WAT time now |
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18:39:36 Sat, 28 Jun 2025
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| UTC Offset: UTC +1 |
West Africa Time (WAT) operates at UTC+1 and is the standard time used in many countries across West and Central Africa. It is sometimes simply called "West African Time." Regions following WAT do not observe daylight saving time, keeping this time zone fixed throughout the year.
Importance and Global Use of WAT
WAT provides a coordinated time standard for numerous countries in West and Central Africa, streamlining government operations, transportation, education, and regional business activities. Its fixed UTC+1 offset ensures predictable scheduling and eliminates confusion from daylight saving changes across participating nations.
Internationally, WAT supports trade, finance, and development efforts in a region closely linked to global supply chains and diplomatic relations. Its alignment with nearby European time zones during the winter months helps maintain smooth cross-border communication, international logistics, and financial transactions, keeping West Africa connected to global markets.
Where and When WAT is used worldwide
Africa
African countries using WAT all year
- Angola
- Benin
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) - Western region InfoWestern region includes Kinshasa, the capital of DRC. While the eastern region follows Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2) time zone.
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Republic of the Congo
Other Time Zones in UTC +1
Other time zones share the same offset as West Africa Time (WAT), but are known by different names. While their clocks align, they may represent different regions or countries based on local time zone definitions.
- British Summer Time – BST
- Central European Time – CET
- Irish Standard Time – IST
- Western European Summer Time – WEST