UEMOA : a strategic vision for strengthened economic integration amid geopolitical challenges
The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) is rolling out its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, titled IMPACT 2030, aimed at accelerating economic integration and the structural transformation of its member states. This plan, aligned with Vision 2040, seeks to strengthen regional competitiveness, encourage industrialization, modernize infrastructure, and boost the digital economy. Faced with growing economic and geopolitical challenges, UEMOA aims to create an integrated, resilient, and inclusive economic space capable of addressing future challenges.
The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) has launched its Strategic Plan 2025-2030, named IMPACT 2030, with the ambition of structurally transforming its economies by developing high-value-added sectors. This plan, part of Vision 2040, emphasizes priorities such as regional competitiveness, industrialization, infrastructure modernization, and the acceleration of digital transition. According to Abdoulaye Diop, President of the UEMOA Commission, « UEMOA must strengthen its internal cohesion to ensure the effective implementation of this ambitious plan. » Meanwhile, Paul Koffi Koffi, Commissioner in charge of Business Development, Mines, Energy, and the Digital Economy, highlighted that « the adoption of reforms by national stakeholders will be crucial for the success of this transformation. » This new roadmap aims to reinforce economic integration among member countries and equip the region with a more resilient and competitive economy on both a continental and international scale.
Notable achievements in economic and monetary integration…
In recent years, UEMOA has achieved several significant milestones in economic and monetary integration. The Union has maintained sustained growth, with an average rate of 5.6% between 2019 and 2023, despite global shocks. Additionally, the harmonization of fiscal and customs policies has facilitated intra-community trade, contributing to smoother regional commerce. UEMOA-Titres, for example, has enabled member states to access competitive financing, thereby strengthening the financial stability of the region.
At the same time, the modernization of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, a strategic axis for sub-regional trade, has been a noteworthy example of UEMOA’s commitment to improving regional infrastructure. The expansion of fiber optic networks and the interconnection of electricity grids have also supported digital and energy integration in the region, helping to reduce the digital divide. These successes illustrate UEMOA’s determination to create an integrated, modern, and competitive economic space, in line with the objectives of the Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
However, UEMOA faces significant challenges that could hinder its transformation ambitions. The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, could shift geopolitical balances and complicate UEMOA’s regional integration efforts. According to Abdoulaye Diop, « faced with security crises and growing geopolitical challenges, UEMOA must not only strengthen its internal cohesion but also adapt its strategies to address these new alliances. » The Sahel Alliance, focused on counterterrorism and food security, could indeed create tensions with UEMOA’s priorities, especially if they diverge in areas such as security and development.
Managing political instability, migration flows, and economic inequalities will be crucial to maintaining regional stability. Additionally, non-tariff barriers, poor road infrastructure quality, and the lack of private sector integration remain obstacles to ensuring smooth intra-community trade. UEMOA must also address concerns related to the energy transition and climate risks, which are becoming increasingly critical in a global context marked by environmental crises.
UEMOA must therefore redouble its efforts not only to harmonize its economic and social policies but also to adapt its strategies to evolving geopolitical dynamics. Improving governance, conflict management, and promoting resilience to climate change should be among its priorities to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic development in the years ahead.
An ambitious new roadmap to build a resilient, competitive, and integrated economic space
The Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and Vision 2040 provide UEMOA with an ambitious roadmap to build a resilient, competitive, and integrated economic space. However, geopolitical and economic challenges, particularly with the emergence of new regional alliances such as the Sahel Alliance, could complicate the implementation of these objectives. UEMOA must be prepared to navigate a complex regional environment by strengthening its internal cohesion and adjusting its policies to remain a key player in West African economic integration.
