WAEMU Council of Ministers: The decisions that were taken

The third ordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) was held this Friday in Dakar. It provided an opportunity to review several issues.

Thus, the draft directive on community regulations for public procurement in the WAEMU was adopted. This text represents a major reform of the legal framework for public procurement within the West African region.

According to Aboubakar Nacanabo, President of the Council, it will "strengthen the capacity to absorb investment credits in Member States and ensure the speed of procurement procedures in the Union's national systems."

Also, the decision adopting the regional social protection strategy 2026-2035 was adopted by the Council of Ministers of the WAEMU.

According to Mr. Nacanabo, this is a "major support mechanism for Member States in implementing appropriate institutional and organizational frameworks for expanding social protection." Particular emphasis is placed on improving equity and access for vulnerable social groups.

The community body also adopted the regulation amending Regulation No. 02/96/CM/UEMOA of December 20, 1996, concerning the status of the registrars of the Court of Justice of the WAEMU, which contributes to the proper functioning of this body. It also examined and approved the accounts of the AMF-UMOA for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Council also gave its opinion on the participation of the issuing institutions and commercial banks of the WAEMU in the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). This initiative should contribute to strengthening trade and financial exchanges, both regionally and continentally.

"The Council adopted the decision relating to the waiver of BOAD's immunities and privileges in the context of mobilizing financial support from several technical and financial partners," added the Burkinabe official.

He said this decision is of major interest to the Bank, as it facilitates access to new resources and helps to strengthen its capacity to finance priority and structuring projects in member states.