The 7th edition of "Mois d'octobre, Mois du consommer local" was officially launched on October 1, 2026, in Ouagadougou, at the headquarters of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). This year's theme, "Consommer local, facteur d'intégration régionale et de souveraineté économique de l'UEMOA face aux mutations du commerce mondial," focuses on promoting local consumption as a factor of regional integration and economic sovereignty.
The "Mois du consommer local" initiative was established in 2019 by UEMOA member states to promote local products and enhance economic integration. Since its inception in 2020, the initiative has been running for six consecutive years. Its primary objective is to bring producers and consumers closer, create more meeting spaces for economic operators, and better valorize the union's productive potential.
UEMOA's Commissioner for Regional Market and Cooperation, Pr Filiga Michel Sawadogo, emphasized that the theme of this edition is not coincidental. He cited global trade disruptions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the rise of tariff and non-tariff barriers, and reduced market access facilities. These changes, he argued, require member states to rethink their economic space and positioning in global trade.
The UEMOA commission aims to leverage its 2025-2030 strategic plan, "Impact 2030," to develop production ecosystems in agro-industry, light industries, extractive industries, and value-added services. The "consommer local" initiative is seen as a key driver of this strategy, involving governments, businesses, and consumers. Statistics show that intra-community trade accounted for only 13.1% of UEMOA's total merchandise trade between 2022 and 2024.
Pr Filiga Michel Sawadogo stated that the goal is to significantly increase trade among the eight member states. He emphasized that economic sovereignty involves producing, transforming, and exchanging more within the region, without seeking autarky. The commission aims to promote competitiveness and establish "Made in UEMOA" as a mark of quality, safety, and competitiveness.
Burkina Faso's representative, Raoul Tiéné, welcomed the initiative's longevity and highlighted its alignment with his country's economic transformation goals. He cited several initiatives in Burkina Faso, such as TEXFORCES-BF, a textile production factory, and mentioned products like Faso Danfani and poulet bicyclette, which embody the country's efforts to promote local consumption.
The UEMOA commission has commissioned an evaluation study to assess the impact of the "Mois du consommer local" initiative and identify areas for improvement. The study aims to inform future editions and enhance the initiative's effectiveness in promoting regional economic integration and sovereignty.
Key points
- UEMOA's 7th "Mois du Consommer Local" edition focuses on promoting local consumption to enhance regional economic integration and sovereignty.
