How services changed as a share of West African economies

Côte d’Ivoire gained over the full period

The services share was 41.23% in 1990 and 51.17% in 2025. It was higher in 2018, at 55.62%. Nigeria moved from 42.05% in 1990 to 58.23% in 2025. Source 1

Benin and Senegal finished below their 1990 shares

Benin’s ratio fell to 35.32% in 2000 before recovering to 50.06% in 2025, still below 52.89% in 1990. Senegal fell from 51.22% in 1990 to 46.33% in 2025. Source 1

The category covers multiple activities

Services include market activities such as trade, transport and finance and activities such as public administration, education and health. To identify the activity behind a movement, examine industry-level value added on the same basis. Source 2

A GDP share differs from a growth rate

A share can rise when services grow faster than other parts of the economy. It can also rise if other sectors contract. Use constant-price data to measure growth in services output over time. Source 2

Sources

• National statistical offices and central banks via World Bank WDI
• Publisher metadata and indicator definition
• World Bank API, country and year records