Top 10 Weakest Currencies In Africa

Let’s face it — not every currency is born equal. Some currencies are out here flexing like the US Dollar and British Pound, while others are humbly fighting for their lives against inflation, economic instability, and policies that make you want to shout, “Who do us like this?” Today, let’s talk about the weakest African currencies — the ones that have seen better days, or maybe never even had good days to begin with.

Before we dive in, let’s make something clear: a weak currency isn’t a curse. It just means that your money buys less compared to stronger currencies like the Dollar or Euro. But weak doesn’t mean worthless — people still live, trade, and hustle in these economies every day. So grab a cup of zobo, and let’s explore these struggling currencies and what’s really going on.

1. Sao Tome and Principe Dobra (STD)

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Dobra — one of the most humble currencies in Africa. This small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea might be a beautiful tourist escape, but its currency? Not so strong.

Why is it so weak? Well, Sao Tome and Principe has a tiny economy that depends heavily on cocoa and foreign aid. It’s also an import-heavy nation, which means the demand for foreign currencies like the dollar is high — and the Dobra can’t keep up. In fact, it’s so fragile that in 2018, they had to cut off three zeros from the currency just to make it manageable!

2. Sierra Leonean Leone (SLL)

You see this one? This is one currency that needs urgent prayers. The Leone has faced serious pressure over the years — from war to Ebola to inflation that seems to be doing press-ups.

What’s the problem? The economy relies a lot on minerals like diamonds and gold, but corruption and poor governance have created potholes in the path to economic stability. The government even re-denominated the currency in 2022, but na only small fresh air e breathe before inflation choked it again.

3. Guinean Franc (GNF)

Despite being rich in bauxite and gold, Guinea’s currency is still crawling. The Guinean Franc sounds fancy, but don’t let the name deceive you — it’s among the weakest currencies in Africa.

Why the struggle? Political instability, corruption, and overreliance on mineral exports. When you put your economic eggs in one mining basket, any disturbance — whether it’s a military coup or falling commodity prices — affects everything. The result? A currency that can barely stand straight.

4. Malagasy Ariary (MGA)

Ah, the Ariary from Madagascar. While the country is famous for its wildlife and beautiful scenery, the Ariary is famous for… not being very valuable.

The issue? Madagascar’s economy is largely agrarian and vulnerable to natural disasters like cyclones, which can destroy crops and livelihoods. Add to that corruption, weak infrastructure, and poor foreign investment, and the Ariary ends up looking like a skinny man in a bodybuilding competition.

5. Burundian Franc (BIF)

The Burundian Franc has been on a steady downward slope for years. Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, faces political unrest, limited exports, and high inflation.

With sanctions and aid suspensions affecting the economy, it’s no surprise the currency isn’t holding up. The black market rate usually differs wildly from the official one — a classic sign of currency trouble.

6. Congolese Franc (CDF)

The Congolese Franc, used in the Democratic Republic of Congo (not to be confused with Congo-Brazzaville), has struggled with instability for decades.

Why the weakness? The DRC has one of the richest deposits of minerals in the world, yet paradoxically, the people remain poor. With years of civil war, corruption, and poor infrastructure, the Franc has never really caught its breath.

7. Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

Now this one might surprise you. The Ugandan Shilling isn’t doing terribly, but compared to stronger African currencies like the Libyan Dinar or Moroccan Dirham, it’s certainly not sitting at the VIP table.

Uganda has made some progress economically, but issues like inflation, public debt, and overreliance on agriculture still weigh down the shilling. It's like someone trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks.

8. Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Like its Ugandan sibling, the Tanzanian Shilling also finds itself among the weaker currencies. The economy is growing, no doubt, but it's still not strong enough to lift the currency from the trenches.

The Tanzanian government has tried to keep inflation in check, but with high import bills and limited exports, the shilling often takes a beating in the foreign exchange market.

9. Rwandan Franc (RWF)

You may be surprised that Rwanda, often praised for its progress, has a relatively weak currency. The Rwandan Franc isn’t rock-bottom, but it’s far from strong.

Despite solid GDP growth and stability, the country imports more than it exports. This trade imbalance puts pressure on the currency. Also, the push for development means a lot of borrowing — and heavy debt is never good for currency strength.

10. Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Yes o, our very own Naira made the list. I know it hurts, but let’s not lie to ourselves — the Naira has been through a lot. From dollar scarcity to inflation that’s literally chasing people out of supermarkets, the Naira is no longer the strong force it used to be.

What went wrong? Fuel subsidies, dependence on oil, forex restrictions, political drama, and a history of mismanagement. The parallel (black market) exchange rate is often twice the official rate. You know a currency is struggling when people rush to dollarize their savings.

So… What Makes a Currency Weak?

Let’s take a breather and explain quickly what weakens a currency:

• High inflation – Reduces purchasing power

• Political instability – Investors run away

• Low exports / High imports – Trade imbalances cause pressure

• Corruption and poor governance – Ruins investor confidence

• Debt overload – Governments borrow more than they earn

When a country suffers from any (or all) of the above, the currency begins to perform like a tired generator — coughing, stalling, and eventually collapsing.

What Can Be Done?

Let’s not end on a depressing note. Weak currencies are not a death sentence. Many countries have revived their economies before — with good policies, innovation, and international support.

Some key moves that can help:

• Diversify the economy: Relying on only one product (like oil or cocoa) is dangerous.

• Invest in education and technology: Skilled citizens build strong economies.

• Strengthen institutions: Fighting corruption and encouraging transparency.

• Support local businesses: Reducing import dependency helps.

• Stabilize the political climate: Investors love peaceful environments.

Final Thoughts

Weak currencies tell a story — of struggle, of survival, and sometimes of sheer neglect. But they also reflect potential. If leaders do what is right, and if citizens hold them accountable, many African nations can rewrite their currency stories.

So the next time you hear someone talk about how low the Naira or Leone has fallen, don’t just shake your head. Think about what can be done — and how you can be part of the change.

We’ve talked about the top 10 weakest African currencies, laughed a bit, cried a little inside, but more importantly, we’ve learned. Because whether your currency is strong or weak, knowledge will always be the real power.