Extensive research into Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) practices within large organisations underscores the critical need for such frameworks in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in West Africa. Recognised as a key management practice, ERM is essential for overseeing SME operations and improving their resilience. This study investigates the adoption of ERM within West African SMEs and assesses its impact on their performance, offering targeted recommendations for effective risk management in the region. Through both qualitative and quantitative methods, data were collected via interviews and surveys with SMEs across fifteen West African countries. The findings indicate that many SMEs operate without formal ERM structures, relying instead on informal risk management practices. The study advocates for a proactive implementation of a comprehensive ERM framework, aligned with ISO 31000, specifically adapted to the context of West African SMEs. Embracing this framework is expected to bolster risk management practices and enhance the global competitiveness of SMEs in the region.