The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) recorded a trade surplus of 6,318.2 billion CFA francs in 2025, according to data in the annual report of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in Dakar. This is the first positive trade balance for the Union since 2011.
According to the BCEAO, this improvement is mainly driven by a 38.6% increase in exports. Sales of gold and cocoa have increased, while crude oil exports reached 4,406.3 billion CFA francs. The start of production at the Sangomar oil field in Senegal, as well as increased production in Côte d’Ivoire and Niger, have allowed regional oil production to reach 233,870 barrels per day.
The BCEAO also highlights that the enforcement of rules regarding the mandatory repatriation of export revenues has strengthened the Union’s external assets. According to Governor Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, this measure has mobilized over 8,400 billion CFA francs in foreign exchange earnings.
However, the institution notes that the outlook remains dependent on the evolution of international energy markets. The increase in oil prices observed since the beginning of 2026 is raising the cost of importing refined oil products for Union countries. In this context, the BCEAO has maintained its key interest rate at 3% and revised its regional growth forecast to 6.1% for 2026, down from 6.4% previously.
