21 Weakest Currencies in Africa in 2026

What are the Weakest Currencies in Africa?

Here is the list of the top 21 weakest currencies in Africa as of January 2026 against the US Dollar.

Important Note on Exchange Rates: This ranking is based primarily on the nominal exchange rate (the USD value of one unit of local currency). A low nominal value is often a sign of historical economic distress, such as hyperinflation. However, it does not always reflect current stability. Some currencies with a low nominal value (like the CFA Francs) are pegged to the Euro and are quite stable, while others with a higher nominal value can be experiencing rapid devaluation.

1. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)

The Sierra Leonean Leone is the weakest currency in Africa. 

The Leone is currently the weakest African currency by value, with over 20,000 leones needed to buy a single US dollar, which ultimately makes Sierra Leone one of the African countries with the lowest currency value.

USD/SLL Rate Comparison

1 SLL = 0.000044 USD

1 USD = 22,855.02 SLL

2. Guinean Franc (GNF)

The Guinean Franc reflects the country's ongoing economic struggles, making it one of the weakest currencies in Africa.  Despite Guinea's rich mineral resources, infrastructural deficits and political instability hinder effective resource utilization, leading to a weak currency.

The Guinean Franc has been particularly volatile in the informal market, where parallel exchange rates often differ significantly from official rates.

USD/GNF Rate Comparison

1 GNF = 0.00011 USD

1 USD =  8,757.09 GNF

3. Malagasy Ariary (MGA)

The Ariary reflects Madagascar's severe economic challenges, including political instability and a heavy reliance on a few agricultural exports like vanilla.  Widespread poverty and vulnerability to climate shocks contribute to its weak standing.

Compare Today’s MGA Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=MGA&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

4. Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

The Ugandan Shilling is the third weakest currency in Africa.

Factors such as declining remittances, a widening trade deficit, and inflationary pressures have contributed to its depreciation. While the government has initiated infrastructure projects to stimulate the economy, their impact on currency stabilization remains to be seen.

Compare Today’s UGX Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=UGX&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

5. Burundian Franc (BIF)

The Burundian Franc is among the weakest currencies in Africa. Burundi's economy faces challenges, including low export earnings, heavy reliance on external aid, and limited industrialization, all contributing to the currency's weakness.

USD/BIF Rate Comparison

1 BIF = 0.00034 USD

1 USD = 2,965.62 BIF

6. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

The Tanzanian Shilling has experienced a slight appreciation in recent months, which made it appear in the list of the weakest African currencies of 2026. However, rising import bills and limited foreign exchange reserves continue to pose challenges to its stability.

Compare Today’s TZS Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=TZS&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

7. Congolese Franc (CDF)

Despite the Democratic Republic of Congo's vast mineral wealth, ongoing conflicts, governance issues, and infrastructural challenges impede economic stability, affecting the currency's strength, the Congolese Franc remains among the weakest currencies in Africa.

The government has struggled to attract sustained foreign investment due to currency instability and legal uncertainty.

USD/CDF Rate Comparison

1 CDF = 0.00044 USD

1 USD =  2,280.56 CDF

8. Malawian Kwacha (MWK)

Persistent trade imbalances, low foreign direct investment, and reliance on donor aid contribute to the Malawian Kwacha’s vulnerability to external shocks.

In November 2023, Malawi devalued the Kwacha by over 40% in an effort to secure IMF support and address its widening fiscal gap.

Compare Today’s MWK Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=MWK&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

9. Rwandan Franc (RWF)

The Rwandan Franc has depreciated against regional currencies like the Kenyan Shilling.

Factors such as increased foreign exchange inflows into neighboring countries and monetary policy adjustments have influenced its performance.

Compare Today’s RWF Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=RWF&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

10. Nigerian Naira (NGN)

The Nigerian Naira is among the weakest currencies in Africa. Despite recent appreciation, the Naira has faced significant depreciation due to foreign exchange shortages, declining oil revenues, and policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies.

Compare Today’s NGN Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=NGN&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

11. Angolan Kwanza (AOA)

The Angolan Kwanza remains one of Africa's weakest currencies in 2026. The AOA has depreciated significantly in recent years due to Angola’s high dependence on oil exports, limited diversification, and persistent inflation. 

