Archive for category: Africa

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DRC Cobalt Reform and Community Justice

DRC Cobalt ReformThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second-largest country in Africa. Ongoing fighting between rebel groups and government forces, systemic corruption, recurring health crises and the mismanagement of resources have contributed to a severe humanitarian emergency. As a result, an estimated 27 million people are experiencing extreme poverty in the DRC.

The DRC is rich in natural resources, supplying more than 70% of the world’s cobalt, which is classified as a “critical mineral” by the United States, the European Union (EU) and other governments. Yet 74% of Congolese citizens live in poverty. Around 150,000 artisanal miners work in hazardous conditions, with cooperatives, often controlled by politicians, taking up to half of their earnings. 

Additionally, an estimated 40,000 children work in these mines. Communities living above cobalt reserves remain among the world’s most energy-poor, highlighting the urgent need for cobalt reform in the DRC. With fair revenue sharing, stronger environmental protections and targeted funding, the global clean energy transition can be built on more just foundations.

A Nation Rich in Resources, Poor in Opportunity

Cobalt is a critical material for lithium-ion batteries, aerospace alloys and renewable energy systems. It plays a central role in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution and defense applications, making it one of the most strategically important minerals today. The DRC dominates global supply, holding about 60% of known reserves and producing 271,300 tonnes in 2024. 

However, artisanal and small-scale mining accounts for 15–30% of the country’s cobalt output, often involving hazardous conditions, child labor and environmental harm. Cobalt reform in the DRC is vital to protect Congolese lives. Companies such as Ford and Tesla are using blockchain technology to trace cobalt through supply chains. 

However, only 20% of industrial mines in the DRC currently meet international labor standards. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are also being deployed to improve mine safety and efficiency. In recycling, companies such as Redwood Materials have developed methods to recover up to 95% of cobalt from used EV batteries. Additionally, the EU now mandates a 70% cobalt recovery rate by 2030.

Human Cost of the Cobalt Supply Chain

A report from the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab, published in August 2025, exposes the scale of forced labor and exploitation in the DRC’s cobalt mining sector. The research surveyed 1,431 artisanal miners across two provinces: 36.8% were in forced labor, 9.2% in child labor and 6.5% in debt bondage. Additionally, 87.8% entered mining because they had no other means of survival and 70% said they would quit if they could.

Average daily earnings were just $3.28, with women earning significantly less ($1.84) than men ($3.52). None had written work agreements and no trade unions existed for them to join. The report notes that, despite these conditions, tech and EV companies continue to market their DRC cobalt supply chains as fully audited and human-rights compliant. 

The report’s key recommendation is an independent due diligence initiative led by Congolese academics, civil society and mining communities to properly hold the industry to account.

Breaking the Cycle: New Paths Forward in the DRC Cobalt Reform

In the DRC’s second-largest city, Lubumbashi, young people like Patricia Kayombo are breaking free from the cycle of dangerous artisanal cobalt mining. Kayombo, an apprentice mechanic, used to live in a household where everyone worked the mines, suffering from dust-related health problems, with no other option. Now, Kayombo is training to become an auto mechanic and “dreams of furthering her skills and one day becoming a trainer to teach other girls.”

The African Development Bank’s PABEA-COBALT project ($82 million) is driving this change, with two main goals: returning children to school and retraining young miners and their parents in agribusiness and vocational trades. The program has returned more than 13,500 children to school, retrained 8,200 young workers and helped more than 10,500 parents start new livelihoods in agriculture. With investment and viable alternatives, Congolese youth can find dignity and opportunity far from the mine pits.

From Raw Ore to Economic Sovereignty

The DRC lifted its seven-month export ban, in place since February 2025 and replaced it with a quota system starting on October 16, 2025. The quotas cap exports at roughly 96,600 tons for 2026 and 2027. This is well below the approximately 204,000 tons mined in 2024 and will be adjusted quarterly based on market conditions.

