21 Strongest Currencies in Africa (2025) Ranked by Value

What are the Strongest Currencies in Africa? 

As of 25 September 2025, the top 21 highest valued currencies in Africa are: 

1. Tunisian Dinar (TND) 

2. Libyan Dinar (LYD) 

3. Moroccan Dirham (MAD) 

4. Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) 

5. Botswana Pula (BWP) 

6. Seychelles Rupee (SCR) 

7. Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) 

8. Namibian Dollar (NAD) 

9. Swazi Lilangeni (SZL) 

10. South African Rand (ZAR) 

11. Lesotho Loti (LSL) 

12. São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN) 

13. Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) 

14. Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) 

15. Egyptian Pound (EGP) 

16. Algerian Dinar (DZD) 

17. Mauritian Rupee (MUR) 

18. West African CFA Franc (XOF) 

19. Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

20. Kenyan Shilling (KES) 

21. Rwandan Franc (RWF) 

List of Strongest Currencies in Africa (2025) - Top 21 Ranking

Below is a table summarizing the top 21 African currencies with their ranking, currency name and code, exchange rate, and key factors, as of 25 September 2025.

Tunisian Dinar (TND)

The Tunisian Dinar is the strongest currency in Africa in 2025.

USD/TND Rate Comparison (25th September 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.

Libyan Dinar (LYD)

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 (25th September 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

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

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 (25th September 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.

Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

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 (25th September 2025):

1 GHS = 0.082 USD

1 USD = 12.0941 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.

Botswana Pula (BWP)

The Botswana Pula is one of Africa’s most consistent currencies.

BWP/USD Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 BWP = 0.073 USD

1 USD =  13.6014 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.

Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

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 (25th September 2025):

1 SCR = 0.067 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.

Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)

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 (25th September 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.

Namibian Dollar (NAD)

The Namibian Dollar mirrors the South African Rand, as it is pegged 1:1 with it. 

NAD/USD Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 NAD = 0.057 USD

1 USD = 17.48 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.

Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)

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 (25th September 2025):

1 SZL = 0.057 USD

1 USD =  17.48 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.

Lesotho Loti (LSL)

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 (25th September 2025):

1 LSL = 0.057 USD

1 USD = 17.48 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.

South African Rand (ZAR)

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 (25th September 2025):

1 ZAR = 0.057 USD

1 USD = 17.48 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 Dobra (STN)

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 (25th September 2025):

1 STN = 0.047 USD

1 USD = 21.16 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.

Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

The Zambian Kwacha is a floating currency influenced by copper prices, agricultural output, and central bank interventions.

ZMW/USD Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 ZMW = 0.041 USD

1 USD = 24.09 ZMW

At ZMW/USD ≈ 0.040 as of 9 September 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.

Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)

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 (25th September 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

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) floats in line with IMF-influenced reforms, with high liquidity but periodic volatility.

EGP/USD Rate Comparison (25th September 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.

Algerian Dinar (DZD)

Algeria's Dinar is supported by substantial foreign reserves from its significant hydrocarbon exports. While the currency is subject to strict government controls and is not fully convertible, its economic base provides underlying strength.

DZD/USD Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 DZD = 0.0076 USD

1 USD = 129.917 DZD

Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

The Mauritian Rupee is one of the most stable and freely convertible currencies in Africa, reflecting the country's status as a high-income financial services and tourism hub. It's prudent monetary policy ensures low inflation and steady performance.

MUR/USD Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 MUR = 0.021 USD

1 USD = 45.4772 MUR

West African CFA Franc (XOF) & Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

These two currencies, though separate, share an identical exchange rate as they are both pegged to the Euro. This peg, guaranteed by the French Treasury, provides exceptional stability and low inflation for the 14 member countries.

While their nominal value is low, they are arguably among the most stable and reliably managed currencies on the continent, powering significant regional economies like Ivory Coast (XOF) and Cameroon (XAF).

USD/XOF and USD/XAF Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 XOF/1XAF = 0.00178 USD

1 USD = 1 USD = 561.132 XOF/XAF

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

The Kenyan Shilling is a key currency in East Africa. Despite facing external pressures, it is backed by a diversified and growing economy, a strong services sector, and significant remittance inflows, making it a pillar of regional trade.

USD/KES Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 KES = 0.00077 USD

1 USD = 129.230 KES

Rwandan Franc (RWF)

The Rwandan Franc reflects the country's renowned economic governance and fiscal discipline. Rwanda's focus on a service-oriented economy and political stability has resulted in a consistently stable and well-managed currency.

USD/RWF Rate Comparison (25th September 2025):

1 RWF = 0.00068 USD

1 USD = 1,450.33 RWF

What Determines a Strong Currency?

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.

What Factors Make These African Currencies Strong?

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:

Strong Export Sectors

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.

Monetary Policy and Currency Controls

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.

Low Inflation and Fiscal Discipline

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.

Pegged and Managed Exchange Rate Systems

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.

Tourism and Service Sector Revenue

Smaller countries like Seychelles rely heavily on tourism receipts in foreign currency, which supports their exchange rates by maintaining a healthy balance of payments.

Strongest African Currencies vs Global Currencies

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, often ranking high in comparison to currencies featured in a World currency list.

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.

Comparison: African Currencies vs. Global Strong Currencies

The table below compares some of the strongest currencies in Africa with globally dominant currencies:

Currency Strength in African Regions (2025)

This table highlights the strongest currencies in each African region as of 25 September 2025, reflecting the new entries.

Conclusion

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.

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