Search

West Africa’s Silent Monetary Tightening Forces Banks to Hoard Liquidity

Allen dreyfus Logo
© Allen Dreyfus
  • BCEAO holds policy rate at 3.5%, but liquidity conditions tighten
  • WAEMU banks triple reserves amid growing interbank stress

Cotonou, Benin – The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has kept its main policy rate unchanged at 3.5% since December 2023. On the surface, this suggests stability, with inflation easing to 2.1% in February and GDP expanding 6.2% in 2024, with 6.5% forecast for 2025. But market signals tell a different story: monetary conditions are quietly tightening, and liquidity is becoming more expensive.

You need an active subscription to continue reading this article.

Recent Business

Dakar, Senegal. © Pexels
Senegal aims to rein in soaring debt as oil and gas windfall nears
Read More »
Ethiopian Airlines commercial flight. Photo by Bornil Amin @ Unsplash
Africa’s air travel up 5.3% as continent leads global cargo growth
Read More »
Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash
From red flags to green lights: Africa’s financial reboot wins global trust
Read More »

Recent Politics

Donald Trump, US President @ Pixabay
Trump threatens military action in Nigeria over Christian killings
Read More »
US passport and visa on display. Photo by Global Residence Index @ Unsplash
Did Mali’s tough stance with the U.S. over visas pay off?
Read More »
Young protestors. Photo by Oladipo Adejumo @ Unsplash
Kenyan activists missing in Uganda after Bobi Wine rally sparks outcry
Read More »

Latest Posts

Latest news insights