The free reserves of banks operating within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) recorded a decrease of 116.4% at the end of March.

The recent economic report from the Central Bank (BCEAO) mentioned that at the end of March, the free reserves of UEMOA banks recorded a decrease of 116.4% over a period of 12 months, to reach a level of 1 049.9 billion CFA (1.7 billion $), compared with 2,272.1 billion FCFA a year previously. This decrease in free reserves affected all countries in the subregion. Nevertheless, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal maintain a surplus of resources greater than 100% compared to minimum reserves. In addition, Togo, Burkina Faso and Benin have experienced a strong decline.

Free reserves are generally used to meet banks' daily liquidity needs and to manage interbank transactions. Initial observations reveal that this decrease in free reserves has affected all countries in the subregion, although Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal maintain a surplus of resources greater than 100% over minimum reserves.