10 strongest currencies in Africa 2026
As countries in Africa and their economies continue to evolve, some currencies remain notably stronger than others in terms of exchange rate value. The latest data for 2026 highlights the ten African currencies with the highest value, reflecting economic stability, trade influence, and monetary policy in their respective countries.
The report ranks African currencies by their highest exchange rate value against the US Dollar, listing the amount of local currency equivalent to one US dollar.
This ranking reflects economic stability, trade, and monetary policy.
1.Tunisian Dinar (TND) – 2.86 per USD
Why it’s #1: As the strongest currency on the continent, the Dinar reflects Tunisia’s relatively stable economic governance. Its high value is also a result of strict capital controls; the currency is non-convertible and cannot be taken out of the country, which artificially supports its exchange rate.
2. Libyan Dinar (LYD) – 6.31 per USD
Context: Despite ongoing political instability, the Dinar ranks second. This paradox exists because Libya’s central bank has maintained the currency’s official rate through oil revenues, though a black market rate often tells a different story. The official rate remains strong but is not universally accessible.
3. Moroccan Dirham (MAD) – 9.01 per USD
Foundation: Morocco’s currency benefits from a diversified economy (phosphates, agriculture, tourism, and automotive manufacturing). The Dirham is managed via a crawling peg to a basket of currencies (Euro and USD), allowing gradual adjustments rather than sudden devaluations.
4. Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) – 10.84 per USD
The Anomaly: The Cedi appears in the top 5 despite Ghana facing high inflation and debt restructuring in recent years. This specific rate (10.84) represents its official interbank rate. However, the article does not reflect the wide gap often seen between official and retail rates, which can be significantly weaker.
5. Botswana Pula (BWP) – 13.05 per USD
Stability Model: The Pula is consistently Africa’s most stable currency. Botswana uses a crawling peg system that devalues the Pula slowly and predictably against a currency basket. This prevents shocks and protects the diamond-driven economy, making “Rain” a symbol of genuine wealth management.
6. Seychellois Rupee (SCR) – 13.90 per USD
Tourism Float: Seychelles operates a fully floating currency. The Rupee’s strength is tied directly to tourism performance. With 2026 projected to be a record year for high-end travel, demand for the Rupee has pushed its value up against the dollar.
7. Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) – 15.00 per USD
Fixed Regime: The Nakfa is pegged at a fixed rate of 15.00, a rate that has been artificially maintained for years. Eritrea does not have a functioning interbank market, so this rank reflects official policy rather than open market trading.
8. South African Rand (ZAR) – 15.87 per USD
Regional Anchor: The Rand is the most traded and liquid currency on the list. Its value is heavily influenced by commodity prices (platinum, gold) and global risk sentiment. It acts as a proxy for emerging market health. The 15.87 rate indicates a moderate recovery compared to recent volatile years.
9. Eswatini Lilangeni (SZL) – 15.90 per USD
10. Lesotho Loti (LSL) – 15.90 per USD
The Peg: Both currencies are pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand within the Common Monetary Area (CMA). They cannot trade independently of the Rand. They appear slightly weaker than the Rand (15.90 vs 15.87) due to minor transactional costs or specific local demand factors, but technically they move in lockstep with ZAR.
The top spots (Tunisia, Libya, Eritrea) are characterized by fixed or heavily managed rates that do not necessarily reflect free-market supply and demand.
Botswana and Morocco represent managed stability, using gradual adjustments to keep their economies competitive.
The Southern African currencies (Rand, Lilangeni, Loti) move as a bloc, proving economic integration works regarding currency value.
