PND 2026–2030: Minister Nialé Kaba Emphasizes Urgent Need to Invest in Human Capital for Inclusive Economic Growth

As part of the preparations for Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, Nialé Kaba, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, stressed the urgent need for the country to invest in human capital to ensure inclusive economic growth.

She made this call during the opening of a high-level workshop held in collaboration with the World Bank Group on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Cocody.

Themed "Strengthening Human Capital to Drive Côte d’Ivoire’s Development", the workshop aimed to produce concrete and actionable proposals to make human capital a driving force for Côte d’Ivoire’s economic and social transformation over the next five years, by building a coherent and targeted strategy based on strategic sectoral choices.

Referring to Côte d’Ivoire’s Human Capital Index, which currently stands at 38%, compared to 80% in aspirational countries like South Korea, Minister Kaba highlighted the urgency of investing in human capital to sustainably support economic growth and improve the well-being of the population.

She also underlined the major challenges the country faces in the fields of education, health, and nutrition, especially for children and young people. The minister reiterated the national goal of creating five million jobs over the next five years to absorb the influx of young people entering the labor market.

Trina Haque, World Bank Regional Director for Human Capital, praised Côte d’Ivoire's strong economic performance, describing the country as a growth engine in West Africa and an emerging hub for foreign direct investment.

Special thanks were extended to Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, World Bank Country Director, for her continued support in preparing the PND and organizing this strategic event, which brought together numerous international experts and the private sector.

This workshop follows the government seminar on the PND 2026–2030 held on February 17–18, 2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.