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West African CFA Franc

Imagine using the same currency across multiple countries. In much of West Africa, that is exactly how everyday commerce works. The West African CFA franc enables trade, travel, and financial cooperation among several nations, making it one of Africa's most widely used regional currencies.

The West African CFA franc is the official currency used by eight member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA): Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. Its international currency code is XOF, and it is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). One CFA franc is divided into 100 centimes, although centime coins are no longer commonly used in everyday transactions.

Today, the West African CFA franc supports regional trade, investment, banking, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and public finance across millions of people living in West Africa. By sharing a common currency, member countries aim to facilitate economic integration and reduce barriers to cross-border commerce.

Daily Whoa Snapshot

Category: Currency
Currency Code: XOF
Used In: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo
Issued By: Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)
Subdivision: 100 centimes
Known For: Shared regional currency used across eight West African countries

Why the West African CFA Franc Matters

The West African CFA franc helps simplify trade between member countries by allowing businesses and consumers to use the same currency across national borders. This reduces exchange costs and supports regional economic cooperation.

The shared currency also promotes financial integration. Banks, investors, and companies operating across multiple WAEMU member states benefit from a common monetary framework that supports cross-border investment and commerce.

For travelers, entrepreneurs, and international businesses, understanding the West African CFA franc offers valuable insight into one of Africa's most important regional economic partnerships.

Definition

The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the shared official currency of eight West African countries belonging to the West African Economic and Monetary Union. It is issued by the Central Bank of West African States and is used for all official financial transactions within participating member states.

The Daily Whoa

The West African CFA franc is shared by eight countries.
Its international currency code is XOF.
The currency is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).
One CFA franc is divided into 100 centimes.
It supports regional trade and economic integration.
Millions of people use the currency every day across West Africa.

History

The West African CFA franc was introduced in 1945 and has evolved alongside the region's changing political and economic landscape. Following the independence of member countries, the currency continued to serve as the monetary foundation of regional cooperation. Today, it remains an important component of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, supporting financial stability and economic integration across member states.

Banknotes and Coins

The West African CFA franc circulates as both banknotes and coins. Modern designs feature African wildlife, agriculture, infrastructure, education, technology, and economic development while incorporating advanced security features to help protect against counterfeiting.

Where You'll Encounter the West African CFA Franc

The West African CFA franc is used every day across eight West African countries in supermarkets, restaurants, banks, government offices, transportation services, hotels, and businesses. Travelers moving between member states can use the same currency without exchanging money, making regional travel and commerce more convenient.

You'll commonly encounter the West African CFA franc through:

Retail shopping
Banks and financial institutions
Hotels and tourism
Government services
Regional trade
Agriculture and local markets
Manufacturing industries
Transportation services
Cross-border business
Everyday purchases

What Makes the West African CFA Franc Different?

It is shared by multiple countries

Unlike most national currencies, the West African CFA franc is used across eight sovereign nations, allowing goods, services, and investments to move more easily throughout the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

It supports regional economic integration

By sharing a common currency, member countries reduce exchange-rate costs within the union and promote greater cooperation in trade, finance, and economic policy.

It is issued by a regional central bank

The West African CFA franc is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), which manages monetary policy for all participating member countries rather than for a single nation.

Common Misconceptions

The West African CFA franc is used throughout all of Africa.

No. The currency is used only by the eight member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA).

The West African CFA franc and the Central African CFA franc are the same currency.

Not exactly. They have different currency codes, are issued by different regional central banks, and are used by different groups of countries, although they have historically maintained the same exchange value.

Each member country prints its own version of the currency.

No. The West African CFA franc is issued centrally by the BCEAO and circulates across all participating member states.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the West African CFA franc?

The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the shared official currency of eight countries in the West African Economic and Monetary Union.

What is the currency code for the West African CFA franc?

The international ISO currency code is XOF.

Which countries use the West African CFA franc?

Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo all use the West African CFA franc as their official currency.

Who issues the West African CFA franc?

The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) is responsible for issuing and managing the currency.

Why should I care about the West African CFA franc?

Understanding the West African CFA franc provides insight into one of Africa's most significant regional economic unions, illustrating how a shared currency can facilitate trade, travel, investment, and financial cooperation across multiple countries.