Ouguiya to CFA: Exchange Rate, Conversion & Complete Guide
Here’s a fact most people don’t realize: the ouguiya-to-CFA corridor is the single busiest cross-border currency exchange in Mauritania. Not euros, not dollars—CFA.
Why? Senegal sits right on the border. Mali too. And West Africa’s informal trade network runs on CFA francs. Thousands of traders, remittance senders, and business owners move money across these borders every day—and they need to know the exact rate.
Whether you’re sending money across the border, trading livestock, or helping family in Senegal, this guide covers everything you need about the MRU/XOF rate.
Today’s Ouguiya to CFA Exchange Rate
Rates shown here are official reference rates published by the Central Bank of Mauritania (BCM). Actual rates at exchange bureaus and informal markets may differ by 1-3%.
Quick Conversion Table
Here are the most-searched conversions at today’s BCM rate:
| Ouguiya (MRU) | CFA Franc (XOF) |
|---|---|
| 1 MRU | — XOF |
| 50 MRU | — XOF |
| 100 MRU | — XOF |
| 200 MRU | — XOF |
| 500 MRU | — XOF |
| 1,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 2,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 3,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 5,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 10,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 25,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 50,000 MRU | — XOF |
| 100,000 MRU | — XOF |
Need a different amount? Use our ouguiya to CFA converter →.
The Other Direction: CFA to Ouguiya
| CFA Franc (XOF) | Ouguiya (MRU) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 XOF | — MRU |
| 5,000 XOF | — MRU |
| 10,000 XOF | — MRU |
| 25,000 XOF | — MRU |
| 50,000 XOF | — MRU |
| 100,000 XOF | — MRU |
How to Convert Ouguiya to CFA
The math is dead simple: multiply your MRU amount by the current MRU/XOF rate.
Example: If today’s BCM rate is 1 MRU = 16.25 XOF, then 1,000 MRU = 16,250 XOF.
No calculator needed—our converter does it instantly with daily-updated BCM rates.
A few insider tips:
- In Nouakchott, the market changers (Marché Capitale, Cinquième) offer rates slightly different from BCM. Usually 1-3% variance.
- For large amounts (above 100,000 MRU), always negotiate. Exchange bureaus give better rates on volume.
- For transfers, services like Wave, Ria, and WorldRemit apply their own margins on top of the official rate. Compare transfer fees here →
Why Is the MRU/XOF Corridor So Critical?
Mauritania shares land borders with Senegal and Mali—both part of the West African CFA zone (BCEAO). Cross-border trade is intense: livestock, food products, manufactured goods, and especially remittances from West African communities living in Mauritania.
Some numbers to put it in perspective:
- Senegal is Mauritania’s top trade partner in West Africa
- The West African community in Mauritania (Senegalese, Malians, Ivorians) represents constant CFA remittance flows
- The Rosso border crossing (Senegal) sees thousands of cash transactions daily
This volume explains why “ouguiya cfa” gets 2,900+ searches per month and why our /en/convert/ pages are the most visited on Ouguiya.io.
XOF vs. XAF: Don’t Mix Up the Two CFAs
Here’s the confusion point: Africa has two CFA francs, and they’re not the same.
| CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF) | CFA Franc BEAC (XAF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | West Africa | Central Africa |
| Countries | Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, Benin, Guinea-Bissau | Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Congo, CAR, Equatorial Guinea |
| Central Bank | BCEAO (Dakar) | BEAC (Yaoundé) |
| Parity vs. EUR | 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF | 1 EUR = 655.957 XAF |
| Interchangeable? | No | No |
They have the same euro parity, but they’re not interchangeable. A 10,000 XOF note is worthless in Cameroon, and vice versa.
When talking about “CFA” in the Mauritanian context, it’s always XOF (BCEAO)—the currency of Senegal, Mali, and their West African neighbors.
MRU/XOF Rate History
The MRU/XOF rate is relatively stable because the CFA franc is pegged to the euro (fixed parity: 1 EUR = 655.957 XOF). Ouguiya/CFA variations mostly reflect ouguiya/euro fluctuations.
Key trends:
- 2018-2020: Stability post-redenomination
- 2020-2021: Slight MRU depreciation during COVID crisis
- 2022-2024: Increased volatility tied to commodity price tensions
- 2025-2026: Progressive stabilization
For complete history with daily data since 2008, see our history page →.
Sending CFA to Mauritania (or Ouguiya to Senegal)
Need to transfer money between the CFA zone and Mauritania? Several services work well:
- Wave — Very popular in Senegal and Mauritania. Mobile money transfers. Competitive fees.
- Ria Money Transfer — Cash pickup in Nouakchott and major cities.
- WorldRemit — Online transfers to Mauritanian bank accounts or mobile money.
- Western Union — Largest agency network in Mauritania.
Each applies its own exchange rate (different from BCM) and its own fees. To compare: How to Send Money to Mauritania →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 1,000 ouguiya in CFA?
The rate changes daily. Use our 1,000 ouguiya to CFA converter for today’s exact amount at the BCM rate.
Is the ouguiya/CFA rate fixed?
No. The CFA franc has a fixed parity with the euro (1 EUR = 655.957 XOF), but the ouguiya/CFA rate fluctuates based on BCM monetary policy and the ouguiya/euro rate.
Where can I exchange ouguiya for CFA in Nouakchott?
Authorized exchange bureaus (Marché Capitale, Cinquième), banks, or informal changers. Rates vary—check the BCM rate on Ouguiya.io before exchanging so you have a reference point.
Can you use CFA in Mauritania?
CFA franc is not legal tender in Mauritania. However, in border zones (Rosso, Kaédi), some traders accept CFA informally—usually at unfavorable rates. Always better to exchange for ouguiya first.
What’s the difference between XOF and XAF?
XOF is West African CFA (BCEAO—Senegal, Mali, etc.). XAF is Central African CFA (BEAC—Cameroon, Gabon, etc.). Same nominal value but not interchangeable. In Mauritania, “CFA” always means XOF.
Updated April 4, 2026. Reference rates from Central Bank of Mauritania (BCM).