UEMOA economy remained "vigorous" in 2025 with 6.7% GDP growth and 0% inflation, BCEAO Governor reports
via Abidjan.net9 min read
The West African Economic and Monetary Union UEMOA experienced a "vigorous" economic performance in 2025, achieving a 6.7% GDP growth rate and reducing inflation to 0%. This was announced by Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, Governor of the Central Bank of West African States BCEAO, during the official presentation of the BCEAO's annual report in Dakar on Tuesday, July 22, 2026. This strong performance occurred within a global context marked by resilience despite geopolitical uncertainties, with global growth at 3.4% and global inflation decelerating to 4.1%. In UEMOA, the 6.7% GDP growth, up from 6.2% in 2024, was driven by robust services, dynamic extractive industries, and an improved 2025/2026 agricultural season. Annual inflation dropped to 0% from 3.5% in 2024, attributed to lower global prices for imported food and energy products and enhanced local supply. The external trade balance also improved due to higher export prices, increased sales of hydrocarbons and gold, and external financing. In response to disinflation, the BCEAO's Monetary Policy Committee decided on June 4, 2025, to lower its key interest rates, which had been unchanged since December 2023. The main rate decreased from 3.50% to 3.25%, and the marginal lending facility rate from 5.50% to 5.25%, aiming to ease financing conditions. Credits to the private sector grew by 5.6% in 2025 compared to 3.6% in 2024, while aid to states increased by 7.8%. The microfinance sector saw a 13.6% rise in deposits and a 9.0% incr
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