Each year, millions suffer the consequences of cooking with traditional fuels such as wood, charcoal and kerosene. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 4 million people die annually from illnesses linked to household air pollution caused by burning solid fuels like wood and charcoal. In Africa, nearly four in five people are exposed to hazardous indoor smoke, making it a leading cause of premature death—especially for women and children. Globally, 99% of the population breathes air that the WHO considers unsafe, highlighting the widespread impact of polluted cooking.
Health and Environmental Impact of Polluted Cooking
More than 850 million people in Africa still rely on traditional fuels for cooking, making toxic indoor smoke the second-leading cause of premature death after malaria. The health risks include pneumonia, heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, disproportionately affecting women who spend extended hours cooking.
Beyond its health implications, polluted cooking contributes significantly to environmental degradation. Each year, burning wood fuels releases one gigaton of carbon dioxide, accounting for 2% of global carbon emissions and accelerating deforestation. Switching to cleaner energy alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biofuels or solar-powered cookstoves, could mitigate these impacts while preserving biodiversity.
The burden of collecting fuel for cooking falls heavily on women and children, who spend up to 20 hours per week gathering firewood. This time-consuming task limits educational opportunities, keeping children, particularly girls, from attending school and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Without access to clean cooking, families face economic hardship, poor health outcomes and environmental risks, making this issue one of the most pressing challenges in global development.
Clean Cooking Alliance: Driving Change
The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) is leading efforts to expand access to clean cooking solutions. The organization collaborates with governments, businesses and nonprofits to create a sustainable, scalable industry focused on modern cooking technologies. CCA’s strategy revolves around:
- Driving Consumer Demand – Increasing awareness and behavioral change to encourage the transition to clean cooking.
- Mobilizing Investment – Attracting funding to grow businesses that produce and distribute affordable clean stoves and fuels.
- Supporting Policies – Advocating for government policies that prioritize clean energy solutions.
CCA has already made a measurable impact by providing $8.6 million in grants to clean energy companies, investing $2 million in gender-focused initiatives and reaching 40 million people through awareness campaigns. Alex Eton, CEO of Sistema.Bio, calls clean cooking “a pathway out of poverty.”
Challenges and Opportunities for Expansion
While Africa’s renewable energy sector is booming, clean cooking solutions remain underfunded. Between 2019 and 2020, investment in clean cooking businesses dropped from $25 million to just $10 million, limiting growth and accessibility. Low consumer demand and insufficient financing continue to hinder widespread adoption. Despite these obstacles, clean cooking offers significant health, economic and environmental benefits. Cleaner stoves reduce fuel consumption by 30-60%, lowering household costs and carbon emissions. Access to clean cooking solutions lowers the risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases and pregnancy complications.
Spark+ Africa Fund: Scaling Clean Cooking Solutions
To address the funding gap, CCA launched Spark+ Africa—the world’s first impact fund dedicated to financing clean cooking solutions. This initiative aims to create greater access to capital for businesses while delivering:
- Improved respiratory health for millions of people.
- Gender equality by reducing time poverty for women.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
- Job creation in the renewable energy sector.
Empowering Women Through Clean Cooking
CCA’s commitment to gender equity is central to its mission. The organization states, “Women must be part of the process,” emphasizing its role in both using and promoting clean cooking solutions. The Women in Clean Cooking (WICC) mentorship program, launched in 2020, connects female professionals with industry leaders to support career growth, entrepreneurship and leadership in sustainable energy.
Engaging Youth in the Clean Cooking Movement
With 90% of the world’s 1.8 billion youth living in developing countries—where access to clean cooking remains limited—CCA recognizes the importance of engaging young people. The organization has launched youth-driven initiatives to promote leadership in the clean cooking sector, including:
- Sponsoring the 2023 YES! Youth Energy Summit, featuring youth-led discussions on clean energy.
- Sending the first youth delegation to the 2022 One Young World Summit, increasing awareness and advocacy efforts.
- Creating a youth consultation process to ensure that young voices influence policy and investment decisions.
The Road Ahead
The Clean Cooking Alliance continues to expand its efforts, with upcoming global conferences in March 2025, focusing on clean energy, climate action and poverty reduction. However, achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2030 requires stronger commitments from governments, private investors and international organizations. The Clean Cooking Alliance’s work represents a crucial step toward a future where clean cooking is no longer a privilege but a right. By addressing health risks, environmental concerns and economic barriers, CCA is leading a movement that has the potential to transform millions of lives worldwide. With continued investment and innovation, clean cooking could not only improve health and environmental conditions but also drive sustainable development in communities most in need.
