Exchange rate of African currencies to U.S. dollar 2023

As of August 1, 2023, one U.S. dollar could buy 21,021.7 Sierra Leonean leones (SLL), the highest exchange rate among the African currencies. Furthermore, one U.S. dollar corresponded to 758.9 Nigerian naira (NGN), 30.85 Egyptian pounds (EGP), 18.03 South African rand (ZAR), and 9.86 Moroccan dirhams (MAD) as of the same date.

Exchange rates and inflation: a case study of West African countries

Exchange rates can affect a country's inflation rate and the purchasing power of its currency. If a country's currency depreciates significantly, it can lead to higher inflation as the cost of imported goods and services increases. Indeed, the inflation rate in Sierra Leone increased steeply over the past two years. The IMF further estimates that inflation will continue to rise before falling again. This high inflation and other factors also led to the depreciation of the SLL. Furthermore, a regional perspective showed that Nigeria and Liberia faced similar high inflation rates.

Businesses' strategies for tackling inflation

Unfavorable exchange rates negatively impact countries' economies. It does this in various ways, including limiting businesses' ability to grow. Issues such as inflation affect purchasing power and businesses' investment decisions. In 2023, a survey revealed that a substantial number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) employed various measures to offset the impact of inflation. Approximately 36 percent of these businesses tapped into their personal savings to bolster their operations, while another 32 percent opted to scale down their business activities.