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Written by Nathalie Okde
Updated 11 June 2025
Strongest currencies in Africa in 2025 are more than just numbers on forex charts. They’re signs of stable economies, smart monetary policies, and rising investor confidence.
When people think of strong currencies, the US Dollar (USD), Euro (EUR), or British Pound (GBP) usually come to mind. But several African currencies are also holding their ground in the currency world.
In this article, we'll explore the top 15 strongest currencies in Africa (2025), what makes them Africa’s strongest currency, and how it impacts the global markets.
The Tunisian Dinar (TND) leads Africa in 2025 with the highest exchange rate value against the US dollar.
Currencies like the Libyan Dinar, Moroccan Dirham, and Botswana Pula are supported by strong exports and fiscal discipline.
African currencies are increasingly used in regional forex trading and are gaining interest for portfolio diversification.
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Below is a table summarizing the top 15 African currencies with their ranking, currency name and code, exchange rate, and key factors, as of 11th June 2025.
Rank
Currency
Code
Exchange Rate (USD)
Key Factors
1
Tunisian Dinar
TND
TND/USD = 0.34
Exports (phosphate, olive oil), tight FX controls
2
Libyan Dinar
LYD
LYD/USD = 0.18
Oil-driven economy, low convertibility outside Libya
3
Moroccan Dirham
MAD
MAD/USD = 0.11
Tourism, remittances, stable inflation targeting
4
Ghanaian Cedi
GHS
GHS/USD = 0.099
Cocoa exports, remittances, inflation targeting
5
Botswana Pula
BWP
BWP/USD = 0.075
Strong fiscal policy, low inflation, diamond exports
6
Seychelles Rupee
SCR
SCR/USD = 0.068
Tourism and fishing, euro-pegged system
7
Eritrean Nakfa
ERN
ERN/USD = 0.066
Fixed peg, remittances, small economy
8
Namibian Dollar
NAD
NAD/USD = 0.056
Pegged to ZAR, mineral exports, tourism
9
Swazi Lilangeni
SZL
SZL/USD = 0.056
Pegged to ZAR, textiles and remittances
10
Lesotho Loti
LSL
LSL/USD = 0.056
Pegged to ZAR, remittances, development aid
11
South African Rand
ZAR
ZAR/USD = 0.056
Industrial output, mining, high liquidity
12
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra
STN
STN/USD = 0.046
Euro-pegged, cocoa, early-stage oil exploration
13
Zambian Kwacha
ZMW
ZMW/USD = 0.040
Copper export-driven, central bank reforms
14
Mauritanian Ouguiya
MRU
MRU/USD = 0.025
Fishing, agriculture, IMF support
15
Egyptian Pound
EGP
EGP/USD = 0.020
IMF reforms, inflation, high liquidity
As of 11th June 2025, the top 15 highest valued currencies in Africa are:
Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Libyan Dinar (LYD)
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Seychelles Rupee (SCR)
Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
Namibian Dollar (NAD)
Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
South African Rand (ZAR)
Lesotho Loti (LSL)
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
The Tunisian Dinar is the strongest currency in Africa in 2025.
USD/TND Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 TND = 0.34 USD
1 USD = 2.94 TND
This strength comes from Tunisia’s consistent efforts to maintain monetary discipline, limit inflation, and control imports through strict foreign exchange rules.
While not freely traded on all forex platforms, the TND is a model of currency stability in Africa. In forex analysis, the TND’s steady performance is a sign of sound economic fundamentals and controlled capital outflows.
Despite political uncertainty, the Libyan Dinar remains one of the strongest currencies in africa. benefits greatly from the country’s vast oil reserves and tight currency regulations.
USD/LYD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 LYD = 0.18 USD
1 USD = 5.56 LYD
Libya has limited the circulation of foreign exchange, helping prevent depreciation. While it’s not one of the most traded forex currency pairs, LYD’s value is still noteworthy in African currency value comparisons.
Its strength is sustained by oil export revenues, a relatively low population, and conservative fiscal policy
The Moroccan Dirham is known for its resilience and gradual appreciation. t reflects Morocco’s strong ties with European markets, solid tourism industry, and consistent economic reforms.
MAD/USD Rate Comparison (5th June 2025):
1 MAD = 0.11 USD
1 USD = 9.09 MAD
Morocco’s central bank manages a flexible peg system, allowing the Dirham to adjust while maintaining overall stability.
As one of the most stable currencies in Africa, the MAD is increasingly featured in regional forex portfolios.
The country’s balanced approach to growth, combined with increased foreign direct investment, gives the Dirham its solid footing.
Source: Numista
The Ghanaian Cedi ranks among the top 10 African currencies by value and is recognized for its comeback after past depreciations.
The Cedi’s strength is driven by major reforms by the Bank of Ghana, gold exports, and digital innovation in payments.
GHS/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 GHS = 0.099 USD
1 USD = 10.10 GHS
Ghana has improved its monetary policies, reduced inflation, and attracted global fintech investment.
Among forex trading African currencies, the GHS is popular due to its liquidity and Ghana’s strategic role in West Africa’s economy.
The Botswana Pula is one of Africa’s most consistent currencies.