– Amani Almasri
Amani is based in Durham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
New Data Center Threatens Further Water Scarcity in Uruguay
What Is a Data Center?
Most internet netizens are familiar with “the Cloud,” where users can remotely store data instead of keeping it on their devices. This data cannot just be nebulously stored on the internet, though; it has to go somewhere physical to be stored. Data centers are the answer to this, containing warehouses of servers that process and house cloud data along with the machines that help make AI technology work.
These computers need lots of water to stay cool with a typical data center using an average of 300,000 gallons of water a day. Some data centers can even use upwards of a million gallons of water a day. Since the process of cooling down computers heats the water, it cannot be dumped back into the systems where it came from since thermal pollution has been known to destroy entire ecosystems.
This process also has the potential to leave chemicals or other impurities that render the water unfit for human consumption. Many worry that the introduction of this technology in Uruguay could prove catastrophic, given the water scarcity in Uruguay.
The Effect on Uruguay
Water scarcity in Uruguay continues to be a prime concern for its citizens and the announcement of a new data center only further exacerbated these concerns. The initial announcement drew so much controversy that many locals took to the catchphrase “It’s not drought, it’s pillage” amid protests. Experts also worry about the long-term ramifications of data centers posing a drain on Uruguay’s very limited water supply.
While the country is still recovering from the prior drought, the insecurity and ecological decimation it brought can still be felt in many areas. A new proposal for the data center was created, with an emphasis on using air conditioning to cool the computers instead of water. Unfortunately, academics conclude this would be just as damaging environmentally. While it is true the amount of water would be lessened, the air pollution and stress on the electrical grid far outweigh any good proposed by the new solution.
Advancements in Technology
Data centers use large amounts of electricity and water to operate, but this does not have to be a negative thing due to recent advancements. Many data centers have turned to using reclaimed wastewater or sewage, to cool their systems instead of relying on drinkable water. Other companies have proposed the idea of recycling the water used in data centers to create a self-sufficient model of water usage.
Advancements such as these would greatly lessen the impact on drinkable water if implemented in Uruguay. Google, the company building and operating the data centers, has been vocal about not wanting to harm Uruguay through the creation of the data center. On the contrary, Google has offered to collaborate with local universities to provide more technology-focused content in their curriculums in order to bolster Uruguay’s tech business and advancements.
Moving Forward
While Uruguay continues to recover from prior droughts, water scarcity in Uruguay continues to be an issue for it. Many worry that the creation of a data center continues to threaten Uruguay’s water supply. However, recent technological advancements and renewed promises for compromise between Google and the Uruguayan people offer a brighter future moving forward.
– Mackenzie Scott
Photo: Flickr
Electric Vehicles in India: Driving Affordability and Sustainability
Government and Public Adoption of Electric Vehicles
The use of electric vehicles in India continues to rise, with reports showing that more than 2 million electric vehicles were in use by 2023. A primary reason for this increase is the rising cost of petrol. In April 2020, petrol prices in Indian cities averaged 70 rupees per liter, reaching nearly 110 rupees per liter at their peak in 2022. As fuel prices continue to fluctuate, many citizens are turning to electric vehicles to save money on transportation costs. In an interview with AP News, an electric rickshaw driver highlighted the financial benefits of the switch. He reported that charging his electric rickshaw costs 60 rupees, compared to 300 rupees for petrol to cover the same 80-kilometer distance. Given these cost savings, many others are making the transition to electric vehicles.
Supportive Policies for Electric Vehicle Adoption
The Indian government has introduced financial incentives and policies to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. In September 2024, officials approved a 109 billion rupee ($1.3 billion) incentive package to promote the use of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles, as well as electric trucks and ambulances. Reducing pollution from diesel-powered trucks remains a primary focus of this policy, as they are among the largest contributors to poor air quality in India. To address this, the government has introduced additional incentives for scrapping old diesel trucks in favor of electric alternatives. By 2030, India aims to have 70% of its commercial vehicles running on electricity, significantly reducing emissions while making transportation more affordable for businesses and individuals.
