Morocco Unveils Commemorative Banknote and Silver Coin to Mark AFCON Hosting

Morocco has marked its hosting of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in grand style with the release of a commemorative banknote and silver coin, according to an announcement by the kingdom’s central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM).

The special editions include a 250-dirham silver coin (approximately USD 27.5) and a redesigned 100-dirham banknote, both celebrating Morocco’s role as host of the 35th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament.

According to BAM, the commemorative currency was entirely designed and produced by Moroccan experts, showcasing local craftsmanship and technical expertise. Released in limited quantities on Monday, December 22, 2025, the items will circulate alongside the regular 100-dirham banknotes.

The silver coin, made from a silver and copper alloy and weighing nearly 30 grams, features a portrait of King Mohammed VI on the obverse. It also bears Arabic inscriptions reading “Mohammed VI” and “Royaume du Maroc,” with the year of issue displayed as 1447–2025 in both Arabic and Tifinagh script, highlighting Morocco’s cultural diversity and heritage.

Meanwhile, the commemorative 100-dirham banknote places strong emphasis on sport and modern infrastructure. Its design includes a portrait of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan coat of arms, a depiction of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, a map of Africa, traditional Moroccan arabesque motifs, and a stylised football symbolising unity through sport.

AFCON matches are being staged across several Moroccan cities, with the tournament having kicked off on Sunday. The issuance of the commemorative currency further underscores Morocco’s ambition to use football as a platform to showcase its development, hospitality, and readiness to host major international sporting events.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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