BWP/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 BWP = 0.075 USD
1 USD = 13.33 BWP
The country’s stable government, low corruption, and diamond exports have long supported its financial credibility.
Botswana uses a crawling peg system, where the Pula is managed against a basket of currencies, allowing gradual movement while avoiding sharp volatility. This makes it appealing for currency appreciation strategies.
Investors often regard the Pula as a benchmark of how small, well-managed economies can maintain a strong currency in Africa.
Despite its small population, the Seychelles Rupee is a high-performing currency. It is one of the strongest currencies in africa.
SCR/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 SCR = 0.068 USD
1 USD = 14.71 SCR
The island nation’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and recovery post-COVID has helped restore foreign reserves. The government maintains tight fiscal policy and engages with the IMF for financial stability.
Among African currencies compared to USD, the SCR holds an impressive position.
Its value also reflects Seychelles' efforts in environmental tourism and sustainability, making it a solid performer in the region.
The Eritrean Nakfa stands out due to its fixed exchange rate system. The currency remains strong thanks to government-imposed foreign exchange controls.
ERN/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 ERN = 0.066 USD
1 USD = 15 ERN
While not freely traded on the open forex market, the Nakfa's stability is rooted in state policies that prioritize self-reliance and debt control. Although Eritrea faces external trade limitations, the Nakfa’s value remains protected.
It’s a textbook example of how currency strength rankings in Africa can result from political will over market demand.
The Namibian Dollar mirrors the South African Rand, as it is pegged 1:1 with it.
NAD/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 NAD = 0.056 USD
1 USD = 17.72 NAD
Because it shares a monetary union with South Africa, the NAD offers currency stability in Africa while allowing Namibia to maintain its own central bank.
It is also a liquid forex currency pair in southern Africa, popular in trade and cross-border investment. Namibia’s stable economy ensures the NAD stays among Africa’s top currencies.
Like the NAD, the Swazi Lilangeni is pegged to the South African Rand. It is one of the strongest currencies in Africa.
SZL/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 SZL = 0.056 USD
1 USD = 17.7 SZL
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) benefits from its integration into South Africa’s financial system, ensuring stability for the Lilangeni.
Despite its small economy, the country’s use of fiscal discipline and donor support keeps inflation under control. SZL is used in cross-border trade and increasingly appears in forex trading African currencies within the SADC region.
It’s a dependable currency backed by a predictable macroeconomic structure.
The Lesotho Loti also shares a 1:1 peg with the South African Rand and ranks among the most stable currencies in Africa.
LSL/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 LSL = 0.056 USD
1 USD = 17.7 LSL
Its strength is a reflection of Lesotho’s monetary cooperation with South Africa and its focus on development aid, textiles, and remittances.
Despite its small size, Lesotho’s predictable fiscal policies and peg structure provide exchange rate confidence. In regional forex markets, the Loti is considered a safe and steady currency.
The South African Rand is Africa’s most widely traded currency. Iit may not top the value chart, but it leads in terms of liquidity and global visibility.
ZAR/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 ZAR = 0.056 USD
1 USD = 17.7 ZAR
The Rand reflects South Africa’s economic indicators, including its industrial output, mining sector, and stock market performance.
It is included in multiple forex currency pairs like USD/ZAR, EUR/ZAR, and GBP/ZAR, making it a key player on global trading platforms. Though volatile at times, its inclusion in major forex portfolios speaks volumes about its strategic importance.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s currency, the Dobra (STN), is managed by the Central Bank, and while it’s officially pegged to the euro, it trades freely vs USD.
STN/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 STN = 0.046 USD
1 USD = 21.73 STN
Its value reflects São Tomé’s reliance on cocoa, evolving tourism, and nascent oil industry. Though not considered strongly stable, the currency’s linkage to the euro delivers relative predictability. In regional forex, the Dobra is viewed as moderately stable but sensitive to commodity and tourism fluctuations.
The Zambian Kwacha is a floating currency influenced by copper prices, agricultural output, and central bank interventions.
ZMW/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 ZMW = 0.040 USD
1 USD = 25 ZMW
At ZMW/USD ≈ 0.040 as of 11 June 2025, this reflects stability following recent Zambian central bank policy, with a minor weekly loss (~0.5%). Copper-export driven and prone to external shocks, Zambia’s management of reserves and agricultural performance supports cautious confidence among forex traders.
Mauritania’s Ouguiya (MRU) is unique, renominated in 2018 to simplify transactions (1:10), and lacks a peg, floating in line with macroeconomic conditions.
MRU/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 MRU = 0.025 USD
1 USD = 39.7 MRU
Despite being non-divisible by decimal units, Mauritania’s reliance on fishing, agriculture, and mining, along with IMF/World Bank support, maintains moderate stability. MRU is seen as an emerging-market currency with occasional susceptibility to external shocks
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) floats in line with IMF-influenced reforms, with high liquidity but periodic volatility.
EGP/USD Rate Comparison (11th June 2025):
1 EGP = 0.020 USD
1 USD = 49.5 EGP
Under an IMF program, Egypt’s currency was devalued from a fixed peg (c. 30.85 EGP/USD) to around 49 EGP/USD. The Pound remains central to Egypt’s economic reforms, yet it retains volatility due to fiscal and external pressures.
