• New 2026–2030 program targets jobs, digital access, and climate resilience

• UNDP aims to help create 100,000 jobs and mobilize $100 million in climate finance

• Partnership supports Côte d’Ivoire’s goal of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030

Côte d’Ivoire and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) officially launched their 2026–2030 Cooperation Program (CPD) on March 25. The initiative is designed to support the country’s ambition of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030.

The program is structured around two main pillars. The first focuses on ensuring universal access to digital public services. The second emphasizes innovation as a driver of sustainable and resilient growth, with priorities including the green transition, the development of local solutions such as solar energy and agroforestry, and job creation.

As part of the partnership, the UNDP has set specific targets for the new cycle. “We aim to create more than 100,000 jobs, expand access to clean energy, protect over 10 million people from climate risks, and mobilize more than $100 million in climate finance,” said Blerta Cela, UNDP resident representative in Côte d’Ivoire.

The program follows the 2021–2025 Cooperation Framework and aligns with the country’s National Development Plan for 2026–2030, which aims to build a sustainable and peaceful economy combining strong growth, social inclusion, and institutional stability.

“This direction will improve program performance by leveraging digital solutions and integrated approaches that combine governance, peace, local economic development, and climate action, alongside a significant strengthening of local capacities,” said Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Planning and Development.

Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba

Côte d’Ivoire enters this new phase with a favorable macroeconomic outlook. Growth is projected at 6.7% in 2026, inflation is expected to remain contained at 1.5%, and the tax-to-GDP ratio is forecast to rise to 15.7%. This solid economic environment underpins the strategic partnership with the UNDP.

The country has also recorded progress in human development, with its Human Development Index (HDI) rising by 0.017 between 2022 and 2023. According to government data, this places Côte d’Ivoire first in Sub-Saharan Africa and fourth globally in terms of annual improvement.

Despite these gains, challenges remain, including youth unemployment, low financial inclusion, inequality, and the impacts of climate change.

The UNDP, which has been active in Côte d’Ivoire since 1961, focuses on reducing economic, social, and environmental inequalities.

Lydie Mobio