The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) experienced a slight moderation in economic growth during the second quarter of 2025, with GDP expanding by 6.5 percent compared to 7 percent in the previous quarter.
Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), announced on Wednesday the figures during the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting in Dakar, Senegal. Despite this quarterly slowdown, the BCEAO maintained its full-year 2025 growth forecast at a robust 6.3 percent, matching 2024’s performance. This sustained growth is primarily driven by strong domestic demand and the dynamism of key sectors including oil, gas, and agriculture across the eight-member union comprising Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.
In parallel with solid growth indicators, the region’s inflation rate continued its downward trend, reaching just 0.6 percent in the second quarter of 2025.
Governor Brou attributed this positive development to several factors, including improved supply of local food products, lower costs of imported foodstuffs, and declining fuel prices in some member countries. This low inflation environment helps maintain economic stability for the region’s population while supporting the competitiveness of local businesses through stable operating conditions.
While the external accounts of the union showed improvement during the first half of 2025, Governor Brou noted that downside risks persist due to global uncertainties that could affect terms of trade. The BCEAO remains vigilant about these potential external challenges even as the region maintains its overall positive economic trajectory, characterized by strong growth and contained inflationary pressures.