Charitable Initiatives and Market Growth Projections
The shift to electric vehicles has created opportunities for low-income communities. The Shishu Mandir charity has been donating electric vehicles to individuals in need, allowing them to establish sustainable livelihoods through ride-hailing services. A transgender woman who had previously relied on street begging for survival after being disowned by her family received an electric vehicle donation from Shishu Mandir. The initiative provided her with a safer and more stable income while also contributing to environmental sustainability.
While Shishu Mandir has donated 17 electric vehicles so far, efforts are ongoing to expand the program, providing licenses and driving lessons to those in poverty. These initiatives demonstrate how electric vehicle adoption serves as both a climate solution and a tool for economic empowerment.
Organizations such as the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) are also playing a pivotal role in expanding India’s electric vehicle market. Through investments, policy support and government lobbying, IBEF estimates that India could become the largest electric vehicle market in the world by 2030. The organization advocates for subsidies, improved charging infrastructure and lower production costs to make electric vehicles more accessible.
Looking Ahead
India’s transportation sector is undergoing a major transformation as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to accelerate. Beyond lowering emissions and reducing fuel costs, this shift is creating new economic opportunities for marginalized groups and demonstrating the broader social benefits of sustainable mobility. With government policies, private investments and charitable initiatives driving change, millions more people could gain access to affordable, clean transportation. The rise of electric vehicles in India not only signals progress toward a greener future but also highlights the power of technology and policy in improving livelihoods.
– Lizzie Mazzola
Photo: Flickr
People with Disabilities in Taiwan
Health Care Expenses
Taiwan has universal health care, but despite this, health care costs are significantly more expensive for people with disabilities. Expenses commonly include medications, supplements, transportation, mobility aids and prosthetics, but these are just some of the expenses that come with disabilities. While the universal health care and public assistance (for those that qualify) in Taiwan, reduce or cover the cost of medical expenses, the truth is that health care expenses add up over time.
Additionally, there is the ever-present issue that having a disability does not guarantee that Taiwan will officially recognize the disability, nor does having an officially recognized disability guarantee a person financial assistance for their medical expenses.
Limited Employment Opportunities
Most jobs are inaccessible to people with disabilities because the average Taiwanese business lacks the resources to accommodate disabilities. Moreover, there are more than 1 million people (or 5%) registered as having a disability in Taiwan. However, disabled people make up 8% of the unemployed people in Taiwan. The people with disabilities who are able to find work on average make a salary of NT $30,000 or about $917.
Families in Poverty
For families with family members who have a disability the loss of a job often means an indefinite loss of income because of how difficult it is to get a job with a disability in Taiwan. The same loss of income occurs when a family member develops a physical or mental disability and becomes unable to work and the family loses a portion or all of their income. Moreover, a newly developed disability requires additional medical care, increasing the amount of money needed for health care, and creating an additional financial strain. For many families, this can lead to poverty, and for families who are already low-income or living in poverty, this only worsens their circumstances.
Together, these issues correlate and or compound on one another, increasing the number of people with disabilities in Taiwan experiencing poverty.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The government established the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2020. NHRC works to monitor and protect the human rights of Taiwanese people. The NHRC pays close attention to upholding the rights of vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, homeless people, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
In 2022, the NHRC launched its first action plan, which states its methods to address the inequity that vulnerable groups experience. It specifically states that it will address the inequity people with disabilities in Taiwan face, such as inaccessible work environments, housing injustices, and poor health care accessibility.
The NHRC states that it intends to “provide necessary and appropriate reasonable accommodations” to persons with disabilities based on their individual needs. Simultaneously, Taiwan’s Workforce Development Agency Ministry of Labor updated its “Supportive Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities” plan. This allows a person with a disability who desires to work but cannot compete within the employment market with the ability to have access to resources, such as individualized job training or assistance, along with individualized job placement.
Within its action plan, the NHRC acknowledges that “there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to housing rights issues in Taiwan” for vulnerable groups in particular. As part of this initial action plan, it will identify the issues at hand so they can be addressed in the Medium-Term Strategic Plan which will be a continuation and more defined action plan to address the concerns originally brought up in the first action plan.
Housing and Health Care
Concurrently, in 2023, the Ministry of the Interior Real Estate Information Platform began addressing the creation of “Barrier-Free Housing” to comply with updated housing laws. This “Barrier-Free Housing” would remove all tangible and intangible barriers within homes so that people with disabilities can have a home and amenities designed to be accessible.
