The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have taken a decisive step towards economic integration with the creation of the Confederal Bank for Investment and Development, with an initial capital of 500 billion CFA francs (about $820 million). This new financial body aims to promote strategic projects in infrastructure, energy and social development, within the framework of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which the three countries founded after their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
In addition to the bank, the three states have implemented a joint passport, a free trade policy between them, their own media network and the creation of a common defence force. These measures reflect their intention to strengthen their sovereignty and regional cooperation in the face of the political and economic challenges facing the Sahel, setting a new course in West Africa's geopolitical balance.
Source: aa.com.fr