The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted economies worldwide, including those of West African countries. COVID-19 belongs to the Coronavirus family, primarily affecting the human respiratory system. This research focuses on assessing COVID-19 transmission rates in selected West African nations through Stochastic Markov analysis, utilizing Susceptible, Infective, Recovered, and Death (SIRD) states. By applying the stochastic Markov model to WHO COVID-19 data, the study reveals transition probabilities for SIRD states in Liberia (61% susceptible to infective), The Gambia (53% susceptible to infective), and Nigeria (45% susceptible to infective). The research highlights a higher recovery rate in The Gambia (53%) and a lower one in Liberia (37%). Moreover, Nigeria tops the list for transition from infective to death (absorbing) state with 44%, while The Gambia follows with 7%. The study emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines to ensure safety.

Keywords: COVID-19, WHO, SIRD, Pandemic, Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, West Africa.