Taiwan also lacks an adequate amount of accessible transportation and medical facilities. However, the NHRC plans to promote the increased implementation of accessible resources within these sectors.
Furthermore, in 2023 the Executive Yuan (the executive branch of the government of Taiwan) announced that the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) would be investing more than NT$48 billion ($1.5 billion) into more comprehensive health care services for people with disabilities in Taiwan. The funding is intended to increase the accessibility of medical facilities along with creating more effective health care services. The MOHW believes these improvements will not only benefit people with disabilities but also the guardians of people with disabilities.
Disabilities in Taiwan
Currently, people with disabilities in Taiwan disproportionately experience poverty. However, with these new efforts made by the NHRC, Taiwan’s Workforce Development Agency Ministry of Labor, Ministry of the Interior Real Estate Information Platform and MOHW low income rates within people with disabilities in Taiwan are being addressed and over time these measures put in place along with future plans should alleviate disproportionate poverty.
– Nivea Walker
Photo: Flickr
5 Nonprofits Creating Food Security in Syria
What to Know About Food Security in Syria
More than half of the people in Syria (12.9 million) are currently food insecure. Of those experiencing acute and ongoing hunger, pregnant women and children under 5 are the most at risk.
The food security situation is dynamic, with early indicators pointing to drought conditions in 2025. Unfortunately, this may deepen the hunger crisis.
Ongoing humanitarian crises make it difficult for nonprofit organizations in Syria to get aid to the people who need it most. The most recent crises are flash points against the backdrop of fourteen years of conflict.
The most recent crises are the February 2023 earthquake and the 2024 overthrow of the Assad regime. Now adding to the turmoil is the conflict in Lebanon that has created new displacement for people who had already fled from conflict back home in Syria, UNHCR reports.
Violet
A group of young people founded Violet in Syria in 2013 at the onset of the crisis in 2011. Violet’s Food Security and Livelihoods Program addresses the needs of the most vulnerable in Syria, “with a focus on those with special needs.” The Food Security and Livelihoods Program delivers food baskets, provides job training, support for Syrian farmers and agriculture and cash distribution to those in need.
Violet’s food baskets program provides families with food and supplies for infants ranging from milk and nutritional supplements to cribs. The Cash for Food program distributes cash assistance to displaced people so they can purchase food.
Syria Relief and Development
Syria Relief and Development is a nonprofit based in the United States that operates in Syria, Turkey and Jordan. The organization was founded in 2011 with a mission to “provide crisis humanitarian relief and plant the seeds of sustainable development for Syria.” Since its beginning, Syria Relief and Development has focused its attention on food security. This has been achieved by providing the Syrian people with food and basic necessities, such as Ramadan Food Kits.
Takaful Al Sham
Founded in Turkey in 2013 to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Takaful Al Sham focuses on meeting the needs of children, youth and women. The organization is working to create food security in several ways. The Emergency Response, FS and Agriculture Program provides internally displaced Syrians with nutrition kits, cash, Ramadan baskets, food vouchers, fresh bread and nutritional supplements for women and children. Other aid includes services for farmers, installation of irrigation networks in local gardens and nutrition classes for parents.
World Vision
After the 2023 earthquake, World Vision worked with the WFP and the International Blue Crescent Foundation to launch programs to provide training, support and tools to Syrian farmers.
World Vision has served the needs of millions of people in Syria. Program activities include providing basic necessities, psychological support and education services.
People in Need
Founded in 1992 by “a group of Czech war correspondents who were no longer satisfied with merely relaying information about ongoing conflicts,” People in Need has become an integral part of the nonprofit network in Central Europe. People in Need is part of Alliance2015, a European nonprofit network.
In Syria, People in Need is supporting food security by funding education and support for entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector.
Since the 2023 earthquake, People in Need has provided emergency aid by distributing food, repairing infrastructure necessary for food networks to function, and providing for the basic needs of internally displaced Syrians.
– Caitlyn Erwin
Photo: Flickr
Training Centers and Vocational Education in Kenya
The Importance of TVET’s in Kenya
For a country like Kenya, economic development is dependent on the growth of the manufacturing industry through production of goods and services that can be imported to generate income. However, for this goal to be realized, technological innovation is important. Therefore, TVET’s come in to address the skills gap by producing a human resource fit for the job market or self employment.