The original ban was introduced to address a global supply glut that had been pushing cobalt prices down since 2022. The DRC aims to process more cobalt domestically rather than export it as raw ore and is actively partnering with both Western and Chinese investors. These moves reflect the DRC’s attempt to convert its vast mineral wealth into greater economic leverage amid intensifying geopolitical competition over critical minerals. 

With greater economic sovereignty, the DRC may finally be seen as a respected partner, which, in turn, could save the lives currently at risk in the country. 

Final Remarks

The DRC remains at the intersection of geopolitical ambition and human suffering. Its cobalt is integral to the clean energy transition, yet the communities extracting it remain among the world’s most impoverished. The tools for cobalt reform in the DRC exist: fairer contracts, domestic processing, independent oversight and investment in alternatives. But they require Western and Chinese partners to treat the DRC as a sovereign stakeholder rather than merely a supplier. 

– Anisa Begum

Anisa is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Health Improvements and Reducing Poverty in Uganda

Poverty in UgandaUganda has experienced notable economic growth over the past two decades. Yet, poverty, food insecurity and limited access to health care remain persistent challenges, particularly in rural and refugee-hosting regions of Uganda. According to World Bank estimates, Uganda’s national poverty rate stood at approximately 21.4% in 2016, with significantly higher rates in rural areas.

Food insecurity and undernutrition reinforced these vulnerabilities, contributing to poor health outcomes and limiting educational attainment among children. In response, the World Food Program (WFP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) implemented a range of initiatives to address both the immediate and structural drivers of poverty and poor health in Uganda.

WFP Initiatives: School Feeding, Nutrition and Food Security

Between 2016 and 2020, WFP implemented its Uganda Country Program, which prioritized food security as a foundation for long-term development. A central pillar of this strategy was the Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) program, which provides daily meals to schoolchildren while sourcing food directly from local smallholder farmers. This approach was designed to address child hunger and education outcomes while simultaneously strengthening rural livelihoods.

According to a WFP interview with a WFP Uganda program officer, the HGSF initiative has reduced hunger-related absenteeism among schoolchildren while improving household income stability for farmers through predictable local procurement. The interview emphasizes that by linking schools to nearby agricultural producers, the program treats food assistance as both a nutritional and economic intervention rather than short-term relief. WFP reports indicate that school feeding programs reached hundreds of thousands of children annually, particularly in food-insecure regions such as Karamoja, where chronic hunger has historically undermined educational outcomes.

In addition to school meals, WFP expanded maternal and child nutrition programs, targeting pregnant women and young children during critical stages of development. Evaluations of WFP’s Uganda Country Strategic Plan found improvements in household food consumption scores and dietary diversity among participating communities.

UNDP Initiatives: Inclusive Growth and Health Infrastructure

While WFP’s interventions focused on food systems and nutrition, UNDP addressed the broader economic and infrastructural determinants of poverty and health. Through its Inclusive Growth and Resilience programs, UNDP supported job creation, micro-entrepreneurship and access to renewable energy, factors closely linked to long-term poverty reduction.

One of UNDP’s most impactful interventions has been the solarization of rural health facilities. The organization supported the installation of solar power systems in 26 rural health facilities, improving health care access for more than 700,000 people. Before electrification, many facilities relied on unreliable grid power or diesel generators, limiting their ability to provide consistent care.

UNDP reports that solar-powered facilities improved vaccine storage, expanded nighttime emergency services and strengthened maternal health care. By strengthening health infrastructure, these initiatives reduced the economic burden of illness on households. They enhanced the overall resilience of rural health systems.

Measurable Impact: Poverty Reduction and Health Improvements

The combined effects of WFP and UNDP initiatives are reflected in national development indicators. Between 2016 and 2020, poverty in Uganda declined to 20.3%. While multiple factors contributed to this trend, UNDP and WFP reports identify improved food security, social protection and service delivery as key contributors.

