Markets
Doing business in West Africa
UEMOA · XOF
West Africa is a region of fast-growing economies on the Atlantic coast of Africa. Its eight UEMOA member states share the CFA franc (XOF), and all of them also apply OHADA business law, so a foreign company can enter one country, such as Côte d'Ivoire or Senegal, and expand to its neighbours with the same structure.
Key facts
- UEMOA members
- Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo
- Currency
- West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro
- Central bank
- BCEAO, headquartered in Dakar
- Business law
- OHADA uniform acts, applied in 17 African states
- Continental trade
- African Continental Free Trade Area, trading since 2021
French-speaking West Africa is where most of our African projects take place. Its integration is a real advantage: a common currency pegged to the euro, a common central bank (BCEAO), harmonised business law and a regional market of several countries.
The region is also changing. In January 2025 Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger formally left ECOWAS, while remaining members of UEMOA. We follow these changes closely so our clients plan with an accurate picture.
Sectors with momentum
- Agro-industry
- Cocoa, cashew, cotton and food processing, with growing demand for local transformation.
- Energy and infrastructure
- Oil and gas in Senegal, power generation, ports, roads and urban development across the region.
- Consumer goods and retail
- Young, urbanising populations driving demand for food, household products and modern retail.
- Financial and digital services
- Banking, insurance, mobile money and telecoms, where Moroccan groups are already major players.
How we help here
Compare the region
Which country first, for your sector, and why.
Enter one market
Partners, setup and first customers in the chosen country.
Expand
Replicate the model in neighbouring countries under the same framework.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between UEMOA and ECOWAS?
UEMOA is the West African Economic and Monetary Union of eight countries sharing the CFA franc. ECOWAS is the wider Economic Community of West African States, which also includes English-speaking countries such as Nigeria and Ghana. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger left ECOWAS in January 2025 but remain in UEMOA.
Is the CFA franc a risk for investors?
The XOF has a fixed parity with the euro, which removes most exchange-rate risk for European investors. For investors in dollars or dirhams, the euro rate remains the main currency exposure.
Can I serve West Africa from Morocco?
Yes, and many companies do. Casablanca has direct flights to most West African capitals, Moroccan banks are present across the region, and a regional team in Morocco can cover several countries.