Abstract

The objective of this paper was to assess the medium-term macroeconomic and sectoral impacts of the sanitary measures taken by countries to contain the spread of Covid-19 on West African economies. For this purpose, two scenarios were simulated using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. The results indicate a moderate but increasing contraction of GDP over time due to reduced exports and investment. Sectoral effects are reflected in a larger fall in manufacturing output than in services and agriculture due to lower household consumption. Our results reveal the need for cross-border regional coordination of the measures implemented. These findings also suggest that trade facilitation measures should be strengthened in the context of subregional economic integration.