21 Weakest Currencies in Africa (2025) Ranked by Value

What are the Weakest Currencies in Africa?

The top 21 weakest currencies in Africa, as of 7 October 2025, are listed below. The list is ranked by the nominal value of one unit of each currency in USD, from lowest to highest.

1. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE)

2. Guinean Franc (GNF)

3. Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

4. Burundian Franc (BIF)

5. Congolese Franc (CDF)

6. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

7. Malawian Kwacha (MWK)

8. Nigerian Naira (NGN)

9. Rwandan Franc (RWF)

10. Malagasy Ariary (MGA)

11. Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

12. Sudanese Pound (SDG)

13. Angolan Kwanza (AOA)

14. West African CFA Franc (XOF)

15. Somali Shilling (SOS)

16. Comorian Franc (KMF)

17. Liberian Dollar (LRD)

18. Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

19. Kenyan Shilling (KES)

20. Mozambican Metical (MZN)

21. Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)

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

Below is table summarizing the top 21 African currencies with their ranking, currency name and code, exchange rate, and key factors. The list is now accurately sorted by the USD value of one unit of currency, from weakest to strongest.

Weakest Currency in Africa: Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE)

The Sierra Leonean Leone is the weakest currency in Africa in 2025.

USD/SLE Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 SLE = 0.00004 USD

1 USD = 25,000 SLE

The government's 2022 redenomination policy aimed to stabilize the currency but has yet to yield substantial results. High inflation in African economies, limited export diversification, and structural economic challenges continue to undermine Leone's value.

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.

Second Weakest Currency in Africa: Guinean Franc (GNF)

The Guinean Franc reflects the country's ongoing economic struggles making it one of the weakest currencies in Africa. .

USD/GNF Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 SLE =0.00011USD

1 USD = 8,667.9 SLE

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.

Third Weakest Currency in Africa: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

The Ugandan Shilling is the third weakest currency in Africa.

USD/UGX Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 UGX = 0.00029 USD

1 USD = 3,446.27 UGX

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.

The Bank of Uganda has maintained relatively high interest rates to curb inflation and support the shilling.

Burundian Franc (BIF)

Currently, the Burundian Franc is amongst the weak currencies in Africa.

USD/BIF Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 BIF = 0.00034 USD

1 USD = 2,940.76 BIF

Burundi's economy faces challenges including low export earnings, heavy reliance on external aid, and limited industrialization, all contributing to the currency's weakness.

The BIF remains one of the least-traded currencies in the region, with limited availability in international foreign exchange markets.

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 amongst the wekaest currencies in Africa.

USD/CDF Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 CDF = 0.00037 USD

1 USD = 2,701.57 CDF

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

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

The Tanzanian Shilling has experienced slight appreciation in recent months, which made it appear in the list of the weakest African currencies of 2025. However, rising import bills and limited foreign exchange reserves continue to pose challenges to its stability.

USD/TZS Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 TZS = 0.00040 USD

1 USD = 2,496.28 TZS

The Bank of Tanzania actively intervenes in the forex market to smooth out excessive volatility.

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.

USD/MWK Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 MWK = 0.00057 USD

1 USD = 1,733.56 MWK

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

Nigerian Naira (NGN)

The Nigerian Naira is amongst the weakest currencies in Africa in 2025.

USD/NGN Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 NGN = 0.00068 USD

1 USD = 1,467.38 NGN

. 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.

The Central Bank of Nigeria continues to operate multiple exchange windows, leading to a gap between official and parallel market rates. Because of its global prominence, the Naira frequently appears in forex market hours discussions and is often used to assess market sentiment toward frontier economies.

Rwandan Franc (RWF)

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

USD/RWF Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 RWF = 0.00069 USD

1 USD = 1,448.96 RWF

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

Rwanda maintains a managed float regime and uses targeted interventions to prevent excessive currency depreciation.

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. 

USD/MGA Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 MGA = 0.00022 USD

1 USD = 4,437.48 MGA

Angolan Kwanza (AOA)

The Angolan Kwanza remains one of Africa's weakest currencies in 2025.

USD/AOA Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 AOA = 0.0010 USD

1 USD = 1,000 AOA

The AOA has depreciated significantly in recent years due to Angola’s high dependence on oil exports, limited diversification, and persistent inflation. Currency liberalization efforts and exchange rate adjustments have led to volatility, although the government has taken steps to stabilize the fiscal environment through IMF-backed reforms.

Sudanese Pound (SDG)

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

USD/SDG Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 SDG = 0.0016 USD

1 USD = 600.49 SDG

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.

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

These currencies are included due to their low nominal value. However, it is crucial to distinguish them from others on this list. Their peg to the Euro guarantees exceptional stability and low inflation, making them weak in unit value but strong in terms of predictability and trust within their regions. 

USD/XOF and USD/XAF Rate Comparison  (7th October 2025):

1 XOF/1XAF = 0.00178 USD

1 USD = 1 USD = 561.132 XOF/XAF

Somali Shilling (SOS)

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

USD/SOS Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 SOS = 0.0017 USD

1 USD = 570.603 SOS

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

Comorian Franc (KMF)

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

USD/KMF Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 KMF = 0.0023 USD

1 USD = 434.78 KMF

Despite its weak exchange rate, the KMF is pegged to the euro under an arrangement with the French Treasury, which provides some monetary stability. However, Comoros faces challenges such as limited export capacity, dependence on remittances, and a narrow economic base dominated by agriculture and aid.

