The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) opened a two-day seminar for economic journalists of the West African Monetary Union (UMOA) in Dakar, Senegal on Monday, July 20.
This session brings together media professionals from the eight member states of the Union. According to BCEAO, the aim is to enhance their understanding of the institution’s missions, policies, and actions.
During these two days, there will be exchanges between participants and several experts from the Central Bank on topics such as monetary policy, financial stability, the banking system, financing the economy, digitalization, and financial innovations. Issues related to payment systems and interoperability are also on the agenda.
Opening the session on behalf of the BCEAO Governor, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, the institution’s Secretary-General, Habib Thiam, stated that the Central Bank operates in an environment marked by political, economic, and monetary changes, as well as the rapid development of digital technologies.
“In this context, the Central Bank must continue to adapt its policies and interventions to ensure a more effective and better understood action by all stakeholders. The complexity of these transformations calls for a communication approach based more on proactivity, pedagogy, and proximity,” he said.
The Secretary-General also emphasized the role of the media in disseminating economic and monetary information. “Information professionals are essential intermediaries between the Central Bank and citizens. Through their ability to analyze, popularize, and disseminate reliable information, they contribute to a better understanding of economic and monetary policies,” he added.
In addition to the working sessions, participants will attend the screening of an institutional film and visit the BCEAO Currency Museum.
The meeting will also feature the presentation of the Central Bank’s 2025 Annual Report, focusing on the institution’s main achievements, performance, and prospects.
