In the 1st quarter of 2021, growth amounted to 3.1% on an annual basis, after 1.8% in the fourth quarter of 2020. At its meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee last week, the Central Bank of the United States of West Africa (BCEAO) announces a rebound in activity which should lead to growth of 5.6% in 2021.

The recovery has begun in the member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). The BCEAO speaks of a homogeneous recovery in all sectors supported by domestic demand. "The proper execution of the recovery plans, the maintenance of budgetary and monetary support measures as well as an improvement in the security situation" also contribute to the recovery, indicates the regional bank. It should also be noted that the prices of non-energy raw materials exported by WAEMU continued to appreciate in the 1st quarter of 2021, up 5.1%, after an increase of 2.7% the previous quarter.

The price index of the main food products imported by the countries of the union rose by 19.4% in the 1st quarter after an increase of 11.2% in the previous quarter. The food bill in Africa will increase dangerously. More expensive imported food products, however consumer prices decelerated with an inflation rate of 2.2% (against 2.7%).