USD/AOA Rate Comparison

1 AOA = 0.001092 USD

1 USD = 915.28 AOA

12. Sudanese Pound (SDG)

Years of civil conflict, international sanctions, and economic fragmentation have severely weakened the Sudanese Pound.

The devaluation reflects structural weaknesses in governance, inflation exceeding 100%, and an ongoing lack of access to international financial markets. Political uncertainty continues to hinder currency stability.

Compare Today’s SDG Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=SDG&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

13. Somali Shilling (SOS)

Despite some stabilization efforts, Somalia's currency remains weak due to ongoing political instability, limited central bank authority, and a heavy reliance on informal financial systems.

The lack of a unified monetary policy and the prevalence of counterfeit currency further exacerbate the Shilling's vulnerability in the foreign exchange market.

USD/SOS Rate Comparison

1 SOS = 0.001760 USD

1 USD = 566.83 SOS

14. West African CFA Franc (XOF)  

This currency is included due to its low nominal value, but it stands apart from others on the list. Pegged to the Euro, it benefits from exceptional stability and low inflation, making it weak in unit value yet strong in terms of predictability and trust across the West African region.

Compare Today’s XOF Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=XOF&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

15. Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

Although it has a low nominal value, the Central African CFA Franc remains one of the continent’s most stable currencies.

Its peg to the Euro ensures steady exchange rates and low inflation, making it a reliable and trusted currency across the Central African region despite its modest face value.

Compare Today’s XAF Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=XAF&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

16. Comorian Franc (KMF)

The Comorian Franc is one of the least valued currencies in Africa, though relatively more stable due to its peg.

Despite its weak exchange rate, the KMF is pegged to the euro under an arrangement with the French Treasury, which provides some monetary stability. 

Compare Today’s KMF Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=KMF&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

17. Liberian Dollar (LRD)

The Liberian Dollar operates alongside the US Dollar in a largely dollarized economy. Its weakness stems from low foreign reserves, a lack of export diversification, and the lingering effects of past conflicts. 

USD/LRD Rate Comparison

1 LRD = 0.005540 USD

1 USD = 180.40 LRD

18. Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

Economic challenges, including inflation, political unrest, and foreign exchange shortages, have contributed to the Ethiopian Birr.

The Birr remains overvalued on the official market compared to parallel rates, creating pressure for gradual devaluation.

Compare Today’s ETB Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=ETB&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

19. Kenyan Shilling (KES)

The Kenyan Shilling has experienced significant depreciation due to a strong demand for US dollars to service high external debt and pay for essential imports.

This has placed it among the weaker currencies by nominal value in the region.

Compare Today’s KES Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=KES&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

20. Mozambican Metical (MZN)

The Mozambican Metical is one of Africa’s lowest-valued currencies. Mozambique continues to struggle with the effects of natural disasters, public debt accumulation, and corruption scandals. 

Compare Today’s MZN Exchange Rate 

<iframe src="/en/widget/currency-converter?from=USD&to=MZN&amount=1" 
        width="100%" 
        height="450" 
        frameborder="0">
</iframe>

21. Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG)

Zimbabwe's new gold backed currency, the ZWG, is an attempt to end decades of hyperinflation that rendered the previous Zimbabwean Dollar virtually worthless.

While its launch has brought some temporary stability, its long-term viability is still highly uncertain, and it remains one of the region's weakest currencies. 

USD/ZWG Rate Comparison

1 ZWG = 0.03840 USD

1 USD = 25.85 ZWG

Conclusion

Many African currencies continue to face pressure in 2026 due to long-standing economic and political challenges. From inflation and trade deficits to weak government finances, the reasons behind currency depreciation are often deeply interconnected.

This expanded list of 21 currencies offers a broader view of these challenges across the continent. While some nations are moving toward greater financial stability, others still depend heavily on imports, foreign aid, and limited export sectors.

For a wider perspective, you can also explore our guides on the weakest currencies in the world and the strongest currencies in Africa, which together highlight how both global and regional dynamics shape Africa’s economic resilience.