West Africa’s BCEAO cuts key rate for first time since 2023 as inflation slows

• Policy rate lowered to 3.25% as inflation drops below 3% stability threshold
• Growth outlook remains strong with 6.4% GDP forecast for 2025

Dakar, Senegal – The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has lowered its benchmark interest rate for the first time in 18 months, easing to 3.25% from 3.50% as inflation subsides and economic growth remains solid across the eight-nation currency bloc.