Bank Windhoek ATMs first to accept upgraded banknotes

Bank Windhoek has achieved a national first by becoming the first financial institution in
Namibia to kick start the enablement of its Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) cash deposit
acceptance of the newly upgraded Namibia Dollar banknotes. This milestone marks a significant
step forward in supporting the country’s ongoing currency modernisation efforts.
The Bank’s extensive ATM network is currently being upgraded to recognise and securely
authenticate the new series of banknotes introduced by the Bank of Namibia (BoN) in 2025.
Customers can now deposit the enhanced N$200, N$100, N$50, N$20, N$10, and the
commemorative N$30 banknotes at a portion of Bank Windhoek cash deposit ATMs
countrywide.
Bank Windhoek chief operating officer, Hartwig Rothkegel, said that this milestone reflects the
Bank’s unwavering commitment to innovation and customer service. He said that being the first
bank in Namibia to enable deposits of the upgraded banknotes, Bank Windhoek is not only
supporting the Bank of Namibia’s modernisation efforts but also ensuring its customers enjoy a
seamless and secure banking experience. “Our team has worked diligently to prepare our
systems, and we are proud to lead the industry in advancing the way Namibians interact with
their money.”
In 2025, the Bank of Namibia introduced a redesigned series of banknotes and coins featuring
advanced security technology, including colour-shifting elements, transparent and embossed
security windows, and tactile features to enhance accessibility and deter counterfeiting. Bank
Windhoek’s systems upgrade ensures seamless integration of these features into its deposit
and authentication systems.
Rothkegel added that further enhancements are underway as the Bank rolls out upgraded
templates across selected ATMs, significantly reducing rejected notes and improving deposit
performance. He said that custodians across the network have already reported that only
low-quality notes are being rejected, demonstrating improved stability and reliability following
the ongoing upgrades.
More information on the locations and updates on this exercise will be available on the Bank’s
social media platforms in due course.