Nutrition and health indicators also improved over the same period. National stunting rates among children under 5 declined from roughly 29% in 2016 to 26% in 2022, reflecting gains in maternal nutrition, child feeding practices and health care access. In refugee-hosting districts, WFP-supported cash transfers linked to nutrition and health services improved dietary diversity.

They reduced reliance on negative coping strategies. The WFP interview-based video evidence further reinforces these findings by illustrating how school feeding programs improved attendance and learning outcomes, thereby demonstrating the long-term poverty-reduction potential of investing in child nutrition and education.

Challenges and Ongoing Constraints

Despite measurable progress, significant challenges persist. Funding volatility poses a major threat to program sustainability, particularly in refugee-hosting areas. WFP evaluations warn that reductions in donor funding have led to ration cuts in some regions, reversing gains in food security and nutrition.

Climate shocks, including droughts and floods, further undermine agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, placing additional strain on food systems. UNDP reporting also notes capacity constraints at the local government level, which can limit the scaling and institutionalization of successful initiatives. These challenges highlight the need for sustained investment and stronger national ownership of development programs.

Conclusion

UNDP and WFP initiatives in Uganda demonstrate that poverty reduction and health improvement are most effective when addressed through integrated, multi-sectoral strategies. These programs linked school feeding to local agriculture. They expanded nutrition-linked social protection and also strengthened the health care infrastructure through renewable energy.

Together, these efforts addressed both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term development needs. The measurable declines in poverty and child malnutrition between 2016 and 2022 suggest that coordinated development interventions can deliver tangible results even in complex and resource-constrained contexts. As Uganda continues to confront climate risks, demographic pressures and funding uncertainty.

However, the UNDP–WFP model offers a compelling example of how development and humanitarian action can work together to deliver sustainable, inclusive outcomes.

– Akash Ramaswamy

Akash is based in Mississauga, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Yoga Alleviates Poverty in Africa

Yoga Alleviates Poverty in AfricaAfrica faces a deep employment crisis shaped not only by unemployment but also by low wages, irregular work and a lack of labor protections. For many families, work exists, but stability does not. In response, an unlikely tool is emerging: yoga.

Communities and organizations now adapt yoga, once associated mainly with wellness studios in the Global North, into skills-based programs that generate income, create employment and build economic resilience in vulnerable communities. Yoga alleviates poverty in Africa by addressing the barriers that prevent people from securing stable livelihoods.

Africa’s Employment Crisis

Africa’s unemployment rate, at 7.9%, exceeds the global rate of 5.6%. Within the region, Northern Africa has the world’s highest unemployment rate (11.7%) and sub-Saharan Africa’s rate (7.2%) is also above the world average. 

Although unemployment rates remain high, they capture only one dimension of Africa’s employment crisis. In many countries, such as South Africa and Eswatini, the prevalence of low wages, casual and irregular work, uncertain hours and a lack of workplace protections prevents employment from guaranteeing economic security. This structural challenge leaves millions working without stability or a reliable pathway out of poverty.

Young people feel this crisis most sharply. African youth aged 15-35 have extremely high unemployment rates: 33% in Egypt, 43% in Mali and 54.2% in South Africa. Many analysts attribute these figures to a youth skills deficit, which drives structural unemployment and underemployment.

Africa Yoga Project

Africa Yoga Project (AYP) educates, empowers and expands employability among African youth through yoga-based training programs. Its mission is to create opportunities for young people to become self-sustaining leaders within their communities by combining physical and mental well-being with practical, income-generating skills. AYP offers yoga teacher training, leadership development and mentorship programs that equip participants with marketable skills to earn a living.

Graduates work as yoga instructors, often teaching in schools or online since the COVID-19 pandemic. These opportunities are particularly significant in regions where formal employment is limited and youth unemployment remains high. By transforming yoga into a viable livelihood, AYP addresses both economic insecurity and community well-being.

Its programs demonstrate how yoga alleviates poverty in Africa by developing skills and improving mental health, resilience and social cohesion in underserved communities.

