Since 2004, it has become routine for ECOWAS and UEMOA leaders to meet twice a year to discuss synergies and co-operation priorities. However, the 17th meeting, held on 4 June 2018 in Abuja, was the first one with the new ECOWAS Commission President Jean-Marcel Brou and UEMOA Commission President Abdallah Boureima. They discussed progress that has been made in various areas of co-operation, notably in the fields of agriculture, education, infrastructure and fiscal policies and in the harmonisation of the institutions’ legal frameworks. Read on

According to the COFACE economic forecast, Benin’s economic prospects are good. Its economy is expected to grow by 5.6% in 2018, thanks to its improved agricultural performance and Nigeria’s economic recovery. Informal trade continues to occupy a predominate position, with transit trade and re-export trade to Nigeria representing 20% of the GDP. Read on

African ministers gathered from 11-15 May in Addis Ababa to discuss the next steps in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “AfCFTA: Creating fiscal space for jobs and economic diversification” was the official theme of the ministerial conference’s 51st session. While Ghana and Kenya are the first two countries that have ratified the documents, Nigeria and South Africa have yet to sign the agreement. Read on

On 14 May, the three Prime Ministers of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali launched a special economic zone in the SKBo triangle, composed of the regions of Sikasso (Mali), Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) and Korhogo (Côte d’Ivoire). It is the first special economic zone in West Africa that operates across borders. Read on