Top 10 African countries with the strongest currencies in August 2025

By Wale Gbadebo

Some African currencies emerged the strongest and performed better than others. Currency strength remains a key indicator of economic resilience, investor confidence and macroeconomic stability.

Certain countries continue to maintain relatively strong currencies against the US dollar — a reflection of sound fiscal policies, diversified economies, and strategic monetary decisions.

According to Forbes currency calculator here are the top 10 best performing African currencies, ranked by their exchange rate to the US dollar.

1. São Tomé and Príncipe – 1 USD = 22,282 São Tomé and Príncipe Dobras (STN)

The São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra has shown a slight depreciation, with the exchange rate at 21.068 STN per USD on August 19, 2025. This depreciation is influenced by São Tomé and Príncipe’s trade balance and monetary policies.

2. Sierra Leone – 1 USD = 20,970 Sierra Leonean Leones (SLL)

The Sierra Leonean Leone has experienced fluctuations, with the exchange rate at 20,969.50 SLL per USD on August 29, 2025. These fluctuations are influenced by Sierra Leone’s trade balance and monetary policies.

3. Guinea – 1 USD = 8,676 Guinean Francs (GNF)

The Guinean Franc has shown a slight depreciation, with the exchange rate at 8,676.33 GNF per USD on August 29, 2025. This depreciation is due to Guinea’s trade balance and monetary policies.

4. Uganda – 1 USD = 3,549 Ugandan Shillings (UGX)

The Ugandan Shilling has remained relatively stable, with an average exchange rate of 3,560 UGX per USD in August 2025. This stability reflects Uganda’s consistent economic policies and efforts to maintain currency value.

5. Burundi – 1 USD = 2,983 Burundian Francs (BIF)

The Burundian Franc has shown a slight appreciation, with the exchange rate at 2,983.19 BIF per USD on August 25, 2025. This improvement is attributed to Burundi’s fiscal reforms and efforts to stabilize its currency.

6. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – 1 USD = 2,903 Congolese Francs (CDF)

The Congolese Franc has strengthened, with the exchange rate at 2,900.19 CDF per USD on August 30, 2025. This appreciation is due to increased foreign investment and improved economic conditions in the DRC.

7. Tanzania – 1 USD = 2,505 Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)

The Tanzanian Shilling has experienced fluctuations, with the exchange rate at 2,505.49 TZS per USD on August 29, 2025. These fluctuations are influenced by Tanzania’s trade balance and monetary policies.

8. Malawi – 1 USD = 1,734 Malawian Kwachas (MWK)

The Malawian Kwacha has remained relatively stable, with the exchange rate at 1,733.67 MWK per USD on August 29, 2025. This stability reflects Malawi’s consistent economic policies and efforts to maintain currency value.

9. Nigeria – 1 USD = 1,531 Nigerian Naira (NGN)

The Nigerian Naira has shown some volatility, with the exchange rate at 1,536.92 NGN per USD on August 29, 2025. This volatility is influenced by Nigeria’s oil exports and foreign exchange reserves. The Nigerian government has projected an exchange rate of 1,400 NGN per USD for the 2025 budget, aiming for a stronger currency.

10. Rwanda – 1 USD = 1,445 Rwandan Francs (RWF)

The Rwandan Franc has experienced slight depreciation, with the exchange rate at 1,445 RWF per USD on August 29, 2025. This depreciation is due to Rwanda’s trade balance and monetary policies.