Kenyan and Nigerian currencies among those seen falling
NAIROBI, Nov 7 (Reuters) -The Kenyan and Nigerian currencies are expected to weaken against the dollar in the next week to Thursday alongside the currencies of Ghana, Uganda and Zambia, traders said.
KENYA
Kenya's shilling KES=, which has been rangebound since early August, could fall as foreign-exchange demand increases from the manufacturing and oil sectors.
Commercial banks quoted the shilling at 128.50/129.50 per dollar, the same as last Thursday's closing rate.
"As we build up towards the end of the year, we are likely to see demand pick-up," one trader said.
NIGERIA
Nigeria's naira may lose ground in the coming week, after central bank failed to intervene this week to support the currency and as exporters demand a premium over the official rate.
The naira NGN=D1 touched a low of 1,700 per dollar on the official market on Thursday, LSEG data showed, close to the 1,743 rate where it was changing hands in street trading NGNP=.
This is compared with a closing rate of around 1,673 to the dollar a week earlier.
"So far the central bank has not intervened this week. If they don't, the market will trade above the 1,700 naira level next week," one trader said. "It will gradually depreciate."
GHANA
Ghana's cedi GHS= is expected to be under pressure again next week on thin dollar supply while hard-currency demand remains elevated.
LSEG data showed the cedi trading at 16.30 to the dollar on Thursday, compared to 16.25 at last Thursday's close.
"The cedi remained on the ropes this week, as FX liquidity remained poor despite increased central bank intervention," said Sedem Dornoo, senior trader at Absa Bank Ghana.
"Demand from local corporates has been palpable, with the automobile and energy sectors contributing significantly to this. It is likely that the local unit will remain under pressure," he added.
UGANDA
Uganda's shilling UGX= is seen trading with a weakening tone, undermined by demand for dollars from importers.
Commercial banks quoted the shilling at 3,675/3,685 to the dollar, compared to last Thursday's close of 3,656/3,666.
"Appetite (for dollars) especially from energy importers is elevated, and we expect this continue," one trader said.
He added that dealers were seeking to boost their inventories ahead of an anticipated surge in fuel demand for the December holidays.
ZAMBIA
Zambia's kwacha ZMW= is likely to continue trading on the back foot due to a stronger dollar after Donald Trump's U.S. election victory.
On Thursday it was trading at 27.08 per dollar, weaker than 26.57 a week ago.
Reporting by Sonia Rao, Christian Akorlie, Chris Mfula, Elias Biryabarema and Chijioke Ohuocha;
Editing by Alexander Winning
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