Banks in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) Inject FCFA 21,357.2 Billion into the Economy
Between January and March 2025, banks in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) injected approximately FCFA 21,357.2 billion in credits into the economy, according to the July 2025 Monthly Statistical Bulletin published by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). These financings cover all maturities - short, medium, and long term - and reflect the prioritization choices of regional banking institutions.
Sectoral Distribution of Credits
Analysis of declarations to the Risk Center shows a clear concentration of resources on two sectors: commerce and social and personal services, which together account for over FCFA 10,900 billion, or nearly half of the credits granted.
- Wholesale and Retail Trade, Restaurants, and Hotels: This sector benefited from an average of FCFA 5,488.2 billion. The dynamics are mainly based on short-term credits, amounting to FCFA 4,129.9 billion, which translates to the sector's cash flow and inventory management needs. Medium and long-term loans total FCFA 1,358.2 billion.
- Social Services, Personal Services, and Services to the Community: These services mobilized approximately FCFA 5,461.3 billion. Unlike commerce, these financings focus on medium and long-term credits (FCFA 3,914.0 billion), indicating sustainable investments, particularly in social infrastructure and personal loans. Short-term credits reach FCFA 1,547.2 billion.
Other Notable Sectors
Other branches of activity also show significant volumes:
- Manufacturing Industries: Ranked third, with FCFA 2,487.6 billion, dominated by short-term financings (FCFA 1,529.1 billion).
- Insurance, Real Estate, and Business Services: Follows with FCFA 1,939.3 billion, mostly oriented towards long-term credits.
- Transportation, Warehousing, and Communications: Received FCFA 1,865.0 billion.
- Building and Public Works (BTP): Attracted FCFA 1,760.7 billion.
Less Capital-Intensive Sectors
Strategic but traditionally more capital-intensive sectors remain behind:
- Electricity, Gas, and Water: FCFA 1,130.7 billion.
- Extractive Industries: FCFA 615.4 billion.
- Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: FCFA 609.1 billion.
Conclusion
This distribution illustrates a marked preference of WAEMU banks for service and distribution activities, which offer rapid capital rotation prospects, to the detriment of primary and energy sectors where financing remains modest. The trend confirms the orientation of regional economic dynamics towards commerce and services, essential drivers of growth in the community space.