Project Air

Project Air shows how yoga can support poverty alleviation by meeting people where they are, emotionally, physically and socially. The initiative works with HIV-positive survivors of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, many of whom carry deep trauma that makes daily life and economic participation feel out of reach. Through gentle, trauma-informed yoga, Project Air helps participants rebuild strength, regulate stress and reconnect with their bodies in ways that support stability and self-reliance.

By working alongside local survivor associations, the Rwandan Ministry of Health and UNICEF, Project Air creates safe, supportive spaces rooted in trust and community. The program also provides food, clothing and shared care, easing daily pressures so women and children can focus on healing and rebuilding their futures. These practical and emotional supports allow participants to reengage with their communities and begin imagining long-term livelihood opportunities.

As the first yoga initiative to receive United Nations (U.N.) endorsement, Project Air illustrates how yoga alleviates poverty in Africa by restoring dignity, well-being and economic participation in post-conflict societies. For some participants, the most profound outcome was simple but transformative: they slept peacefully for the first time since the genocide.

Yoga as a Tool for Poverty Reduction

The work of initiatives such as AYP and Project Air shows that poverty reduction in Africa requires more than job creation alone. By addressing skills gaps, trauma and mental well-being, yoga-based programs remove barriers that prevent young people and survivors of conflict from fully participating in economic life. While yoga does not replace large-scale employment policy, these community-led efforts demonstrate how low-cost, integrated interventions can build resilience and self-reliance.

Together, they show how yoga alleviates poverty in Africa by linking well-being with economic empowerment and placing human dignity at the center of development.

– Iona Gethin

Iona is based in Exeter, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Sao Tome and Principe

Renewable Energy in Sao Tome and PrincipeSão Tomé and Principe, with a population of about 220,000 people, is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It consists of two main islands near the Equator, with rainforests and many beaches. As is common on islands, there is a great dependence on imported goods. One of these imports is diesel, which the country uses to generate electricity. Most of the energy generated in São Tomé and Principe comes from fossil fuels, which harms both the environment and the country’s energy independence. A solution would be to focus on renewable energy. Sources of renewable energy in Sao Tome and Principe are more sustainable in the long term and can reduce its reliance on imported diesel for electricity.

Current Energy Situation

Renewable energy in Sao Tome and Principe is no longer just an option; it is a necessity. In 2022, 95% of all the country’s electricity generation relied on oil, which is imported, creating a big problem. This heavy dependence on imported diesel creates high electricity prices. The cost of the kilowatt per hour in São Tomé and Príncipe is $0.18, while in the neighboring country of Nigeria, it is a much lower rate of $0.035.

As a result, grid coverage in the country is limited, with approximately 78% of the population having access to electricity, and many people experience frequent outages. That means many people in São Tomé and Príncipe still use candles as the main source of light in their houses and have to burn biomass when they need to cook.

Electricity is essential. Homes, businesses, hospitals and schools all need electricity to function properly. The economy of a country is directly linked to its capacity to generate energy.

Renewable Energy Potential

One of the significant advantages of São Tomé and Principe is its enormous potential for renewable energy. This tropical island nation has mountainous terrain, rainforests and abundant water resources. Even though only 5% of the country’s electricity comes from solar and hydro power, Sao Tome and Principe can do so much more on both these sources.

  • Solar: Situated almost on the Equator, the country enjoys sunny days throughout the year, providing a sustainable way to generate electricity.
  • Hydropower: This form of energy generation was common in the country and could become widely used again with improvements to the current infrastructure. The creation of small hydro plants is a great alternative to strengthen electricity distribution in the country.

Current Projects and International Support

The government of São Tomé and Principe is aware of this energy challenge. It is taking concrete steps to address it, making renewable energy in São Tomé and Príncipe a reality. The goal is to achieve full electricity coverage in the country by 2030 with 50% of generation coming from renewable sources.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a partner in this effort, along with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Their goal is to promote energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

A recent example is the launch of a photovoltaic solar park in São Tomé and Principe, with a capacity of 1.2 megawatts. This demonstrates the country’s intention to reduce dependence on imported diesel for electricity.

