Victor EzejaForeign reserves also known as forex or FX reserves are assets of a country held in form of foreign currencies, bonds, treasury bills and other government securities. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), foreign reserves are external assets that a country’s monetary authority can use to meet the balance of payments financing needs, control exchange rates in currency exchange markets, and other related purposes.
Foreign reserves play crucial roles in a country’s economy by helping to stabilize the currency, facilitate international trade (e.g. imports), and provide a buffer against external economic shocks.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt is also critical for servicing a country’s external debt.
With the above, it means that in the event of economic crisis, a country with weak foreign reserves may be limited in how its monetary authority (central bank) can respond to solve the problem.
Reserves can be kept in Dollars, Pounds, Euro, Japanese Yen, etc. However, most countries hold the vast majority of their foreign currency reserves in the United States dollars. Dollar is the most traded currency globally.
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How about African countries?
This article focuses on highlighting the top six African countries with largest foreign reserves.
The foreign reserves of African countries vary widely from country to country. Many African countries have foreign reserves that consist of a combination of foreign currency, gold, and other assets. These reserves are typically held by the country’s central bank used to stabilize the country’s currency, facilitate international trade, and provide a financial cushion in times of economic uncertainty.
Below are top six African countries with biggest foreign reserves in 2024.
1. Algeria
Algeria’s foreign reserves as of March 2024 is $64.6 billion.
GDP per capita of $16,482.6
2. South Africa
South Africa’s foreign reserves as of April 2024 rose to $57.523 billion from $56.652.
GDP per capita – $16,423.65
3. Egypt
Egypt’s foreign reserves witnessed a significant increase in April 2024, reaching $41.057 billion.
GDP per capital – $17,614.053
4. Morocco
Morocco has its foreign reserves standing at $35.8 billion as of March 2024.
GDP per capita of $10,946.567
5. Nigeria
Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $32.369 billion as of May 6 2024.
GDP per capita – $6,340.033
6. Angola
Angola foreign reserves stands at $14.733 billion
GDP per capita – $7,152.505
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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