West Africa is expected to remain one of Africa’s fastest-growing regions despite increasing global economic uncertainties, according to the latest economic outlook released by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
The regional lender said the sub-region recorded strong economic performance in 2025 but warned that external shocks, volatile commodity prices and global trade tensions could moderate growth in 2026 and 2027.
The report noted that improved macroeconomic management, expanding regional trade and ongoing infrastructure investments continue to support economic activity across ECOWAS member states.
However, it identified inflation, public debt pressures, climate-related risks and geopolitical instability as major threats capable of slowing the region’s economic momentum.
EBID stressed that accelerating regional integration, deepening intra-African trade and improving the business environment would be essential to sustaining growth and attracting private investment.
The Bank also called for increased financing for transport, energy, agriculture and digital infrastructure to strengthen productivity and enhance competitiveness.
It said implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers significant opportunities for West African economies to diversify exports, strengthen regional value chains and create jobs.
The report urged governments to pursue prudent fiscal policies while expanding investment in productive sectors capable of driving long-term economic transformation.
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