Since the publication of a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 19, 2024, debates have animated the public sphere. This resolution grants, exceptionally, a five-year preparatory period to Cambodia and Senegal to support them in their gradual exit from the LDC category.
However, some media outlets have misinterpreted or presented this information, creating confusion. Article titles suggest that Senegal has already left this list, which is false. It should be noted that the process has been underway since 2021 and will end in 2029.
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What is it like to be in the ranking of Least Developed Countries?
Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized the least developed countries (LDCs) as a category of states considered very disadvantaged in their development process, for structural, historical but also geographical reasons.
The UN evaluates the reclassification of countries based on three indicators:
-- 1.Gross national income (GNI) per capita
- Human Capital Index (HCI): Measurement of indicators linked to health and education (under-5 mortality, schooling, literacy).
- Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI): Assesses a country’s structural vulnerability to external shocks.
To graduate from the LDC category, a country must meet the thresholds for two of the three indicators in two consecutive triennial reviews carried out by the Committee for Development Policy (CPD).
What are the consequences of reclassification?
If in 2029, Senegal’s exit is confirmed, in the opinion of the experts interviewed, we can conclude that the advantage is mainly on the side of the image of Senegal, a country which is at an intermediate level or even emerging economically. But, it should be noted as consequences:
•reduced access to international aid: Reclassification will lead to the loss of certain support measures reserved for LDCs, such as trade preferences. However, “smooth transition” mechanisms make it possible to benefit from aid for a limited period after reclassification.
•an impact on bilateral partners: For example, France, Senegal’s main partner, could remove the latter from its list of priority countries.
•Effects on international markets: The most significant impacts could concern trade relations with the European Union, India, China and the United Kingdom.
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