Current monetary policy rates for all 54 African countries. Compare central bank rates, track monetary tightening or easing, and understand the impact on lending and savings rates.
Central bank interest rates (also called policy rates, repo rates, or monetary policy rates) are the primary tool African central banks use to control inflation and stabilize their currencies. When a central bank raises its rate, borrowing becomes more expensive, which slows inflation but also slows economic growth.
As of 2025, African central bank rates range from as low as 2% in Morocco to over 27% in Nigeria, reflecting vastly different inflation environments. Understanding these rates is essential for investors, businesses, and anyone comparing banking products across African markets.
The CBN MPR is Nigeria's benchmark interest rate, currently at 27.50%. Banks use this as the baseline for lending rates. When CBN raises the MPR, loan interest rates increase across the economy.
As of Q1 2025, Nigeria has one of the highest policy rates in Africa at 27.50%, followed by Zimbabwe and Ghana. These high rates reflect efforts to combat high inflation.
Higher policy rates mean: more expensive loans and mortgages, higher returns on savings and fixed deposits, stronger local currency (temporarily), and slower economic growth. Lower rates have the opposite effects.