Growth within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) is expected to reach 6.1% in 2025, compared to the initially projected 6.6%, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report.
According to the report, Senegal will be the community’s fastest-growing economy, with a growth rate of 7.9%, down from the previously projected 9.7%. It will be closely followed by Benin and Niger, with growth rates of 7.2% and 7.1%, respectively. Côte d’Ivoire will rank fourth (5.8%), followed by Guinea-Bissau (5.1%), Togo (5%), and Mali (4.8%). Burkina Faso will record the lowest growth in WAEMU, estimated at 4.3%.
This information comes at a time when economic activity in the region is dynamic. According to Adama Coulibaly, Chairman of the WAEMU Statutory Council of Ministers, economic growth is estimated at 6.3% in 2025, driven by strong performance in the agricultural, extractive, and manufacturing sectors.
Inflation is expected to decline to 2.7%, supported by falling global prices for imported food and fuel products, as well as strong results from the 2024/2025 agricultural season. However, according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), inflation should average 2.2% in 2025, down from 2.6% at the end of December 2024, confirming economic stability. The institution notes that fundamentals are reassuring, with a near-zero current account deficit and a strengthened external position.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), although WAEMU’s economic growth remains strong, income disparities between member states continue to widen due to significant differences in growth rates.
The prosperity of WAEMU countries will depend on progress in political cohesion, economic integration, and the strengthening of institutions and infrastructure. The creation of a stabilization fund could help countries affected by crises, but financial risks related to indebtedness will need to be carefully managed.
