From The Rio Times · Samuel Ncube · · 2m
Zambia Kwacha Leads African Currencies
Zambia's kwacha rises 14.8% against dollar in 2026, Uganda's shilling falls 10.0%.
In brief
Zambia's kwacha rises 14.8% against dollar in 2026, Uganda's shilling falls 10.0%. Zambia's kwacha gained 14.8% against the US dollar in 2026, while Uganda's shilling lost 10.0%. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Zambia's Kwacha Leads
Zambia's kwacha is the strongest African currency against the US dollar in 2026, up 14.8% since 31 December 2025.
Nigeria's Naira Second
Nigeria's naira rose 8.5% against the US dollar in 2026, second strongest among 12 tracked currencies.
Uganda's Shilling Weakens
Uganda's shilling fell 10.0% against the US dollar in 2026, the largest decline among 12 tracked currencies.
Egypt's Pound Drops
Egypt's pound fell 8.9% against the US dollar in 2026, the second largest decline among 12 tracked currencies.
Currency Moves
The Zambian kwacha peaked at 17.22 per US dollar in early 2026 before slipping back to 19.33 by 9 October 2026.
Nigeria's Stable Naira
Nigeria's naira closed at 1,330.85 per US dollar on 9 October 2026, with gross external reserves above the central bank's year-end projection.
Uganda's Shilling Decline
Uganda's shilling fell to 3,980.64 per US dollar on 9 October 2026, down 10.0% from its end-2025 value.
Egypt's Pound Decline
Egypt's pound closed at 52.37 per US dollar on 9 October 2026, down 8.9% from its end-2025 value.
CFA Franc Movement
The CFA franc used in West Africa fell 5.0% against the US dollar in 2026, tied to the euro at a fixed rate.
Prediction Markets
Polymarket prices a 75% chance South Africa's 2026 inflation will exceed 5.0%, with US$90,775 traded as of 12 October 2026.
What to Watch
Nigeria's September inflation data releases on 15 October 2026 and South Africa's on 21 October 2026 could shift currency movements.
Currency Impact
For visitors or investors, a stronger currency means more dollars per local currency, while weaker currencies reduce purchasing power.
What Happens Next
Central bank rate decisions in Egypt, Uganda, and other African nations will influence currency movements in the coming months.
At a glance
Zambia's kwacha gained 14.8% against the US dollar in 2026, while Uganda's shilling lost 10.0%.
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