Cote d’Ivoire has announced an ambitious plan to reduce its poverty rate to below 20 percent by 2030. Prime Minister Robert Beugre Mambe shared the details during a government seminar on Monday. The strategy is part of the National Development Plan (PND) for 2026-2030, which focuses on maintaining progress in poverty reduction despite a rapidly growing population.
“The PND 2026-2030 aims to keep reducing poverty to below 20 percent by 2030, even with a 2.6 percent annual population growth rate,” Mambe said. This goal aligns with the country’s broader vision of becoming an upper middle-income nation by the end of the decade.
If successful, the average income per person in Cote d’Ivoire could rise from $1,722 (the average between 2010 and 2020) to around $4,000 by 2030. This would mean a 132 percent increase, significantly improving living standards for millions of Ivorians.
The country has already made impressive progress in reducing poverty. Government data shows the poverty rate dropped from 55 percent in 2011 to 37.5 percent in 2021—the biggest decline since 1985. This improvement is due to strong economic growth, better infrastructure, and targeted social programs.
The new plan, however, goes further by introducing a fresh approach to economic growth. It focuses on adopting global best practices and innovative strategies to guide decision-making. The goal is to build a more resilient and diverse economy that can handle global challenges and ensure long-term prosperity.
“This plan is about more than numbers; it’s about transforming lives,” Mambe stressed. “We want an inclusive and sustainable economy that creates opportunities for everyone.”
Economists and development experts have welcomed the plan but warn that achieving these targets will require significant investment, effective implementation, and strong governance. If successful, Cote d’Ivoire could become a model for other African nations facing similar challenges.
As the country moves forward with its ambitious goals, the focus will be on turning plans into real improvements for its people. For now, the PND 2026-2030 offers hope for a brighter future for millions of Ivorians.