As mentioned above, foreign investment is key to developing renewable energy in São Tomé and Príncipe. With early initial successes, more external financing is likely to follow.

Environmental, Social and Economic Benefits

The development of renewable energy brings many benefits:

  • Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Using less fossil fuel to generate electricity means lower greenhouse gas emissions, which benefits the environment.
  • Lower Energy Costs in the Long Term: Initially, the infrastructure for renewable energy can be expensive, such as building a dam. However, in the long run, this option is cheaper than continuously importing diesel. The installation of the solar park mentioned above has already eliminated the use of 15,000 liters of fuel, according to Sao Tome and Principe’s Prime Minister.
  • Better Access to Electricity for Rural Areas: Rural communities can benefit greatly from renewable energy. Solar and hydro facilities can be installed near these areas, solving access and transportation challenges.
  • Support for Tourism: Tourism requires reliable electricity to grow. Using renewable energy is also a strong selling point. Additionally, tourism creates jobs, injects money into the local economy and increases the country’s visibility. With a contribution of up to 11% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), tourism is on the rise in Sao Tome and Principe and the energy production improvement in the country is sure to make it even more important.

Challenges and Future Outlook

The challenges for Sao Tome and Principe are clear: a lack of funding for large-scale renewable energy investments, a shortage of technical expertise and infrastructure gaps. However, these barriers can be overcome. The country’s full potential could make Sao Tome and Principe a model for other tropical island nations seeking a viable and sustainable energy system.

– Thiago Almeida de Andrade

Thiago is based in Edmonton, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Improvements in Water Quality in Egypt

Water Quality in EgyptEgypt is advancing water quality through initiatives that boost safe drinking-water access, modernize irrigation and expand wastewater treatment. It is also scaling up seawater desalination to reduce dependence on the Nile and cut pollution.

Water Stress in Egypt

Egypt is among the world’s most water-stressed nations, with about 98% of its water drawn from the Nile. As of 2018, per capita freshwater availability fell to 570 cubic meters annually, well below the 1,000-cubic-meter scarcity threshold. This shortage is worsened by Ethiopia’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a growing population, climate instability and Egypt’s reliance of more than 90% on a single water source: the Nile.

Expanding infrastructure, diversifying sources and strengthening monitoring have become central to its Vision 2030 roadmap and the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 6. Here are five key ways the country is improving water quality:

Home Connections Bring Safe Water Indoors

UNICEF reported providing safe drinking water to more than 17,800 rural households in Assiut, Sohag, Fayoum, Minia and Qena, enabling them to connect to piped water. It also partners with the “Water is Life” initiative to support further expansion and establish a revolving fund mechanism to sustain implementation. The program has reached an estimated 90,000 people, including hygiene training in schools and communities.

Revolving funds designed to make water connections more affordable continue to expand to nearby underserved districts.

Community Filtration Units Reduce Contamination

The Sawiris Foundation’s “Water Is Life” program operates 27 community water treatment stations in Upper Egypt, serving 11,600 families across Minia, Assiut, Sohag and Qena. These stations draw filtered groundwater through central pipelines. They are paired with behavior change campaigns that help sustain adoption rates above 90%.

Buried Pipe Irrigation Boosts Downstream Quality

The World Bank reported that its “Farm-level Irrigation Modernization Project” converted more than 65,000 hectares of open canals into buried piping systems powered by electric pumps across the Delta canals. About 207,600 users now benefit from improved irrigation equity and water quality, with tail-end access rising from 50% to 85% of the intended flow.

Africa’s Largest Wastewater Plant

The Bahr al Baqar treatment plant began operating in 2021 with the capacity to treat 5.6 million cubic meters per day of municipal and agricultural wastewater. Instead of discharging untreated water into the Nile Delta, it now irrigates roughly 140,000 hectares of farmland in Sinai.