According to The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA, 2025), Kenya has 12 accredited national polytechnics, 1,232 accredited technical and vocational colleges and 1,086 accredited vocational training centers. Furthermore, vocational education training centers have evolved from providing semi-skilled labor for white settlers to equipping students with skills that meet the needs of the local industries.
Curricula Transformation
Kenya passed the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act to modernize the TVET sector. The key focus was incorporating information and communication technology to increase access, enhance training capacity, improve delivery methods and support the long-term employability of graduates. Additionally, the act established the Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (CDACC) tasked with developing the curriculum and assessment standards.
The Outcome
The digitalization of vocational education and training centers in Kenya has benefitted from partnerships with institutions like the World Bank, the German government and organizations like Colleges and Institutes Canada.
With support from the German government, schools like St. Kizito, carried out an assessment of the automotive industry to update their curriculum for automotive courses to ensure the training is aligned with the requirements of the labor market. This partnership led to a revamped curriculum and on job training opportunities for students allowing them to gain practical experience.
Colleges and Institutions Canada conducted research to explore how innovation hubs could address community problems. This initiative has led to various innovations, such as energy-saving stoves and the development of flour using underutilized crops to address food insecurity and nutritional deficiency among vulnerable groups.
Commercialization of innovations has also been a key focus. The TVET curriculum is designed to equip students with skills relevant to the current labor market demands that technological advancement characterizes. To ensure the students are contributing to the manufacturing industries, vocational education and training centers are maximizing their potential for economic growth by commercializing their innovations.
Effect on Economy and Poverty Reduction
Sub-Saharan Africa ranks as one of the regions with the highest school drop out rates of children between the ages of 15 to 17. However, many often see education as a powerful tool in breaking the poverty cycle through empowerment, reducing child labor and providing people with the skills necessary to seek employment. One of the ways to increase access to education is making it affordable and accessible to everyone by promoting non-formal education pathways like vocational training and education.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) employment in the informal sector grew by 4.5% compared to a 4.2% growth in the formal sector.
These statistics highlight the impact of TVET in alleviating poverty. Often overlooked as a viable academic option, their ability to transform lives at the community level by providing people with skills that help them to improve their lives is indisputable. Indeed, by focusing on skills such as electrical engineering, agriculture, building and construction they offer local industries with ready skills while meeting the needs of local communities. This also creates a pathway to economic independence through self employment. Vocational education training centers are a powerful long term investment in the journey of transforming Kenya’s economy.
– Grace Ruria
Photo: Flickr
Migration to Malta: Challenges and Opportunities
Migration Trends in Malta
According to official data, Malta’s population reached 563,443 at the end of 2023, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year. Net migration predominantly drove this growth, with non-EU citizens accounting for 93.1% of new arrivals. Eurostat recorded Malta as having the highest immigration rate in the EU in 2022, with almost 66 migrants for every 1,000 residents.
This trend reflects a broader global context where nations across Europe face rising migration, driven by both economic disparities and humanitarian crises. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Malta hosts more than 11,000 refugees and 2,000 asylum seekers who are mainly from Ukraine, Libya, Syria, Sudan and Bangladesh.
For Malta, migrants have contributed to a younger demographic profile compared to the aging local population. While the old-age dependency ratio for Maltese citizens has risen, migrants have helped offset this demographic challenge, as demonstrated by their declining old-age dependency ratio.
Migration and Poverty
According to WHO, Malta has limited resources coming from its small size, but it also offers seamless health care services to refugees and migrants from the moment they arrive, according to Dr Valeska Padovese, Special Advisor on Migrant Health Migration.
Malta has a complex relationship with poverty. Although poverty indicators are generally below the EU average, specific groups such as non-EU nationals and the elderly, particularly women are disproportionately affected. Moreover, migrants often experience unstable jobs, harsh conditions, and limited housing access.
Migration to Malta has undoubtedly placed a strain on the island’s infrastructure and social services. Over-construction, inflated housing prices and resource allocation are pressing issues that demand strategic planning and investment. Despite these difficulties, migration offers opportunities. Migrants contribute to the economy, offset demographic challenges and enrich Maltese society with cultural diversity.
Access to Water
As a water-scarce nation, Malta’s reliance on desalination and groundwater sources presents challenges in meeting the growing demand from an expanding population. According to the Energy and Water Agency, a governmental agency of Malta, freshwater resources are a long-standing challenge, compounded by the small size of the island and high population density.
