Foreign trade: UEMOA countries record a record trade surplus of CFAF 3.071 trillion in Q1 2026

The West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA) recorded a historic trade performance in the first quarter of 2026, with a trade surplus of CFAF 3.071 trillion, driven by a strong increase in exports compared with imports.

According to data from the WAEMU Commission reported by Sika Finance, the result surpasses the previous record reached at the end of 2025 and confirms the positive momentum in the region’s external trade.

Côte d’Ivoire ranked first among member states, posting a trade surplus of CFAF 2.260 trillion, up 54% compared with the same period in 2025. The performance was mainly supported by the country’s agricultural, mining and energy exports.

Burkina Faso came second with a trade surplus of CFAF 1.351 trillion, recording the strongest annual growth among surplus countries, with an increase of 237%. The gold sector continues to play a key role in the country’s export revenues.

Niger also recorded a positive trade balance of CFAF 85.1 billion, up 24%, while Senegal returned to a trade surplus of CFAF 45.8 billion after posting a deficit of CFAF 427.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

Meanwhile, several member states remained in trade deficit. Mali recorded a deficit of CFAF 231.5 billion, Benin CFAF 205 billion, Togo CFAF 177 billion and Guinea-Bissau CFAF 57.9 billion.

The overall improvement in WAEMU’s trade balance reflects stronger exports of commodities, agricultural products and mineral resources, supported by sustained global demand.

For economists, this performance is a positive signal for the region. However, the main challenge remains turning export revenues into productive investments to accelerate industrialization, increase local value creation and reduce dependence on raw material exports.