African currencies largely weakened in opposition to the U.S. greenback in September 2026, with solely eight recording beneficial properties through the month.
Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from official alternate charge figures reveals that the Liberian greenback, Zimbabwe gold, and the Gambian dalasi have been among the many continent’s best-performing currencies.
The evaluation compares every foreign money’s official alternate charge on the finish of August with its closing charge on the finish of September. While eight currencies strengthened, forty-three weakened in opposition to the U.S. greenback and three recorded no change.
Below are the best-performing currencies in Africa in September 2026.
8. Sierra Leonean Leone (0.17%)
The Sierra Leonean leone gained 0.17% in opposition to the U.S. greenback throughout September.
The foreign money strengthened to 24,109 SLE/$ from 24,149 SLE/$ on the finish of August.
The appreciation positioned the leone among the many currencies that recorded beneficial properties through the month, though its efficiency was modest in contrast with these of the main currencies.
7. Tanzanian Shilling (0.19%)
The Tanzanian shilling appreciated by 0.19% in opposition to the U.S. greenback in September, strengthening from 2,645 TZS/$ on the finish of August to 2,640 TZS/$ on the finish of September.
The modest achieve positioned the shilling forward of the Sierra Leonean leone in the rating of currencies that strengthened in opposition to the greenback through the month.
6. Ethiopian Birr (0.35%)
The Ethiopian birr appreciated by 0.35% in opposition to the U.S. greenback in September, enhancing from 162.22 ETB/$ on the finish of August to 161.6495 ETB/$ on the finish of September.
The achieve positioned the birr among the many six best-performing currencies in the rating, forward of the Tanzanian shilling and Sierra Leonean leone.
5. Nigerian Naira (0.45%)
The Nigerian naira appreciated by 0.45% in opposition to the U.S. greenback in September, strengthening from N1,335.50/$ on the finish of August to N1,329.50/$ on the finish of September.
The naira closed September N6 stronger in opposition to the U.S. greenback, extending its constructive efficiency in the month after exhibiting relative resilience in 2026.
4. Mauritanian Ouguiya (0.50%)
The Mauritanian ouguiya gained 0.50% in opposition to the U.S. greenback throughout September.
The alternate charge improved from 40.16 MRU/$ on the finish of August to 39.961 MRU/$ on the finish of September.
The ouguiya completed simply forward of the naira, the narrowest hole among the many high 5.
3. Gambian Dalasi (0.74%)
The Gambian dalasi gained 0.74% in opposition to the U.S. greenback throughout September.
The foreign money strengthened to 74.525 GMD/$ from 75.08 GMD/$ on the finish of August.
The appreciation positioned the dalasi third amongst Africa’s best-performing currencies in September, behind Zimbabwe gold and the Liberian greenback.
2. Zimbabwe Gold (1.84%)
Zimbabwe gold was Africa’s second best-performing foreign money in September 2026, appreciating by 1.84% in opposition to the U.S. greenback.
The alternate charge improved to 26.636 ZiG/$ on the finish of September from 27.136 ZiG/$ on the finish of August.
The achieve positioned Zimbabwe gold second in the rating, behind the Liberian greenback, which recorded a bigger appreciation through the month.
1. Liberian Dollar (2.39%)
The Liberian greenback was Africa’s best-performing foreign money in September 2026, appreciating by 2.39% in opposition to the U.S. greenback.
The alternate charge improved to 172.424 LRD/$ on the finish of September from 176.637 LRD/$ on the finish of August.
The 4.213 LRD/$ decline in the alternate charge translated to a 2.39% appreciation of the Liberian greenback in opposition to the U.S. greenback.
What it is best to know
Several African currencies recorded little or no motion throughout September. The Malawian kwacha, Djiboutian franc, and Somali shilling have been unchanged between August and September. The Sudanese pound additionally recorded nearly no motion, with its alternate charge altering solely marginally.
At the opposite finish of the rating, the Ghanaian cedi recorded the most important decline at 4.09%, adopted by the Zambian kwacha at 3.89% and the Ugandan shilling at 3.57%. The Botswana pula, Cape Verdean escudo, São Tomé and Príncipe dobra, and Malagasy ariary additionally recorded declines exceeding 2%.
Overall, the information present that foreign money weak spot was widespread throughout Africa in September. Only eight currencies appreciated in opposition to the U.S. greenback, in contrast with 43 that depreciated and three that recorded no change.
