National validation workshop drives Côte d’Ivoire’s future territorial development
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 top government officials, prefects, local authorities, technical and financial partners, alongside representatives from the public sector, private enterprise, civil society, academia, experts, and the media.
Paving the way for Côte d’Ivoire’s first national territorial planning reference
The SNAT CI-2045 represents Côte d’Ivoire’s inaugural national framework for territorial planning. Once adopted, it will provide the government with a long-term roadmap to guide public and private investments, enhance the effectiveness of state actions, and promote balanced regional development across the country.
A strategic tool for sustainable national transformation
As part of a broader strategy approved by President Alassane Ouattara, this framework is designed to support Côte d’Ivoire’s economic, social, and environmental evolution. Territorial planning is central to this vision, ensuring a fairer distribution of investments, unlocking regional potential, and strengthening the coherence of development policies nationwide.
The SNAT CI-2045 will serve as the definitive reference for long-term spatial organization, shaping where public and private investments are directed. It harmonizes state interventions with regional and local initiatives by assigning each territory a tailored development role, ensuring cohesive national progress.
Linking short-term priorities to long-term vision
During the workshop, Dr. DiarraSSouba emphasized the synergy between the SNAT CI-2045 and the National Development Plan (PND 2026–2030). He stated, « The PND defines medium-term priorities and investments for national growth. The SNAT CI-2045 translates these into a territorial vision for the long term, serving as the foundation for future National Development Plans. Together, these frameworks ensure coherent public action across the entire country. As the ministry responsible for territorial planning and regional development, our mission is to ensure every region plays its rightful role in the nation’s progress. »*
A participatory and evidence-based approach
The validated priorities emerged from a comprehensive, multi-scale consultation process grounded in scientific analysis. They address key challenges such as reducing regional disparities, managing urban growth, boosting local competitiveness, strengthening governance, conserving natural resources, and deepening regional integration.
Five strategic pillars for a resilient Côte d’Ivoire
The SNAT CI-2045 is built on five strategic pillars:
- Balanced territorial development – Ensuring no region is left behind in national progress
- Efficient urban and rural networks – Optimizing connectivity and service delivery across communities
- Stronger local governance – Empowering communities to drive their own development
- High-performing, inclusive economy – Fostering growth that benefits all citizens
- Accelerated climate transition – Building resilience against environmental challenges
Next steps toward adoption and implementation
Following the workshop, the draft framework will be submitted to the government for review before being presented to Parliament. Once approved, the SNAT CI-2045 will become Côte d’Ivoire’s first national territorial planning law, guiding state investments toward the areas where they will have the greatest impact and fostering balanced development nationwide.