When we talk about African currency strength, it’s not just about the numbers.
A currency’s value reflects the economic strength of a country, influenced by:
Inflation control: Stable prices mean higher trust.
Foreign reserves: Countries with more dollars or gold can support their currency better.
Interest rates: Higher rates attract investors.
Trade balance: Export-heavy countries often have stronger currencies.
Political and economic stability: Unrest weakens confidence and currency.
So, currency stability in Africa often mirrors the broader economic indicators of African countries.
Understanding why certain African currencies are stronger than others means looking at more than just numbers on a screen.
Let’s break down the key reasons behind the currency strength rankings in Africa:
Many of the strongest African currencies belong to countries with large natural resource exports, like oil (Libya), diamonds (Botswana), gold (Ghana), and phosphates (Tunisia).
These exports generate consistent foreign currency inflows, which increase demand for the local currency and help stabilize exchange rates.
Several top-performing African currencies are backed by strict central bank policies, including foreign exchange controls, interest rate targeting, and currency pegs to reduce volatility.
This approach prevents excessive depreciation and builds investor confidence.
Countries with low inflation typically have more stable and stronger currencies.
Governments that spend wisely and manage debt effectively reduce inflationary pressure and increase the value of their currency over time.
Several currencies like the Namibian Dollar (NAD), Swazi Lilangeni (SZL), and Lesotho Loti (LSL) are pegged to the South African Rand, benefiting from exchange rate stability without giving up full monetary autonomy.
Pegs to stronger currencies or currency baskets can stabilize expectations and reduce speculation.
Smaller countries like Seychelles rely heavily on tourism receipts in foreign currency, which supports their exchange rates by maintaining a healthy balance of payments.
While no African currency has dethroned global giants like the US Dollar (USD) or Euro (EUR), some are holding their own impressively.
The Tunisian Dinar, for instance, is not only the strongest currency in Africa but even stronger than some Eastern European and Asian currencies.
African currencies may not be “reserve currencies” yet, but they’re gaining traction in regional trade, investment portfolios, and forex trading platforms alike.
At the same time, the weakest currencies in Africa, such as the Leone and Dobra, highlight the ongoing economic disparities across the continent.
The table below compares some of the strongest currencies in Africa with globally dominant currencies:
USD Rate
Inflation Rate
Reserve Status
Global Usage
0.18
4.2%
Low
Very Low
0.34
7.5%
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
0.30
2.1%
Medium
US Dollar (USD)
1.00
2.5%
High
Very High
Euro (EUR)
1.08
2.8%
0.075
3.9%
This table highlights the strongest currencies in each African region as of June 2025:
Region
Strongest Currencies
Notes
North Africa
Tunisian Dinar (TND), Libyan Dinar (LYD), Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
North Africa leads with the highest-value currencies due to oil exports and tight monetary control.
West Africa
GHS shows resilience after years of volatility, driven by exports and policy reforms.
Southern Africa
Botswana Pula (BWP), South African Rand (ZAR), Namibian Dollar (NAD), Lesotho Loti (LSL), Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)
Southern Africa dominates in terms of count, with multiple currencies pegged to the Rand.
Central Africa
Central African CFA Franc (XAF)
XAF is shared across several countries; not among highest-value but widely used regionally.
East Africa
Seychelles Rupee (SCR), Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)
SCR is tourism-driven and ERN is tightly pegged; both are relatively stable despite small economies.
The strongest currencies in Africa in 2025 highlight the progress made by several African nations in managing their economies with greater stability and control.
From the Tunisian Dinar to the South African Rand, these currencies reflect a mix of export-driven growth and smart monetary policy.
If you found this interesting, you can also check the strongest currency in the world and weakest currency in the world in 2025.
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The Tunisian Dinar (TND) is the highest currency in Africa with an exchange rate of TND/USD = 0.33.
It’s due to currency controls, sound fiscal management, and a diversified economy that limits dependence on imports.
Yes, while not the highest in value, it’s one of the most widely traded and influential currencies in Africa.
Currencies like the Sierra Leonean Leone and Zimbabwean Dollar often rank among the weakest due to hyperinflation and economic instability.
It depends on your region. The South African Rand, Moroccan Dirham, and Botswana Pula are widely accepted and fairly stable.
While East African currencies aren't among the top 5, the Kenyan Shilling (KES) is considered one of the most stable in that region.
SEO Content Writer
Nathalie Okde is an SEO content writer with nearly two years of experience, specializing in educational finance and trading content. Nathalie combines analytical thinking with a passion for writing to make complex financial topics accessible and engaging for readers.
This written/visual material is comprised of personal opinions and ideas and may not reflect those of the Company. The content should not be construed as containing any type of investment advice and/or a solicitation for any transactions. It does not imply an obligation to purchase investment services, nor does it guarantee or predict future performance. XS, its affiliates, agents, directors, officers or employees do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, timeliness or completeness of any information or data made available and assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment based on the same. Our platform may not offer all the products or services mentioned.
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