A three-day workshop on harmonizing the methodology for calculating the Human Development Index (HDI) was held in Abidjan from September 15 to 17, 2026. The event, co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNESCO, and the Ivoirian Ministry of Planning and Development, brought together around sixty national and international stakeholders. The primary goal was to improve coherence between statistical data produced in Côte d'Ivoire and those used internationally. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the country's HDI, a crucial tool for assessing national progress.
The workshop's opening session featured several key interventions, including those from UNESCO's representative in Côte d'Ivoire, Mame Omar Diop, UNDP resident representative Blerta Cela, and Planning and Development Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba. Diop emphasized the significance of the HDI, which considers not only economic performance but also essential dimensions of population well-being, such as health, education, and living conditions. He commended the Ivoirian government's efforts to improve the country's HDI ranking, which rose by five places in 2023 compared to the previous year.
According to Diop, the HDI is a vital instrument for evaluating national progress, and its improvement reflects the impact of investments in various sectors. However, he also highlighted the remaining challenges, particularly in education, where over 700 million people worldwide still lack access to educational opportunities. Diop stressed the importance of reliable statistics to measure progress and identify areas for continued effort. He welcomed the collaboration between UNESCO, the UNDP, and the Ministry of Planning and Development, which enables the formulation of pertinent recommendations to ensure no one is left behind.
Blerta Cela, the UNDP resident representative, highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's progress in several social indicators. She noted that a child born in 2023 can expect to live around 62 years, compared to 53 years in 1990, representing a nine-year gain in life expectancy over one generation. Cela reported that Côte d'Ivoire's HDI reached 0.582 in 2023, its highest level ever. The country achieved the strongest annual HDI growth in sub-Saharan Africa and now ranks first within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).
The workshop aimed to address the need for accurate and consistent data to support Côte d'Ivoire's development goals. Participants worked to harmonize methodologies, ensure the reliability of indicators, and establish a permanent mechanism for monitoring human development data. This initiative is crucial for the preparation of the upcoming National Human Development Report, scheduled for 2026, which will be the country's first report since 2019.
The collaboration between UNESCO, the UNDP, and the Ministry of Planning and Development reflects a concerted effort to enhance Côte d'Ivoire's human development. By working together, these organizations can provide more accurate and comprehensive data, ultimately supporting informed decision-making and policy development. The improved HDI will enable Côte d'Ivoire to better assess its progress and address areas requiring attention.
The outcomes of this workshop will contribute significantly to Côte d'Ivoire's development trajectory. By strengthening the country's statistical capacities and ensuring data coherence, the government and its international partners can work more effectively towards achieving sustainable development goals. The enhanced HDI will serve as a valuable tool for tracking progress and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's HDI reached 0.582 in 2023, its highest level ever.
- The country achieved the strongest annual HDI growth in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The workshop aimed to improve coherence between national and international data.
