Best performing African currencies in September 2026

African currencies mostly weakened against the U.S. dollar in September 2026, with only eight currencies recording gains. The Liberian dollar, Zimbabwe gold, and the Gambian dalasi were among the continent's top-performing currencies. The Sierra Leonean leone gained 0.17%, strengthening from 24,149 SLE/$ to 24,109 SLE/$. Tanzanian shilling appreciated by 0.19%, moving from 2,645 TZS/$ to 2,640 TZS/$.

The Ethiopian birr appreciated by 0.35%, rising from 162.22 ETB/$ to 161.6495 ETB/$. The Nigerian naira gained 0.45%, strengthening from N1,335.50/$ to N1,329.50/$. The Mauritanian ouguiya appreciated by 0.50%, moving from 40.16 MRU/$ to 39.961 MRU/$. The Gambian dalasi gained 0.74%, strengthening from 75.08 GMD/$ to 74.525 GMD/$.

Zimbabwe gold was Africa's second-best performing currency, appreciating by 1.84%. The Liberian dollar was the continent's top performer, appreciating by 2.39%. Several currencies recorded little or no movement, including the Malawian kwacha, Djiboutian franc, and Somali shilling, which remained unchanged. The Ghanaian cedi, Zambian kwacha, and Ugandan shilling recorded the largest declines at 4.09%, 3.89%, and 3.57% respectively.