Public-Private Desalination Expands Safe Coastal Supply

With advisory support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Egypt’s Sovereign Fund plans to build 21 seawater desalination plants by 2050. The first phase aims to deliver 3.3 million cubic meters per day, eventually rising to 8.8 million per day, to reduce pressure on Nile sources in coastal governorates.

Despite persistent constraints, including but not limited to aging networks, soil salinity, rapid population growth, financing and the coordination behind these efforts, Egypt is making measurable headway. The country now treats more wastewater, connects more homes and reduces contamination at its sources, signalling progress toward Vision 2030’s clean water goals and improved health for millions.

– Maryam Qutbuddin

Maryam is based in Reading, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

AI Hub for Sustainable Development: A Transformative Step

AI Hub for Sustainable DevelopmentAfrica could witness a significant AI revolution. On June 20, 2025, UNDP launched a new AI Hub for Sustainable Development in Rome with the aim of reinforcing sustainable AI infrastructure and accelerating AI innovation in Africa. This collaborative platform is sponsored by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) and implemented by UNDP.

According to the Center for Global Development, AI could widen the gap between high-and low-income countries due to three reasons: high-income countries are well equipped to benefit from AI, developing countries are less prepared to handle AI’s adverse effect on their labor markets, and AI is imposing pressure on labor-intensive service industries. At the same time, the absence of collective action is slowing down the development of AI in Africa. Thus, this AI Hub project is a significant step towards addressing these challenges and boosting sustainable development in Africa.

Why AI Hub Matters

The AI Hub’s main goal is to provide Africa’s innovators and start-ups with everything they need to build and run AI including, green compute, talent and data. The project aligns well with SDG9, which refers to the importance of promoting infrastructure, industrialization and innovation by strengthening AI infrastructure. It also aligns with SDG4, equitable quality education, by providing training and teaching AI skills for African talent.

Additionally, the hub’s goal fits with SDG17, global partnerships for sustainable development, since it is based on 25 partnerships between Africa’s innovators, the EU, G7, and Italian companies, and 14 African partner countries. Such partnerships could incredibly accelerate AI development across Africa.

Challenges Limiting AI Advancement in Africa

AI innovation is a part of multiple fields in Africa, but it is still encountering challenges, including,

  • Limited access to datasets that reflect African contexts
  • High cost of computing power required in training AI models
  • Retaining skilled talents at home and attracting others
  • Complicated safety laws that are hard to navigate

The new AI Hub addresses these challenges to ensure that everyone can benefit from AI.

There is no doubt that this AI Hub will incredibly transform industries and foster sustainable development in Africa, but still, there is more effort necessary.

– Eiman Elsawy

Eiman is based in Kirkland, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Aid Cuts Deepen Lesotho’s Health Crisis

Lesotho’s Health CrisisLesotho is a small landlocked nation in Southern Africa that is rarely in the headlines. The country is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian and health crises. Preexisting food insecurity, driven by repeated droughts, crop failures and rising prices, is now colliding with one of the highest HIV rates in the world.

These combined struggles leave families, especially young children, on the brink of survival. Aid cuts from international donors are worsening, forcing organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision to decrease their critical contributions. Without more support, Lesotho’s health crisis risks falling deeper, which could have long-term consequences for its people.

Food Insecurity Collides with HIV

Lesotho’s location in Africa, as well as its climate, makes it very vulnerable to drought. According to the WFP, nearly one in three people face food insecurity during the lean season when harvest numbers are low. Therefore, food prices increase. Families often skip meals, sell their livestock or pull their children out of school to work to cope with these circumstances. These cycles deepen the cycles of poverty.

On top of the food insecurity, Lesotho now has an HIV epidemic. The nation has one of the world’s highest HIV rates, with more than 20% of adults living with the virus. For children, exposure to both HIV and malnutrition creates a deadly combination. If they do not have adequate nutrition, antiretroviral treatment becomes less effective. This leaves the children more prone to infections and reduces their chances of survival.

