Despite the extensive research on the determinants of bank profitability, certain key factors—such as credit risk and political risk—deserve specific attention within the context of the WAEMU. The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects of these two factors on bank profitability in the WAEMU. Using the Pool Mean Group estimator and the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares estimator on aggregate data from WAEMU countries covering the period 2005-2023, we show that credit risk and political risk have negative long-term effects on bank profitability in this region. We therefore suggest improving information management and the quality of political governance in the WAEMU.
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