Here’s a long, informative blog-style post about African countries and their approximate currency exchange rates (mainly against the US dollar) as of February 2026 — based on the most recent publicly available data and trends. I’ve organized it to make sense for your Facebook or blog audience.
💱 Africa’s Currency Landscape in February 2026 — Exchange Rates You Should Know
The currency situation across Africa in early 2026 reflects a mix of strengths, pressures, and ongoing economic challenges. Exchange rates against the US dollar (USD) are often used as a benchmark because the dollar remains the dominant global currency. Here’s a breakdown of how various African currencies are performing and what it means for businesses, travellers, investors, and everyday citizens.
🇿🇦 South Africa – South African Rand (ZAR)
The rand continues to be one of the most watched African currencies. It has seen volatility around 15.9 – 16.2 per US dollar in February 2026, influenced by commodity price swings (especially gold and platinum) and global financial sentiment. (Federal Reserve)
South Africa’s economy is closely tied to metal and mineral exports, so when gold rebounds, the rand tends to strengthen — and when global risk aversion rises, the rand softens. (Reuters)
🇳🇬 Nigeria – Nigerian Naira (NGN)
The naira has been strengthening modestly against the dollar, trading in the about ₦1,364 ≈ ₦1,388 per USD range in early 2026, supported by improved foreign exchange supply due to higher oil revenues and investor interest. (Reuters)
While volatility remains a concern, stronger oil receipts and policy support have helped stabilize the currency compared to recent years.
🇬🇭 Ghana – Ghana Cedi (GHS)
Ghana’s cedi has faced pressure due to strong demand for foreign exchange — especially from the energy sector — causing it to trade around ₵10.95-11.0 per USD in early February. (Reuters)
Forex bureaus show a somewhat wider spread versus official central bank rates, highlighting liquidity pressures in the market. (LinkedIn)
🇰🇪 Kenya – Kenyan Shilling (KES)
The Kenyan shilling has remained relatively stable around 128.9 – 129.1 per USD, thanks to a balanced flow of dollars from exports like tourism and horticulture. (Reuters)
🇺🇬 Uganda – Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Uganda’s shilling has traded around 3,550 – 3,560 per USD, with its trend shaped by both central bank policy and external demand pressure. (Reuters)
📉 Weakest Currencies (Rough Snapshot)
According to recent regional analyses, some African currencies are among the weakest in January 2026 when compared to the US dollar, reflecting economic pressures such as inflation, dependency on imports, and currency depreciation. This includes: (The Nation Newspaper)
🇸🇹 São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra (STN) – ~22,282 per USD
🇸🇱 Sierra Leonean Leone (SLE) – ~20,970 per USD
🇬🇳 Guinean Franc (GNF) – ~8,700 per USD
🇲🇬 Malagasy Ariary (MGA) – ~4,483 per USD
🇺🇬 Ugandan Shilling (UGX) – ~3,541 per USD
🇧🇮 Burundian Franc (BIF) – ~2,938 per USD
🇹🇿 Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) – ~2,548 per USD (The Nation Newspaper)
These figures illustrate how varying structural issues, import pressures, and foreign exchange shortages affect currency values differently across the continent.
💪 Stronger Currencies in the Region
On the other end, several African currencies remain comparatively stronger against the dollar due to economic policy, export stability, or fiscal measures: (Tribune Online)
🇹🇳 Tunisian Dinar (TND) – ~ 2.86 per USD
🇱🇾 Libyan Dinar (LYD) – ~ 6.31 per USD
🇲🇦 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) – ~ 9.01 per USD
🇬🇭 Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) – ~ 10.84 per USD (note: this is stronger in official listings but volatile in markets)
🇧🇼 Botswana Pula (BWP) – ~ 13.05 per USD (Tribune Online)
These currencies benefit from relatively sound monetary policies, natural resource exports, or managed exchange regimes.
📊 What This Means for You
Travelers & Remittances
If you’re sending or spending money across borders in Africa, understanding these rates helps you plan better and avoid poor exchange deals.Businesses & Trade
Importers face higher costs when currencies depreciate, while exporters may benefit from greater competitiveness abroad.Investors
Exchange rates reflect economic confidence and risk. Stable or strengthening currencies can attract more investment.Everyday Consumers
Weaker currencies often translate into higher prices for imported goods — from fuel to electronics — affecting living costs.
🧠 Final Thought
African currencies in February 2026 reflect a dynamic mix of stability, pressure, and adjustment. From relatively stable shillings and naira to currencies under stress like the Sierra Leonean leone or São Tomé & Príncipe dobra, the continent’s economic story is diverse and evolving.
Staying informed about exchange rates helps individuals and businesses make smarter financial decisions in a world where global currencies shift constantly.
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