In 2021, the member countries of the West African Monetary Union (WAMU) experienced robust economic growth, after the slowdown recorded in 2020 due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As a result, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the WAMU Member States increased by 5.8% in 2021, compared with 1.8% in 2020.

This resurgence is the result of the stimulus policies implemented by governments and the accommodating monetary policy pursued by the BCEAO to support economic recovery and bolster the financial intermediation role of the banking sector.