The eight UEMOA member countries are experiencing a fast rate of urban growth. In 2015, some 42 million UEMOA citizens or 38% of the Union’s population lived in one of the region’s 738 urban agglomerations compared to less than 5% in 1950. With the exception of Guinea-Bissau, the majority of people in UEMOA’s coastal countries are already urban dwellers (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo). Read on

The food sector, which comprises agriculture, food processing, food marketing and food-away-from-home, is a key pillar of all eight UEMOA economies. In 2020, the sector’s value is estimated at USD 43 billion or 30% of the Union’s GDP. By 2030, the UEMOA food economy is expected to more than double to reach USD 92 billion or 34% of the Union’s GDP. This unprecedented expansion occurs in a context of rapid urban development. Read on

About 3.8 million people were estimated to be in immediate need of assistance (phases 3-5) during October‑December 2019 in the eight UEMOA member countries, including 1.4 million in Niger, 1.2 million in Burkina Faso and 650 000 people in Mali. A large share of the population of Guinea‑Bissau is also food insecure (10.3% or 131 000 people). The number of people suffering from severe food insecurity has nearly tripled within the UEMOA area, compared to the same period in 2018. Read on

The 2020 economic outlook for the eight UEMOA member countries is positive. Despite the many security challenges, the UEMOA area will continue to grow by 6.6% in 2020, at the same rate as in 2019, more than twice the sub-Saharan African average of 3.2%. The security crisis in the Sahel, Nigeria’s border closure and election-related instability are the main risks which might undermine the Union’s economic prospects. Côte d’Ivoire remains a driving force, with a projected growth rate of 7.3%, mostly because of high cocoa prices. Read on