Additionally, Euronews reported Malta’s scarce natural resources could worsen due to climate change and mass tourism over the years.
To tackle these issues, Malta follows the EU’s Water Framework Directive, which aims to ensure an adequate quantity and quality of water. This involves expanding the water supply through non-conventional methods like seawater desalination, wastewater reuse, and rainwater harvesting.
A Positive Note: Charitable Efforts
Amid these challenges, several charitable organizations are stepping up to support migrants and vulnerable populations. One notable example is the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malta, which provides legal assistance, psychological support and integration programs for refugees and asylum seekers.
Another organization, the Migrant Women Association Malta, focuses on empowering migrant women through skills training and community support. These efforts reflect a growing movement within Malta to address migration-related challenges with compassion and innovation.
Migration to Malta is a multifaceted issue, intertwining economic opportunities with social challenges. While it has brought significant demographic and economic benefits, addressing poverty and resource allocation is crucial for sustainable growth. With continued commitment from policymakers, community organisations, and society at large, Malta can turn these challenges into opportunities, building a more inclusive and resilient nation.
– Arianna Distefano
Photo: Unsplash
Uzbekistan’s Anti-Poverty Program
Poverty in Uzbekistan
Despite Uzbekistan’s progress in reducing poverty, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas, where nearly half the population lives. Limited access to essential services and economic opportunities continues to hinder development in these regions. The national unemployment rate stands at 6.8%, but job opportunities remain scarce in many areas. Youth face particularly high unemployment, with 24% struggling to find work. Informal employment, which operates outside government regulation, remains widespread, further complicating efforts to ensure stable and secure job opportunities across the country.
“From Poverty to Prosperity” Program
To tackle poverty and lift 1 million people out of economic hardship, the Government of Uzbekistan partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch the “From Poverty to Prosperity” initiative in late 2024. The program prioritizes vocational training and job creation to address employment challenges. Although Uzbekistan currently has 250,000 job vacancies, many low-income individuals lack the necessary skills and training to qualify for these positions.
Uzbekistan’s anti-poverty program aims to bridge this gap by expanding job training programs, equipping participants with essential skills and increasing access to stable, well-paying employment. Beyond workforce development, the program emphasizes education for children from low-income families, expanding access to higher education and increasing enrollment in preschools. By investing in skills training and education, the initiative seeks to build long-term economic stability for individuals and communities across Uzbekistan.
Recent Progress
Since 2020, the Uzbekistan government has made poverty reduction a national priority. Significant resources have been invested into the movement and the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has even declared poverty reduction a “national movement.” Social programs have been modernized and expanded in recent years, assisting the poor. This investment in fighting poverty has already yielded significant results, with the poverty rate falling from 17% in 2021 to 11%. Rural areas, which have higher rates of poverty than urban areas, have seen the largest poverty reduction, declining by 7.8 percentage points.
Looking Ahead
Uzbekistan’s anti-poverty program demonstrates the country’s continued investment in education, workforce development and social programs, positioning the country to meet its goal of lifting 1 million people out of poverty in 2025. The “From Poverty to Prosperity” program marks another step toward sustainable economic growth and improved living standards. With government investments and strategic reforms, Uzbekistan is on track to further reduce poverty and create a more inclusive economy.
– Matthew Wornom
Photo: Flickr
Moving Forward: The Electric Vehicle Industry in the DRC
Rising Demand for Rare Earth Metals
Investment in the DRC and other Central African nations reflects a growing interest in clean energy technologies. It also highlights the potential for increased engagement with the Congolese government to promote global trade of these valuable resources. As the EV and battery storage industries grow, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has predicted that total demand for lithium will rise by close to 90% by 2040. Similarly, nickel and cobalt will increase to between 60-70%.
The push is led by China, whose companies have been systematically buying and constructing refineries for these metals. Effectively this has made China indispensable to the EV supply chain. Approximately 80% of the DRC’s cobalt output is owned by Chinese companies. Many of these companies have recently come under fire for inhumane labor practices regarding the mines. For nations looking to get involved, the challenge now is to formalize the mining and refining processes while aligning labor practices with global standards. Additionally, the task is to distribute the profits from this trade to the Congolese government and its people.
