African currencies largely weakened towards the U.S. greenback in October 2026, with solely 9 of the 54 country-level entries examined recording positive factors throughout the month.
Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from official alternate fee figures present that the Sierra Leonean leone, Seychellois rupee and Mauritian rupee have been among the many continent’s best-performing currencies.
The evaluation compares official alternate charges on the finish of September and October.
39 international locations recorded depreciation and 6 remained unchanged. The figures embody repeated entries for the Central African and West African CFA francs, that are shared currencies utilized by a number of international locations.
Below are the best-performing currencies in Africa in October 2026.
9. Somali Shilling (0.02%)
The Somali shilling appreciated by 0.02% towards the U.S. greenback throughout October.
The foreign money strengthened marginally to 571.36 SOS/$ from 571.50 SOS/$ on the finish of September.
Its motion was the smallest among the many 9 gainers, reflecting an virtually unchanged alternate fee throughout the month.
8. Mozambican Metical (0.06%)
The Mozambican metical appreciated by 0.06% towards the U.S. greenback in October, strengthening from 63.64 MZN/$ on the finish of September to 63.60 MZN/$ on the finish of October.
The achieve was marginal, with the foreign money recording solely a slight enchancment in its alternate fee throughout the month.
7. Ethiopian Birr (0.13%)
The Ethiopian birr appreciated by 0.13% towards the U.S. greenback in October, bettering from 161.65 ETB/$ on the finish of September to 161.44 ETB/$ on the finish of October.
The achieve saved the birr among the many currencies recording appreciation for a second consecutive month, though its efficiency was weaker than the 0.35% appreciation recorded in September.
6. Liberian Dollar (0.59%)
The Liberian greenback appreciated by 0.59% towards the U.S. greenback, strengthening from 170.00 LRD/$ on the finish of September to 169.00 LRD/$ on the finish of October.
The foreign money maintained its constructive efficiency after rising as Africa’s best-performing foreign money in September, though its October appreciation was smaller.
5. Ghanaian Cedi (0.60%)
The Ghanaian cedi gained 0.60% towards the U.S. greenback throughout October.
Its alternate fee improved from 11.71 GHS/$ on the finish of September to 11.64 GHS/$ on the finish of October.
The appreciation marked a notable rebound for the foreign money after it recorded the biggest depreciation among the many African currencies examined in September. It additionally positioned marginally forward of the Liberian greenback in October’s rating.
4. Botswana Pula (0.87%)
The Botswana pula appreciated by 0.87% towards the U.S. greenback throughout October.
The foreign money strengthened to 13.82 BWP/$ from 13.95 BWP/$ on the finish of September.
The achieve represented a reversal from September, when the pula was among the many African currencies that depreciated by greater than 2%.
3. Mauritian Rupee (1.01%)
The Mauritian rupee gained 1.01% towards the U.S. greenback in October.
The foreign money strengthened from 47.76 MUR/$ on the finish of September to 47.28 MUR/$ on the finish of October.
Its appreciation positioned it among the many three strongest-performing African currencies for the month, with solely the Seychellois rupee and Sierra Leonean leone recording bigger positive factors.
2. Seychellois Rupee (1.89%)
The Seychellois rupee was Africa’s second-best-performing foreign money in October 2026, appreciating by 1.89% towards the U.S. greenback.
The alternate fee improved to 13.76 SCR/$ on the finish of October from 14.03 SCR/$ on the finish of September.
Its efficiency was considerably stronger than the Mauritian rupee’s 1.01% appreciation, though it fell in need of the Sierra Leonean leone’s main achieve.
1. Sierra Leonean Leone (3.14%)
The Sierra Leonean leone was Africa’s best-performing foreign money in October 2026, appreciating by 3.14% towards the U.S. greenback.
The alternate fee strengthened to 23,351 SLE/$ on the finish of October from 24,109 SLE/$ on the finish of September.
The 758 SLE/$ decline in the alternate fee translated to a 3.14% appreciation towards the U.S. greenback, lifting the leone from eighth place in September to the highest of the October rating.
What it’s best to know
In a beforehand reported article, Nairametrics reported that the Liberian dollar led Africa’s currency gains in September with a 2.39% appreciation, whereas the Sierra Leonean leone ranked eighth at 0.17%. The leone rose to first place in October with a 3.14% achieve.
Six currencies remained unchanged towards the U.S. greenback in October: the Sudanese pound, Tanzanian shilling, Malawian kwacha, Djiboutian franc, Angolan kwanza and Eritrean nakfa.
At the opposite finish, the Ugandan shilling recorded the biggest depreciation at 8.67%, adopted by the Egyptian pound at 7.89% and the Malagasy ariary at 3.40%. The Nigerian naira additionally weakened by 1.24%.
Overall, 39 country-level entries depreciated towards the U.S. greenback, in contrast with 9 that appreciated and 6 that remained unchanged.
