The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which includes eight countries in West Africa, reported a trade surplus of 1,817.7 billion CFA francs (about 3.1 billion U.S. dollars) in the second quarter of 2026. This figure comes from a report released in September 2026 by the Central Bank of the West African States (BCEAO). The surplus is more than double the 812.3 billion CFA francs recorded in the same period in 2025. The increase is due to a 15.6 percent rise in exports compared to the previous year, while imports grew by 4.6 percent. Key exports included gold, cotton, cocoa, rubber, and petroleum products, while imports focused on intermediate goods, equipment, and petroleum products. A drop in the purchase of food and other consumer goods helped keep import growth in check. Trade with other African nations saw a 14.8 percent increase in the second quarter of 2026, while the trade deficit with Asia dropped by 33.6 percent compared to the same period in 2025. This positive trade trend is linked to higher exports of gold, cotton, cocoa, and petroleum products. Aboubakar Nacanabo, President of the Union's Council of Ministers, noted that these results show strong performance in extractive industries, manufacturing, commerce, and services. He also highlighted the promising outlook for the 2026/2027 agricultural season. Industrial production in UEMOA rose by 5.7 percent in the second quarter of 2026, driven mainly by extractive industries. Oil production increased in Côte d'Ivoire, Niger, and Senegal, while gold mining expanded in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Mali. Uranium production also rose in Niger. However, agricultural performance was mixed. Cocoa production fell by 2.6 percent during the 2025/2026 season, reaching 1,862,200 tonnes. The decline was largely due to poor weather conditions in Côte d'Ivoire, according to the BCEAO. Despite the challenges in agriculture, the overall economic performance of UEMOA countries appears strong, with trade and industry showing robust growth. The region's ability to boost exports and manage import growth has contributed to a significant trade surplus, reflecting the impact of both natural resources and economic policies.