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15 Strongest Currencies in Africa (2025) Ranked by Value

Written by Nathalie Okde

Updated 11 June 2025

strongest-currency-in-africa
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    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.

    Key Takeaways

    • 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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    List of Strongest Currencies in Africa (2025) Top 15 Ranking  

    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

     

    What are the Strongest Currencies in Africa?

    As of 11th June 2025, the top 15 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)

     

    Strongest Currency in Africa: Tunisian Dinar (TND)

    tunisian-dinar

    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.

     

    Libyan Dinar (LYD)

    libyan-dinar

    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

     

     

    Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

    moroccan-dirham

    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.

     

     

    Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

    ghanaian-strongest-currencies-list

    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.

     

    Botswana Pula (BWP)

    botswana-pula

    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.

     

    Seychelles Rupee (SCR)

    seychelles-rupee

    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.

     

    Eritrean Nakfa (ERN)

    eritrean-nakfa

    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.

     

    Namibian Dollar (NAD)

    namibian-dollar

    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.

     

    Swazi Lilangeni (SZL)

    swazi-lilangeni

    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.

     

    Lesotho Loti (LSL)

    lesotho-loti

    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.

     

    South African Rand (ZAR)

    south-african-rand

    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 Dobra (STN)

    são-tomé-and-príncipe-dobra

    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.

     

    Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

    zambian-kwacha

    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.

     

    Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)

    mauritanian-ouguiya

    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

     

    Egyptian Pound (EGP)

    egyptian-pound

    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.

     

    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.

    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

    USD Rate

    Inflation Rate

    Reserve Status

    Global Usage

    Libyan Dinar (LYD)

    0.18

    4.2%

    Low

    Very Low

    Tunisian Dinar (TND)

    0.34

    7.5%

    Low

    Very Low

    Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

    0.30

    2.1%

    Medium

    Low

    US Dollar (USD)

    1.00

    2.5%

    High

    Very High

    Euro (EUR)

    1.08

    2.8%

    High

    High

    Botswana Pula (BWP)

    0.075

    3.9%

    Low

    Low

     

    Currency Strength in African Regions (2025)

    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

    Ghanaian Cedi (GHS)

    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.

     

    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.

    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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      FAQs

      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.

      Nathalie Okde

      Nathalie Okde

      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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