African currencies mostly weakened against the U.S. dollar in October 2026, with only nine of the 54 country-level entries examined recording gains during the month.<\/p>\n
Data compiled by Nairametrics Research from official exchange rate figures show that the Sierra Leonean leone, Seychellois rupee and Mauritian rupee were among the continent\u2019s best-performing currencies.<\/p>\n
The analysis compares official exchange rates at the end of September and October.<\/p>\n
39 countries recorded depreciation and six remained unchanged. The figures include repeated entries for the Central African and West African CFA francs, which are shared currencies used by multiple countries.<\/p>\n
Below are the best-performing currencies in Africa in October 2026.<\/p>\n
The Somali shilling appreciated by 0.02% against the U.S. dollar during October.<\/p>\n
The currency strengthened marginally to 571.36 SOS\/$ from 571.50 SOS\/$ at the end of September.<\/p>\n
Its movement was the smallest among the nine gainers, reflecting an almost unchanged exchange rate during the month.<\/p>\n
The Mozambican metical appreciated by 0.06% against the U.S. dollar in October, strengthening from 63.64 MZN\/$ at the end of September to 63.60 MZN\/$ at the end of October.<\/p>\n
The gain was marginal, with the currency recording only a slight improvement in its exchange rate during the month.<\/p>\n
The Ethiopian birr appreciated by 0.13% against the U.S. dollar in October, improving from 161.65 ETB\/$ at the end of September to 161.44 ETB\/$ at the end of October.<\/p>\n
The gain kept the birr among the currencies recording appreciation for a second consecutive month, although its performance was weaker than the 0.35% appreciation recorded in September.<\/p>\n
The Liberian dollar appreciated by 0.59% against the U.S. dollar, strengthening from 170.00 LRD\/$ at the end of September to 169.00 LRD\/$ at the end of October.<\/p>\n
The currency maintained its positive performance after emerging as Africa\u2019s best-performing currency in September, although its October appreciation was smaller.<\/p>\n
The Ghanaian cedi gained 0.60% against the U.S. dollar during October.<\/p>\n
Its exchange rate improved from 11.71 GHS\/$ at the end of September to 11.64 GHS\/$ at the end of October.<\/p>\n
The appreciation marked a notable rebound for the currency after it recorded the largest depreciation among the African currencies examined in September. It also placed marginally ahead of the Liberian dollar in October\u2019s ranking.<\/p>\n
The Botswana pula appreciated by 0.87% against the U.S. dollar during October.<\/p>\n
The currency strengthened to 13.82 BWP\/$ from 13.95 BWP\/$ at the end of September.<\/p>\n
The gain represented a reversal from September, when the pula was among the African currencies that depreciated by more than 2%.<\/p>\n
The Mauritian rupee gained 1.01% against the U.S. dollar in October.<\/p>\n
The currency strengthened from 47.76 MUR\/$ at the end of September to 47.28 MUR\/$ at the end of October.<\/p>\n
Its appreciation placed it among the three strongest-performing African currencies for the month, with only the Seychellois rupee and Sierra Leonean leone recording larger gains.<\/p>\n
The Seychellois rupee was Africa\u2019s second-best-performing currency in October 2026, appreciating by 1.89% against the U.S. dollar.<\/p>\n
The exchange rate improved to 13.76 SCR\/$ at the end of October from 14.03 SCR\/$ at the end of September.<\/p>\n
Its performance was significantly stronger than the Mauritian rupee\u2019s 1.01% appreciation, although it fell short of the Sierra Leonean leone\u2019s leading gain.<\/p>\n
The Sierra Leonean leone was Africa\u2019s best-performing currency in October 2026, appreciating by 3.14% against the U.S. dollar.<\/p>\n
The exchange rate strengthened to 23,351 SLE\/$ at the end of October from 24,109 SLE\/$ at the end of September.<\/p>\n
The 758 SLE\/$ decline in the exchange rate translated to a 3.14% appreciation against the U.S. dollar, lifting the leone from eighth place in September to the top of the October ranking.<\/p>\n