Historic validation workshop marks milestone for Côte d’Ivoire’s future
Under the leadership of Dr. Souleymane DiarraSSouba, Minister of Planning and Development, an unprecedented national workshop convened in Abidjan to finalize the validation study for Côte d’Ivoire’s first-ever National Territorial Development Framework (SNAT CI-2045). The event brought together key stakeholders including government institutions, prefectural officials, local authorities, technical and financial partners, public administrations, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, academics, independent experts and media professionals.
The gathering signals a decisive step toward adopting a national benchmark that will guide both public and private investments, enhance public policy effectiveness and promote balanced regional development across the country.
Strategic vision rooted in long-term national development
Spearheaded by His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara, the government is reinforcing its strategic planning framework to support sweeping economic, social and environmental transformations throughout Côte d’Ivoire. Central to this vision is territorial planning, which aims to distribute investments more evenly, unlock regional potential and align development policies for greater coherence and impact.
The SNAT CI-2045 will serve as the definitive long-term spatial development reference, defining where public and private investments should be located and harmonizing actions among the state, local governments and development stakeholders. Each territory will be assigned tailored development roles designed to maximize its unique strengths.
Integrating development priorities across all regions
As Dr. DiarraSSouba emphasized, “The National Development Plan (PND 2026–2030) sets medium-term priorities and investments to drive national growth. The SNAT CI-2045 translates these priorities into territorial realities with a long-term perspective and will underpin all future national development plans. Together, these two frameworks ensure coherent public action nationwide. Our mission as the Ministry in charge of territorial planning and regional and local development is to secure every region’s rightful place in the nation’s progress.”
Five strategic pillars to reshape Côte d’Ivoire’s future
The validated framework stems from a rigorous, participatory and multi-scale consultation process, grounded in a comprehensive national diagnostic. It addresses critical challenges such as reducing regional disparities, managing urban growth, boosting territorial competitiveness, strengthening local governance, conserving natural resources and deepening regional integration.
The SNAT CI-2045 envisions a future where all territories are resilient, competitive and share in shared prosperity. It is structured around five strategic axes:
- Balanced territorial development to close regional gaps;
- More efficient urban and rural network organization;
- Stronger territorial governance mechanisms;
- High-performance, resilient and inclusive economic growth;
- Accelerated climate transition to safeguard environmental assets.
Next steps: from validation to legal adoption
Following the workshop, the draft framework will be submitted to the Government and subsequently to Parliament for adoption as the law establishing the National Territorial Development Framework. Once enacted, Côte d’Ivoire will possess its first national territorial planning reference, empowering the State to steer investments toward areas where they can generate the greatest impact and foster balanced, nationwide development.