Electric Vehicle Industry in the DRC
The DRC has long struggled with civil conflict. Fighting between the Congolese government and the militia group M23 has displaced millions of citizens. The DRC is considered one of the five most vulnerable countries in the world. The World Bank estimates that 73.5% of Congolese people live on less than $2.15 a day. Despite these challenges, the mining sector plays a vital role in the Congolese economy. In 2023, it grew by 18.2%, contributing to more than 70% of the overall gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
Most laborers, however, do not benefit from this growth. Often compared to modern-day slavery, Congolese freelance miners— referred to as “artisanal”— work in dangerous conditions for little more than a few dollars a day. These artisanal miners manually dig on the peripheries of excavation sites to sell to independent distributors. About 10-20% of Congolese cobalt is produced by artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). These ASM sites, in particular, are associated with child labor, hazardous conditions and human rights violations.
There has been a surge in pressure on the Congolese government and cobalt-producing companies in the DRC to avoid ASM-produced cobalt entirely. However, others have pointed out that this runs the risk of cutting off the livelihoods of many Congolese workers. Rather, a formalization of the ASM industry is necessary to monitor high-risk situations and prevent human rights violations.
Formalization of the ASM Industry
The Mutoshi mine, located in the Katanga Province, has served as a pilot project to integrate ASM into industrially mined cobalt. Formalization processes include encouraging female participation, eliminating child labor and improving safety conditions. Similarly, directives such as the European Union (EU) Batteries Directive, the African Green Minerals Strategy and the DRC’s Interministerial Commission in Charge of Monitoring Child Labor in Artisanal Mining aim to improve ASM conditions.
Furthermore, negotiations like the U.S.-DRC-Zambia trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) aim to strengthen cooperation. Furthermore, they look to develop a cross-border integrated value chain for EV battery production. The MoU also seeks to raise awareness of investment and co-financing opportunities for the EV industry in the DRC.
Looking Ahead
With rising investments and exports in the mining sector, driven by improving mineral prices and growing public investment from the EV and battery industries, the DRC is poised to see continued favorable GDP growth over the next decade. In 2023, GDP growth was recorded at 7.8%. With the continued formalization of ASM and steadfast negotiation, the DRC can improve its global standing greatly as demand for EVs and battery storage techniques continues to grow.
– Sadie Claps
Photo: Unsplash
Clean Cooking Alliance: Push for Clean Cooking Solutions
Health and Environmental Impact of Polluted Cooking
More than 850 million people in Africa still rely on traditional fuels for cooking, making toxic indoor smoke the second-leading cause of premature death after malaria. The health risks include pneumonia, heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, disproportionately affecting women who spend extended hours cooking.
Beyond its health implications, polluted cooking contributes significantly to environmental degradation. Each year, burning wood fuels releases one gigaton of carbon dioxide, accounting for 2% of global carbon emissions and accelerating deforestation. Switching to cleaner energy alternatives, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biofuels or solar-powered cookstoves, could mitigate these impacts while preserving biodiversity.
The burden of collecting fuel for cooking falls heavily on women and children, who spend up to 20 hours per week gathering firewood. This time-consuming task limits educational opportunities, keeping children, particularly girls, from attending school and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Without access to clean cooking, families face economic hardship, poor health outcomes and environmental risks, making this issue one of the most pressing challenges in global development.
Clean Cooking Alliance: Driving Change
The Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) is leading efforts to expand access to clean cooking solutions. The organization collaborates with governments, businesses and nonprofits to create a sustainable, scalable industry focused on modern cooking technologies. CCA’s strategy revolves around:
CCA has already made a measurable impact by providing $8.6 million in grants to clean energy companies, investing $2 million in gender-focused initiatives and reaching 40 million people through awareness campaigns. Alex Eton, CEO of Sistema.Bio, calls clean cooking “a pathway out of poverty.”
Challenges and Opportunities for Expansion
While Africa’s renewable energy sector is booming, clean cooking solutions remain underfunded. Between 2019 and 2020, investment in clean cooking businesses dropped from $25 million to just $10 million, limiting growth and accessibility. Low consumer demand and insufficient financing continue to hinder widespread adoption. Despite these obstacles, clean cooking offers significant health, economic and environmental benefits. Cleaner stoves reduce fuel consumption by 30-60%, lowering household costs and carbon emissions. Access to clean cooking solutions lowers the risk of respiratory infections, cardiovascular diseases and pregnancy complications.
