• WAEMU posts 3.31 trillion CFA francs trade surplus in Q4

• Exports surge 50.4%, led by gold, cocoa, rubber

• Surplus driven by higher raw material output across member states

The West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) posted a trade surplus of 3.31 trillion CFA francs (about $5.8 billion) in Q4 2025, sharply up from 279.8 billion CFA francs in the previous quarter, according to a BCEAO monetary policy report published in mid-March 2026. Exports rose 50.4%, while imports increased 3.5%.

Gold and other precious metals, cocoa and rubber led exports. However, export growth was partly offset by declines in cotton sales (-50.9%), coffee (-9.8%) and cashew nuts (-2.9%), mainly due to weaker global prices, the report said.

Imports were dominated by energy products and consumer goods, with declines in food, capital and intermediate goods imports.

The bloc posted trade surpluses with Europe, the rest of Africa, the ECOWAS region and the Americas.

The rebound highlights WAEMU’s resilience in an uncertain regional environment, as several member states reported higher output of raw materials, which account for most exports.

In Burkina Faso, gold production exceeded 94 metric tons, more than 30 metric tons higher than in 2024. In Senegal, gold output rose 55.7% in December 2025, from 59.1 billion to 92.1 billion CFA francs.

Côte d’Ivoire has produced hydrocarbons from offshore blocks for decades, with output rising in recent years driven by new discoveries. The country produced 16.1 million barrels of crude oil in 2024, according to official data.

WAEMU’s overall trade surplus stood at 3,257 billion CFA francs in Q4 2025.

Lydie Mobio