Côte d’Ivoire unveils long-term territorial plan for 2045 growth

Under the leadership of Dr. Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development, a pivotal national workshop convened in Abidjan this week to validate the study for the National Territorial Development Framework (SNAT CI-2045). The gathering brought together key stakeholders including constitutional bodies, prefectural officials, local governments, technical and financial partners, public administrations, private sector representatives, civil society, academics, experts, and media professionals.

This milestone marks the beginning of Côte d’Ivoire’s first-ever comprehensive national planning reference for territorial development. Once finalized, SNAT CI-2045 will equip the government with a strategic tool to guide public and private investments, enhance policy effectiveness, and promote balanced territorial growth across the nation.

In alignment with President Alassane Ouattara’s vision for strategic development, the government is reinforcing its planning infrastructure to address the country’s evolving economic, social, and environmental needs. Territorial planning plays a critical role in this strategy by ensuring investments are strategically distributed, regional potential is maximized, and development policies are coherent nationwide.

The SNAT CI-2045 serves as the long-term blueprint for spatial organization, defining investment priorities and harmonizing the roles of state agencies, local authorities, and development actors. Each region will be assigned specific development vocations to optimize resource allocation and economic opportunities.

“The 2026–2030 National Development Plan sets medium-term priorities, while SNAT CI-2045 translates these into long-term territorial strategies. Together, they form the foundation for cohesive public action nationwide,” stated Dr. DIARRASSOUBA. “Our mission as the ministry overseeing territorial planning and local development is to ensure every region contributes meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”

Strategic pillars for a resilient Côte d’Ivoire

The validated framework results from extensive consultations conducted through a scientific, participatory, and multi-scale approach. It addresses critical challenges such as regional disparities, urban sprawl, economic competitiveness, local governance, resource conservation, and regional integration.

The SNAT CI-2045 envisions a Côte d’Ivoire where all territories are resilient, competitive, and share in shared prosperity. It is structured around five strategic axes:

• Balanced territorial development to reduce regional inequalities
• Optimized urban and rural networks for smoother connectivity
• Stronger territorial governance to empower local authorities
• Performance-driven, resilient, and inclusive economy for sustainable growth
• Accelerated climate transition to safeguard natural resources

Following the workshop, the finalized territorial plan will be submitted to the government, followed by parliamentary adoption of the law establishing SNAT CI-2045. This landmark initiative will provide Côte d’Ivoire with its first national territorial planning reference, guiding state investments toward high-impact zones and fostering balanced nationwide development.