Spark+ Africa Fund: Scaling Clean Cooking Solutions
To address the funding gap, CCA launched Spark+ Africa—the world’s first impact fund dedicated to financing clean cooking solutions. This initiative aims to create greater access to capital for businesses while delivering:
Empowering Women Through Clean Cooking
CCA’s commitment to gender equity is central to its mission. The organization states, “Women must be part of the process,” emphasizing its role in both using and promoting clean cooking solutions. The Women in Clean Cooking (WICC) mentorship program, launched in 2020, connects female professionals with industry leaders to support career growth, entrepreneurship and leadership in sustainable energy.
Engaging Youth in the Clean Cooking Movement
With 90% of the world’s 1.8 billion youth living in developing countries—where access to clean cooking remains limited—CCA recognizes the importance of engaging young people. The organization has launched youth-driven initiatives to promote leadership in the clean cooking sector, including:
The Road Ahead
The Clean Cooking Alliance continues to expand its efforts, with upcoming global conferences in March 2025, focusing on clean energy, climate action and poverty reduction. However, achieving universal access to clean cooking by 2030 requires stronger commitments from governments, private investors and international organizations. The Clean Cooking Alliance’s work represents a crucial step toward a future where clean cooking is no longer a privilege but a right. By addressing health risks, environmental concerns and economic barriers, CCA is leading a movement that has the potential to transform millions of lives worldwide. With continued investment and innovation, clean cooking could not only improve health and environmental conditions but also drive sustainable development in communities most in need.
– Amani Almasri
Photo: Flickr
Implementation of New Social Reforms in Morocco
According to a 2023 report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), gender gaps in the Moroccan labor market are quite big, with the gap being around 21% and has been falling since 2004. The labor force in rural areas, in particular, has been declining in terms of the number of women working. The report also mentioned gender disparities in employment rates, in which it was found that unemployment rates were higher for women than they were for men. This presents a major issue, as the report found that if more women were encouraged and able to go to work, Morocco’s economy could be strengthened. There would be more people in the workforce.
Morocco acknowledges its ongoing struggles with gender inequality and its efforts to address this issue through social protection reforms are not recent. These efforts date back to the ’50s and were revitalized in the late ’90s, with a particular focus during the COVID and post-COVID periods.
Moudawana – 2004
Moudawana is Morocco’s family law. First drafted and implemented in the late ’50s, this law was reformed again in 2004. In this law, important rights for women were introduced, such as the right to self-guardianship, divorce, child custody and inheritance. Additionally, the legal age of marriage was raised from 15 to 18 years old. This law was a stepping stone toward improving gender equality in Morocco. The law provides women with self-autonomy and a way to support themselves financially, such as by securing inheritance and the right to self-guardianship.
COVID-19
Fast forward 16 years later, COVID-19 had a profound impact on social reforms in Morocco. It highlighted the need for special protections to be extended to all Moroccan citizens and the need for the country to pay closer attention to low-income individuals and families. At the time of the pandemic, it was found that women experiencing multidimensional poverty were more likely to be living in rural areas.
This is primarily due to a lack of education. According to a study titled “Women’s Poverty in Morocco in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic: a Multistory Approach,” “educational deficits explain nearly 60% of the risk of suffering this form of poverty.” In fact, a significant education disparity exists between men and women in Morocco, which undoubtedly contributes to women’s higher rates of poverty. As of 2022, the World Bank reports a 16.5% gap in adult literacy between men and women in Morocco.
In March 2021, during the pandemic, Social Protection Law No. 09. 21 was adopted with the intention of protecting Moroccans against economic and social risks. This law had two phases. The first phase from 2021-2023 would allow the government to focus on the generalization of medical insurance. In contrast, the 2024-2025 phase would require the government to implement unemployment allowances. These medical protections fall under three new registries that the Kingdom of Morocco created and began implementing in 2022.
Post COVID-19
Closing Remarks
These three systems, while still in the beginning stages of implementation, have managed to benefit impoverished women in particular. Often, women in rural areas lack proper identification. In many cases, illiteracy makes it hard to navigate bureaucratic processes. Now that these women have been identified, they are eligible to access government social assistance programs.
Overall, social reforms in Morocco have made steady progress in addressing gender inequality and poverty. While the systems mentioned are new and by no means perfect, the progress has been encouraging to see.
– Aya Diab
Photo: Flickr