WAEMU: CFA 1.7 billion approved to boost private sector competitiveness

On April 15, 2026, the Board of the Fonds africain de développement approved a CFA 1.7 billion grant, equivalent to about $2.8 million, to strengthen private sector competitiveness across WAEMU member states. The initiative supports regional integration and the implementation of the Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine, including targeted assistance to 80 export-ready SMEs, many led by women and youth, within a market of 147 million people.