The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has presented an overall positive assessment of the economic performance of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) in 2025.
In its annual report presented on Wednesday in Dakar, the BCEAO highlighted economic growth of 6.3% across WAEMU, one of the highest rates on the continent, alongside inflation reduced to 2.3%, within the central bank’s target range.
According to the BCEAO, this performance was driven by the strong performance of the agricultural, extractive and services sectors, despite an international environment marked by geopolitical tensions, uncertainty in global markets and a slowdown in the global economy.
The decline in inflation, following the sharp price pressures observed in recent years, was mainly attributed to lower food and energy prices, as well as the effects of monetary policy measures implemented by the central bank to preserve price stability.
The BCEAO also noted that economic financing remained dynamic. Lending to businesses and households continued to increase, supporting private investment, consumption and productive activities across the eight member states of the Union.
On the external front, official foreign exchange reserves strengthened, improving the Union’s resilience to external shocks and its capacity to finance several months of imports.
The institution also highlighted progress made in modernising financial infrastructure. The development of instant payment systems, the expansion of digital financial services and continued work on the central bank digital currency project, the e-CFA, were among the year’s key achievements.
The report further underlined the strength of the UEMOA banking sector. Credit institutions maintained capital and liquidity levels in line with prudential requirements, while banking activity continued to expand.
Through its 2025 annual report, the BCEAO said the Union had consolidated its macroeconomic fundamentals while continuing reforms aimed at strengthening financial stability, financial inclusion and the digital transformation of payment systems.
TE/Sf/lb/as/APA