The Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) reached a major milestone this week, achieving a record market capitalization of 13,014.67 billion CFA francs (approximately $21.2 billion) on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
This unprecedented level underscores the exceptional dynamism of the regional financial center shared by the eight WAEMU member countries. Compared to the end of 2024, stock market capitalization has increased by a robust 29.13%.
Over the past five years, the market’s remarkable performance has hit a cumulative growth rate of 197.98%. This sustained momentum brings the BRVM’s total market capitalization (stocks and bonds) to 23,979.92 billion FCFA, representing approximately 17.78% of the entire WAEMU GDP.
Key indicators confirm the BRVM’s status as one of Africa’s most attractive markets, with the BRVM Composite (BRVM-C) index posting growth of 22.29% since the start of 2025.
The market’s average Price-Earnings Ratio (PER) of 13.01 confirms its competitive valuation compared to emerging market standards and highlights the listed companies’ ability to generate value for shareholders.
This strong performance is driven by several factors such as positive economic growth outlook across WAEMU countries, easing monetary conditions initiated by the BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States), the successful Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of two new companies in under six months, capital increases launched by several regional banks, and a widespread increase in the prices of listed securities, bolstered by the regular distribution of dividends from nearly all listed companies.
With these impressive indicators, the BRVM is consolidating its position as the fifth-largest stock exchange in Africa, strengthening its strategic role in the continental financial ecosystem.
The BRVM’s momentum mirrors a broader trend across Africa, with other major exchanges also posting significant gains this year: the Ghana Stock Exchange surged by 73.92% (GSE Composite), the Nigerian Stock Exchange by 43.54% (NGX ASI), the JSE by 32.75%, the Egyptian Stock Exchange by 26.61%, and the Casablanca Stock Exchange by 23.19%.
AP/fss/abj/APA