UEMOA economic activity rises with new payment APIs and strong regional growth

The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) is seeing significant economic activity and infrastructure development. The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has approved Business APIs for several participants on the UEMOA instant payment interoperable platform. This move aims to accelerate instant payments, allowing businesses to automate transactions, manage cash flow in real time, and access services across the Union regardless of their specific payment provider.

Regional growth remains strong, with the UEMOA real GDP growing by 6.0% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026. Niger led this growth at 7.0%, driven by extractive industries such as oil and uranium, followed by Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. The growth is supported by the tertiary sector and extractive activities across several member states.

In Senegal, migrant remittances reached 2,522.9 billion CFA francs in 2025, a 7.8% increase from the previous year. The majority of these funds, approximately 90%, originate from five countries: France (31%), Italy (21%), Gambia (14%), the United States (13%), and Spain (11%). These transfers primarily support household needs, including consumption, education, and healthcare.