Clinics across the country are reporting rising numbers of malnourished children who are unable to respond to HIV treatment because their bodies lack the strength. The double burden of food insecurity and HIV is creating an emergency that rarely makes global headlines; however, it devastates families daily.

Aid Cuts and Shrinking Safety Nets

For a long time, international aid programs provided critical support to the country. The WFP’s food distributions and World Vision community outreach programs supported thousands. Recent shifts in global funding, though, have forced cutbacks. The WFP warned in 2023 that it may have to reduce assistance due to shrinking donor contributions. This left tens of thousands without aid. These cuts come when inflation and climate are already straining many households.

Without funding, local programs have been unable to keep up. Families have to walk miles to health centers that no longer stock needed supplements. Those who once relied on emergency food services are left alone.

Innovative Local Solutions

Despite the challenges, Lesotho has developed several initiatives to fight back. One of those efforts is the establishment of nutrition corners in health facilities. The centers provide integrated care from food support to growth monitoring to HIV treatment, all in one place. According to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) Lesotho, these facilities have been especially effective for children living with HIV, improving both their nutrition and survival rates.

Another initiative is the use of cash-transfer programs, such as the Emergency Food Assistance Project. Instead of distributing food directly, these programs provide families with money or food vouchers to buy what they need locally. This approach helps households access nutritious meals and supports local farmers and markets.

The Maximum Intervention Programme (MIP) is a government-led partnership backed by the U.N.’s Renewed Efforts Against Child Hunger (REACH). It has made nutrition a national priority. By aligning itself with multiple agencies, it aims to provide food, health, social protection and security in one strategy.

Looking Ahead

Lesotho’s health crisis is not without hope. The solutions are known and are showing progress. Scaling up health and nutrition services, expanding monetary assistance and investing in climate-resilient farming can reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall. What remains missing is steady international support.

Lesotho may not dominate headlines, but it illustrates the consequences of aid budget cuts on those who need help most. When donors focus elsewhere, vulnerable nations risk being left on their own. In a country where food insecurity and HIV intersect, continued global support is imperative. With sustained commitment, there is still hope for overcoming Lesotho’s health crisis.

– Brody L. Gates

Brody is based in Fort Worth, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mastercard and the MADE Alliance: Driving Digital Access in Africa

made allianceLaunched in May 2024 by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Mastercard, the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance in Africa focuses on providing more than 100 million individuals and businesses across Africa access to critical services by 2034.

Background

The initiative, announced at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, will focus on the role of women and on the agricultural sector, starting a program that will support 3 million farmers in Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria. While the African Development Bank Group will invest $300 million in the initiative, Mastercard’s plan is to register 15 million users on its platform. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the MADE Alliance represents a significant effort to foster economic growth, poverty reduction and digital inclusion throughout Africa.

Focusing on inclusive innovations meant to unlock economic potential and expand digital access, Mastercard plays a key role in the alliance. Using Community Pass, the company provides farmers across Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania with digital identities and access to vital tools and services. Through collaborations with telecom and fintech companies, Mastercard provides millions of workers with access to real-time, inclusive and secure payment solutions.

The Impact

Since its launch, the MADE Alliance has made significant progress. In Kenya, Alliance members deployed affordable high-speed internet and provided digital skills training for approximately 10,000 farmers and their communities, according to the World Bank. The Kenya National Farmers’ Federation also received funding from the AfDB to help 250,000 farmers improve their bankability to financial institutions.

In Tanzania, the MADE Alliance is helping equip 50,000 sunflower farmers with digital payment solutions. In Nigeria, Mastercard has introduced solutions like Tap on Phone, Payment Links and QR Pay-by-Link; options that allow small businesses to easily accept payments while reducing cash reliance through e-commerce, according to The Guardian.

For consumers, the opportunity to use digital payments offers more security, convenience and financial access, allowing people to pay bills, shop online and make transactions with just a mobile device. This provides them with better access to banking services, particularly in areas where traditional banking infrastructure is limited or non-existent.

