E10 Limited Edition Circulating Commemorative Coin, which the Central Bank plans to introduce as part of its preparations for the 60th Independence celebrations.
Importantly, the Governor assured the public that the new coin would not replace the existing E10 banknote.
Once released, the E10 commemorative coin will circulate alongside the current E10 note, with both remaining legal tender.
“The Central Bank of Eswatini will not demonetise the current E10 banknote. The banknote will continue to be accepted as legal tender,” Mnisi said.
Beyond commemorating a major national milestone, the introduction of the coin will also give the Central Bank an opportunity to assess public acceptance of higher-denomination coins within Eswatini’s currency system.
The minting of the commemorative coin is among the Bank’s approved operational projects for the 2026/27 financial year and forms part of its core mandate to issue and redeem currency.
Mnisi explained that the selection of the E10 denomination was both strategic and practical, as the E10 banknote remains one of the most widely used denominations in circulation and is therefore exposed to significant wear and tear.
Replacing worn banknotes over time comes at a considerable cost, he said.
Coins, on the other hand, are significantly more durable and can typically remain in circulation for between 20 and 50 years, compared with banknotes, which generally last between one and five years.
“The introduction of the E10 coin therefore provides an opportunity to improve efficiency while maintaining the quality and reliability of currency available to the public,” Mnisi said.
The Governor said the prize structure was deliberately designed not only to recognise exceptional creativity but also to promote a culture of saving, investment and entrepreneurship among emaSwati.
The E100 000 first prize, together with the E30 000 and E20 000 prizes for the second- and third-placed participants, will be awarded through Government Investment Instruments.
According to Mnisi, the investment-based prizes are intended to extend the benefits of the competition beyond the immediate recognition of the winners.
He said the initiative supported the Central Bank’s broader objectives of promoting an investment culture, financial literacy and financial inclusion by introducing participants to a practical and accessible investment platform.
The Governor made a strong call for national participation, urging emaSwati from every corner of the country to seize the opportunity and submit concepts that reflect the Kingdom’s journey over six decades.
“Together, let us create a commemorative coin that captures the spirit of our nation, celebrates sixty years of independence, and proudly tells the story of the Kingdom of Eswatini to the world,” Mnisi said.
Additional competition guidelines state that the contest is open to all emaSwati, both within the Kingdom and abroad, although participation is strictly on an individual basis and each person may submit only one design. Employees of the Central Bank of Eswatini and their immediate family members are not eligible. Participants are required to design only the reverse, or back, of the commemorative coin, with submissions expected to meet the required standards while capturing the significance and purpose of the coin.
Entry forms can be obtained and submitted at EPTC offices nationwide or at the Central Bank’s Banking Hall at the CBE Complex in Ezulwini. Entries may also be submitted electronically via email at competitions@centralbank.org.sz, while forms will also be available for download from the Central Bank of Eswatini website. Entries will be assessed by a panel appointed by the Central Bank, which will include representatives of the Bank, the appointed minter and, where necessary, experts in national culture, heritage and design. The panel’s decision will be final, subject to the competition rules.
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