West African economic policy actions

In late July 2026, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Togo and Tunisia began a joint review of national trade barriers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Officials examined customs procedures, regulatory frameworks and legal approaches to reduce non‑tariff obstacles and strengthen regional value chains.

A week later, in early August 2026, the focus shifted to domestic price pressures. Côte d’Ivoire’s transport minister met with operators and consumer groups to address a fuel‑price surge, announcing a state‑funded adjustment mechanism to keep pump prices affordable. In Tunisia, the commerce minister called for tighter monitoring of market indicators and the stockpiling of essential goods to protect purchasing power during peak periods.

Together, the snapshots show a broader pattern of West African governments moving from regional trade‑facilitation initiatives toward immediate measures aimed at curbing inflation and ensuring supply‑side stability.