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 (7th October 2025):

1 ETB = 0.0069 USD

1 USD = 144.592 ETB

Ethiopian Birr (ETB)

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

USD/ETB Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 ETB = 0.0068 USD

1 USD = 145.115 ETB

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

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.

USD/KES Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 KES = 0.00077 USD

1 USD = 129.230 KES

Mozambican Metical (MZN)

The Mozambican Metical is one of Africa’s lowest-valued currencies in 2025.

USD/MZN Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 MZN = 0.0156 USD

1 USD = 64.10 MZN

Mozambique continues to struggle with the effects of natural disasters, public debt accumulation, and corruption scandals. While the discovery of offshore gas reserves offers long-term potential, short-term macroeconomic instability and inflation have kept the Metical under pressure. Currency volatility is also linked to its reliance on agricultural exports and import inflation.

Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) 

Zimbabwe's new gold-backed currency, the ZiG, 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 and most fragile currencies. 

USD/ZiG Rate Comparison (7th October 2025):

1 ZiG = 0.09 USD

1 USD = 11.11 ZiG

What Determines a Weak Currency?

When we talk about weak currencies in Africa, we’re looking beyond just low exchange rates.

A weak currency often signals underlying economic and political challenges, shaped by:

• High inflation: When prices rise quickly, the local currency buys less, leading to depreciation.

• Low foreign reserves: Without sufficient USD or gold, central banks can’t defend the currency during crises.

• Unfavorable interest rates: Low or negative real interest rates discourage foreign investment.

• Trade deficits: When a country imports more than it exports, demand for foreign currency rises, weakening the local currency.

• Political instability: Unrest, corruption, or poor governance reduce investor confidence and can trigger capital flight.

In short, weak currencies in Africa often reflect deep-rooted structural issues, from war and sanctions to overreliance on commodities and underdeveloped financial systems.

What Factors Make These African Currencies Weak?

Understanding why some African currencies rank among the weakest in the world requires a closer look at deeper economic and political challenges — not just exchange rate figures.

Let’s break down the common causes behind currency weakness in Africa:

Chronic Inflation and Currency Devaluation

Many of Africa’s weakest currencies, like the Sierra Leonean Leone, Zimbabwean Dollar, and Sudanese Pound, suffer from persistent inflation or even hyperinflation.

When domestic prices rise faster than wages, a currency loses purchasing power rapidly, forcing central banks to devalue it repeatedly to adjust for market realities.

Low Foreign Reserves and Dollar Shortages

Countries like Nigeria, Sudan, and Ethiopia face recurring foreign exchange shortages, limiting their ability to stabilize local currencies.

Low reserves mean the central bank cannot defend the currency during economic shocks, leading to parallel (black market) exchange rates and loss of credibility.

Reliance on Imports and Poor Trade Balances

Nations that import significantly more than they export, such as Burundi or Comoros, create constant demand for foreign currency, weakening their own.

Without a strong export base, these countries struggle to earn enough USD or EUR to support their local currencies.

Political Instability and Governance Issues

Currencies in countries with ongoing conflict (e.g., Sudan, Somalia, DRC) or political instability face investor flight, capital controls, and sudden devaluations.

Lack of transparency, weak institutions, and inconsistent economic policies contribute directly to currency depreciation.

Weakest African Currencies vs. Global Currencies

While global currencies like the US Dollar (USD) and Euro (EUR) remain dominant, Africa’s weakest currencies reveal deep-seated structural challenges and economic disparities.

Currencies such as the Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE) and Guinean Franc (GNF) have some of the lowest values worldwide, often appearing near the bottom of any World currency list, highlighting the uneven pace of monetary stability across the continent.

These currencies often struggle with inflation, limited reserves, political instability, and high dependency on imports.

While they play a minimal role in international finance, they are critical indicators of domestic economic fragility.

Comparison: Weakest African Currencies vs. Global Currencies (2025)

Currency Weakness in African Regions (2025)

This table outlines the weakest currencies across different African regions, updated with the new entries.

Weakest vs. Strongest African Currencies in 2025

Africa's currency landscape in 2025 is marked by wide disparities. Some currencies are gaining strength through sound economic policy, while others continue to weaken due to inflation, political instability, and external debt.

Strongest African Currencies
Strong currencies like the Tunisian Dinar (TND), Libyan Dinar (LYD), and Moroccan Dirham (MAD) top the list in terms of value. These strongest currencies in Africa are supported by stable monetary policy, low inflation, and strong trade balances.

Weakest African Currencies
On the other end, the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD), Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE), and Guinean Franc (GNF) remain among the weakest currencies, reflecting broader economic distress. These currencies struggle with devaluation, high inflation, and reliance on imports.

Conclusion

Many African currencies continue to face pressure in 2025 due to long-standing economic and political challenges. From inflation and trade deficits to weak government finances, the reasons behind currency depreciation are often interconnected.  

This expanded list of 21 currencies provides a broader view of these challenges across the continent. While some countries are working toward more stable financial systems, others still rely heavily on imports, foreign aid, and narrow export sectors. 

Tracking the weakest currencies in Africa gives a clearer picture of the continent’s financial struggles and how global and local events affect everyday economies.