West African banks post record $1.2bn profit as citizens struggle

• WAEMU banks report nearly $1.2bn profit in first half of 2025
• Analysts warn gains may fuel inequality as SMEs and citizens struggle

DAKAR, SENEGAL – Banks in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) reported record net profits of 650 billion CFA francs ($1.2bn) in the first six months of 2025.