West Africa Economic Outlook 2021
This report complements the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook 2021, providing more detail on West Africa’s economic situation and growth prospects in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also analyzes public debt in West African countries and explores financing options. Finally, the report provides recommendations for facilitating sovereign debt resolution in the region while also supporting healthcare needs and accelerating the economic recovery to build back better after COVID. West Africa comprises 15 countries, with Nigeria alone accounting for roughly two-thirds of the region’s GDP. Half the countries in the region are classified as fragile and face a multiplied burden from the coronavirus, which could undermine development, peace, and social cohesion.
