After a sluggish second quarter marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects in the sub-region, the Central Bank of the eight WAEMU States is already counting on a recovery in economic activity between July and September 2020, with the key to a growth rate of around 2.1% year-on-year.

According to the economic outlook for May 2020, these figures are expected following a second quarter that recorded a decline in activity (-6.2% instead of -2.6% previously anticipated). In quarterly variation, indicates the BCEAO, the growth rate would remain negative for a second consecutive quarter (-7.9% in the second quarter of 2020, after a realization of -1.0% in the first quarter of 2020).

"A counter-performance would be recorded in the second quarter of 2020 at the level of commercial activities, buildings and public works, industrial and services, as a result of the preventive measures taken by the States of the Union, restricting or prohibiting certain activities", notes the Dakar-based issuing institute.

 
It should be noted that all sectors would be affected, despite the recovery initiated at the level of most of the Union's trading partner countries. "The WAEMU economies would be dragged down by the decline in domestic demand, as well as the slow recovery of certain activities (transport, tourism, etc.), due to the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic," notes the BCEAO, adding that this trend could be accentuated by "the deterioration of the security climate". and social".