Description of the subject. In arid and semi-arid regions, water availability is among the limiting factors that compromise the growth and development of tree species. The study of the response to water stress of plant species can lead to the selection of resistant plant material, which may be capable of becoming established in areas subject to periodic water deficits. Objectives. This paper aimed to assess the tolerance to water stress of five priority species for afforestation: Faidherbia albida, Acacia senegal, Jatropha curcas, Combretum micranthum, and Pterocarpus lucens. Method. The stress experiment consisted of subjecting one-month-old plants to various watering regimes combining two factors: water quantity provided (100%, 50%, and 25% of water-holding capacity of the substrate) and watering frequency (3 days, 7 days, and 10 days), through a completely randomized design with 10 treatments, in a greenhouse trial. Growth performance and stress tolerance indices of plants were monitored in each treatment. Results. Results showed that, except for Pterocarpus lucens, which was characterized by very low tolerance indexes under severe stress conditions, the other selected species appeared efficient because of their low sensitivity to water deficit and their high survival rates. Acacia senegal appeared the most tolerant to water deficit, followed by Jatropha curcas, Combretum micranthum, and Faidherbia albida. Conclusions. Seedlings of these last four species could provide promising material for afforestation operations in environments frequently subjected to water deficits, such as zippela.