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USD to ZAR 2026 Forecasts

Analysis of recent dollar → rand forecasts for 2026. We collate forecasts from respected FX analysts together with the latest US dollar to South African rand performance and trends.

 

The market bias for USD to ZAR is currently bearish.

Key drivers for this movement include:

  • The expected interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which may weaken the USD as it seeks to support economic growth.
  • South Africa's projected economic growth of 1.4% and a new inflation target set at 3% may bolster the ZAR, enhancing its appeal.
  • The South African Reserve Bank's recent rate cut suggests further easing, which could strengthen the rand against the dollar.

In the near term, USD to ZAR may trade within a stable range as the rand strengthens, influenced by domestic reforms and U.S. monetary policy adjustments.

An upside risk could arise from unexpected strength in the USD if U.S. economic data outperforms, while a downside risk includes a decline in oil prices that could further impact the rand's performance, as recent oil movements show prices at 14-day lows.

USD-ZAR Rate Calculator

 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 

USD to ZAR Market Data

US dollar (USD) to South African rand (ZAR) market data - latest interbank exchange rate, trend, chart & historic rates.

 
Sell USD   →   Buy ZAR
1 USD =
16.53We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
ZAR
1d+0.6%▲
90dLows◒
USD to ZAR at 16.45 is 3.5% below its 3-month average of 17.04, having traded in a relatively stable 7.3% range from 16.35 to 17.54
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  1 ZAR = 0.060514 USD

Compare & Save - US dollar to South African rand

Exchange rates can vary significantly between different currency exchange providers, so it's important to compare US dollar (USD) to South African rand (ZAR) rates from different sources before making a conversion.

Use our USD to ZAR calculator to see how much you could save on your international money transfers. makes it easy to compare the Total Cost you are being charged on Dollar to Rand currency rates and the possible savings of using various providers.

 
 

Will the US dollar rise against the South African rand?

This is always a difficult question as exchange rates are influenced by many factors, so a good method to consider the US dollar vs South African rand current value is to look the USD/ZAR historic rate and change over a range of periods.

The following table looks at the change in the USD to ZAR exchange rate over periods from the previous week back to the last 10 years.

DateUSD/ZARChangePeriod
25 Dec 2025
16.64
1.1% ▼2 Week
10 Oct 2025
17.50
6% ▼3 Month
08 Jan 2025
18.92
13.1% ▼1 Year
09 Jan 2021
15.30
7.5% ▲5 Year
11 Jan 2016
16.69
1.4% ▼10 Year
13 Jan 2006
6.0397
172.4% ▲20 Year
USD/ZAR historic rates & change to 08-Jan-2026

It is almost impossible to predict what an exchange rate will do in the future, the best approach is to monitor the currency markets and transact when an exchange rate moves in your favour.

To help with this you can add USD/ZAR to your personalised Rate Tracker to track and benefit from currency movements.

 
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Rather than requiring you to set a target rate, our Rate Alerts keep you informed of recent trends and movements of currency pairs.

Add rates to your Rate Tracker and select to receive an daily email (mon-fri) or when a rate is trending

 

Forecasts disclaimer: Please be advised that the forecasts and analysis of market data presented on BestExchangeRates.com are solely a review and compilation of forecasts from various market experts and economists. These forecasts are not meant to reflect the opinions or views of BestExchangeRates.com or its affiliates, nor should they be construed as a recommendation or advice to engage in any financial transactions. Read more