World prices for key food imports into the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) rose 10.0% in CFA franc terms in the year to July 2026, the regional central bank BCEAO said in its August economic report. Wheat prices climbed 21.7%, vegetable oils rose 12.4% and rice gained 10.4%, while milk and sugar prices fell 7.8% and 7.5%, respectively.
Analysis: The increase accelerated in July, with the index rising 4.7% from the previous month, driven largely by higher wheat and rice prices. In Senegal, however, food and beverage prices rose just 0.9% year on year in September, suggesting that higher global costs have yet to fully reach consumers. Flour millers and rice importers are typically the first to face rising import costs. Consumer price data for October, expected from Senegal’s statistics agency ANSD around November 10, could provide a clearer picture of whether those increases are being passed on to shoppers.
Source: BCEAO, monthly economic note for the UEMOA, August 2026 edition (July 2026 data); ANSD consumer price index, September 2026