Cote d'Ivoire: Modernizing Social Protection and Labor Policies for Inclusive Growth

The main objective of this policy note is to assess key social protection and labor (SPL) policies, program expenditures and institutional arrangements in Cote d'Ivoire. The note aims to identify policy options for improving allocative and technical efficiency for key programs, including how to modernize and coordinate financing arrangements, delivery systems and benefit packages across different populations. The main policy question addressed by the note is to what extent spending levels and institutional arrangements have been effective in terms of reaching and supporting the poorest households. The first part of the policy note focuses on providing an overview of current programs; the second part focuses on policy options moving forward; the final part concludes with a framework for reform. As an initial analysis, the first part of the note takes stock and reviews key aspects of the main SPL programs in terms of: (i) financing, (ii) access and coverage, and (iii) governance and administration in service delivery. The second part of the note evaluates options for strengthening risk management as a well-coordinated, integrated system across different programs, with a focus on (i) fiscal implications, (ii) distributional effects, and (iii) modernizing design features. Finally, the last part discusses a framework for reform, political economy considerations and recommendations for structuring social dialogue on reforms.