ECOWAS : The regional growth forecast dip from 5.1% to 5.0% in 2025 due to tariffs and regional instability

On July 21, 2025, ECOWAS Bank predicts GDP growth will dip from 5.1% to 5.0% in 2025. The decline reflects U.S. tariffs, intra‑regional trade friction following Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso’s exit and remittance slowdowns. Political fragmentation and retaliatory duties risk further economic drag. The bank warns that rising inflation, interest rates and reduced cross‑border flows could hinder the region’s socio‑economic progress and integration efforts.