Ever tried to figure out exactly how much your money is worth the second you step off a plane in Lomé? It’s a bit of a moving target. If you're looking at 1 USD to Togo CFA right now, specifically on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, you're likely seeing a rate hovering around 565.21 XOF.
That number isn’t just some random digit spat out by a computer. It’s the result of a massive, invisible tug-of-war between the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the specific economic heartbeat of West Africa. Honestly, most people think exchange rates are fixed like a price tag at a grocery store. They aren't. They breathe.
What’s Happening With the Rate Today?
Right now, $1 will get you roughly 565 West African CFA francs. If you're swapping a hundred bucks, you're looking at about 56,521 XOF.
Just a few days ago, on January 14, the rate was slightly lower, sitting at 563.00. Why the jump? Basically, the U.S. dollar has been showing some unexpected teeth in the global markets this week. When the dollar gets strong, your vacation in Togo or your business payment to a supplier in Lomé gets just a little bit more expensive.
The Mid-Market Reality
You’ve probably noticed that the rate you see on Google isn’t the rate the guy at the airport or the local bank gives you. That's the "mid-market rate." It’s the halfway point between what buyers are offering and what sellers are asking.
Banks and big transfer services usually tack on a hidden fee. They'll tell you they have "zero commission," but then they'll give you 550 XOF instead of 565. That 15-franc difference? That’s how they buy their fancy office chairs.
Why Togo Uses the XOF (And Why It Matters)
Togo uses the West African CFA franc, which carries the currency code XOF. It’s shared by eight independent states in West Africa. Here’s the kicker that most people miss: the CFA franc is pegged to the Euro.
Because of this peg, the value of 1 USD to Togo CFA is almost entirely dependent on how the U.S. Dollar is performing against the Euro.
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- If the Euro is weak against the Dollar, the CFA drops too.
- If the Euro rallies, the CFA gets stronger.
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps inflation in Togo way lower than in neighboring countries like Nigeria or Ghana, where currencies can tank 30% in a month. On the other hand, Togo’s economy is somewhat "stuck" to Europe’s monetary policy, whether it fits the local situation or not.
Real-World Costs in Lomé Right Now
Numbers on a screen are fine, but what does 1 USD to Togo CFA actually buy you on the street?
If you walk into a local maquis (a small neighborhood eatery) in Lomé, 1,000 CFA (roughly $1.77) can get you a decent plate of fufu with peanut soup. A chilled bottle of Béer Béninoise or Castel usually runs you about 600 to 800 CFA. Basically, a single U.S. dollar covers a cold drink or a short zémidjan (moto-taxi) ride across town.
The 2026 Economic Outlook for Togo
Togo is actually in the middle of a pretty aggressive fiscal makeover. The government just passed the 2026 budget, which is up nearly 13% from last year. They’re aiming to rake in about 1,339 billion CFA in tax revenue this year alone.
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Why the CFA is Stabilizing
There’s a lot of talk in the regional markets about debt. Togo wants to bring its domestic debt down to around 54.6% of GDP by the end of this year. For you, the person holding dollars, this is actually good news. It means the local economy isn't in a "panic mode" that would cause wild, unpredictable swings in the exchange rate.
However, some analysts—including folks over at Bitcoin.com and various regional financial watchers—are skeptical. They think Togo might struggle to raise the 463 billion CFA it wants from the regional bond market this year. If they struggle to get that cash, the government might have to tighten its belt, which could slow down those big infrastructure projects you see along the coast.
How to Get the Best Rate
Don't just walk into the first bank you see.
- Avoid Airport Exchanges: Seriously. The rates at Gnassingbé Eyadéma International are almost always predatory. You’ll lose 5-10% just for the convenience.
- Use ATMs: If your bank doesn't charge insane international fees, ATMs in Lomé (like those from Ecobank or Orabank) usually give you a very fair rate close to the mid-market.
- Digital Transfers: If you're sending money to someone, apps like Taptap Send, Wave, or Wise are generally crushing the old-school players like Western Union right now. They often give you a rate much closer to that 565 XOF mark.
What to Watch This Month
Keep an eye on the U.S. inflation data coming out later this month. If the U.S. Fed decides to keep interest rates high, the dollar will likely stay expensive. That means 1 USD to Togo CFA could push toward the 570 or 575 range.
If you're planning a trip or a large transaction, it might be worth locking in a rate now. The market is "predictably unpredictable" lately, but with Togo’s new budget initiatives and the Euro’s current stability, we aren't expecting a total freefall.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the live Euro-to-USD rate before exchanging, as the CFA will track it almost perfectly.
- Carry crisp, new $50 or $100 bills if you're using physical exchange bureaus; many places in Lomé will actually give you a worse rate for smaller or older, "dirty" bills.
- Download a local fintech app like Wave if you plan to stay in Togo for more than a few days, as it’s becoming the standard for low-fee local payments.