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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 USD/ZAR exchange rate is currently bearish, with ongoing pressures on the U.S. dollar.

Key drivers include:

  • The Federal Reserve's expected rate cuts in 2026, which may weaken the dollar as higher interest rates usually bolster a currency's value.
  • South Africa's projected economic growth of 1.4% in 2026, supported by improved infrastructure and electricity availability, could favor the rand.
  • A new inflation target set by South African authorities aims to keep inflation in check, which can reassure investors and positively affect the rand's strength.

In the near term, the USD/ZAR rate is likely to remain within a stable range reflecting current levels.

An upside risk could emerge if unexpected U.S. economic data boosts confidence in the dollar, whereas a downside risk lies in further easing of South Africa's monetary policy, which could weaken the rand.

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 =
16.35We compare provider deals to this wholesale mid-market rate. Read more
ZAR
1d−0.1%▼
90dLows◒
USD to ZAR at 16.36 is 4.0% below its 3-month average of 17.05, having traded in a relatively stable 7.3% range from 16.35 to 17.54
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  1 ZAR = 0.061148 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
24 Dec 2025
16.67
1.9% ▼2 Week
09 Oct 2025
17.20
4.9% ▼3 Month
07 Jan 2025
18.70
12.5% ▼1 Year
08 Jan 2021
15.30
6.9% ▲5 Year
10 Jan 2016
16.31
0.3% ▲10 Year
12 Jan 2006
6.0493
170.4% ▲20 Year
USD/ZAR historic rates & change to 07-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