Inflation stands at 4.3%. A figure that announces challenges for players in the financial sector.

Rising prices exert pressure on the ability to repay loans and on investment returns. Inflation, an indicator that assesses the level of price changes within an economy, rose at the end of September 2021, up to 4.3% in WAEMU (Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine). ), according to statistical data published by the central bank of this sub-region (BCEAO).

Togo has the highest level of inflation (5.7%). Côte d'Ivoire is the country where the situation deteriorated the most in September, reaching 5.2%, against 4.7% the previous August. The risk of this situation for the banks is twofold. According to the BCEAO, the overall outstanding balance of short-term loans (less than 12 months) to the trade sector reached 3000 billion FCFA. If business slows due to pressures on consumption from higher prices, loan repayments may be difficult and defaults could occur.