Meeting in Ouagadougou, ministers of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) praised the resilience of the region’s economy, driven by sustained growth, low inflation, and improving external accounts despite a challenging global environment.
According to the President of the Council of Ministers, Aboubakar Nacanabo, the Union’s economy is estimated to have grown by 6.1% in the first quarter of 2026, following 6.5% growth at the end of 2025. Annual growth is also projected to remain around 6.1%. Inflation stood at -0.2% in the first quarter and is expected to average 1.6% for the year. Public finances continue to strengthen, with the fiscal deficit projected to decline gradually to 2.9% of GDP by 2027. The authorities nevertheless highlighted risks stemming from international tensions, regional insecurity, and climate change, while maintaining that the Union’s overall macroeconomic stability remains broadly preserved.
