Côte d’Ivoire is placing human capital development and improved living conditions at the centre of its public policies, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé said on Wednesday, as he opened a continental dialogue on Africa’s demographic future in Abidjan.

Speaking at the event, held under the theme “Harnessing Demographic Change for Prosperity, Resilience and Inclusion,” Mambé said the country was pursuing a transformation agenda under the leadership of President Alassane Ouattara.

He said the National Development Plan (PND) for 2026–2030 would strengthen this approach by aligning economic planning more closely with the needs of the population, improving coordination among government institutions and directing public investment towards priority areas.

Mambé stressed that government performance should be measured by tangible improvements in the daily lives of families across the country’s regions.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding opportunities for women, creating jobs and strengthening institutions’ ability to anticipate demographic changes.

Africa is expected to have the world’s largest and youngest working-age population by 2050, accounting for more than a quarter of the global population.

The prime minister said population growth must be accompanied by real progress in rights, skills and public health.

He added that political commitment and collective action would be essential to turning the continent’s demographic transformation into prosperity, resilience and inclusion.

Mambé called for the dialogue to produce an ambitious and practical African vision that takes into account the diversity of countries and the rights of their populations.