Women, Poverty and the Future of Inclusive Growth

The MADE Alliance also tackles gendered poverty by focusing on women’s economic empowerment. Women make up nearly 40% of Africa’s agricultural labor force but continue to face systemic barriers in access to land, credit and training, according to The Guardian. By equipping women farmers and entrepreneurs with digital identities, financial tools, and services, the Alliance not only supports equality but also addresses the structural poverty that limits entire households and communities.

Ultimately, the development of digital technologies in agriculture has the potential to serve as a powerful poverty-reduction tool. By boosting productivity, expanding market access and opening financial doors for millions, the MADE Alliance provides pathways out of subsistence-level farming and into more sustainable livelihoods.

Mastercard’s role in this process is to support growth, strengthen local innovation, and build on investments that accelerate inclusive, poverty-reducing development. By removing trade barriers, expanding financial access and empowering women and farmers, the Alliance demonstrates how digital infrastructure can be leveraged not just for economic growth, but for poverty alleviation at scale.

– Rafaela Paquet

Rafaela is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Expanding Digital Access and Education in Rural Kenya

Education in Rural KenyaKenya, located in East Africa, has a rather complex educational history that has evolved from colonial and missionary influences to the current structure. Initially, digital access and education in rural Kenya were considered segregated. There was a strong focus on serving the interests of the colonial powers and religious institutions rather than being seen as a source for the people of Kenya.

Kenya operates an education system that is structured around a 2-6-6-3 framework. This framework includes no more than two years of “pre-primary,” six years of primary, six years of secondary, which is split into three years of junior and three years of senior secondary and a minimum of three years of tertiary education.

COVID-19 and the Kenyan Education System

Children have had to endure more than what most people would consider a “fair amount” when it comes to the education switches in Kenya during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, school closures disrupted learning for more than 17 million children. In 2021, it was encouraging to see things seemingly return to normal. With children scoring higher test results and a safe return to school, everything seemed to be back on track.

However, for many of Kenya’s children, the return to school did not coincide with a return to normality. This was mainly due to the learning loss that both younger and rural children experienced in 2020 and because some children have still not returned to school. This resulted in what seemed like a lost hope for learning and education in rural Kenya.

According to an article published by Whizz Education titled “Measuring the Impact of COVID-19 on Learning in Rural Kenya,” it was found that 53% of students show declines in their levels of maths knowledge or “maths age.” The average loss among those students was 13 months, meaning that their maths age had regressed by more than a year from where it was before the start of school closures.

The learning loss was greater in the lower grades than the higher ones, which is most likely why these results were not reflected in exams. Girls were far more impacted than boys. Additionally, much more than their counterparts in richer urban areas, those in poorer rural regions experienced an increase in already existing inequalities. If children lost math skills during school closures, it is safe to assume they also lost reading, writing and other crucial skills.

The Digital Literacy Program

Launched in 2013, Kenya’s Digital Literacy Program (DLP) is a government initiative to integrate digital technologies such as laptops, tablets and projectors. It also includes tools like DLP content servers, digital wireless routers and power solutions, including solar power for off-grid schools. The program’s overall goal is to expand and improve education in rural Kenya.

Kenya’s DLP has connected rural communities in Kenya to a broader variety of information that goes beyond the scope of just Africa. Furthermore, using digital learning tools has increased student engagement in recent years, promoting a more engaging and relevant school environment for students.

This program has also fostered community development by enabling students and residents to participate in various online activities, connect with others and explore economic and educational opportunities.

Looking Forward

To this day, initiatives are being put in place to help Kenya expand its digital access for education. One of these key initiatives is called the National Digital Masterplan. This plan aims to improve digital literacy in schools by focusing on the digital infrastructure, government services, skills development and innovation.

Another key initiative to help Kenya expand its digital access for education is known as the DigiSchool Connectivity Project. This collaborative initiative in Kenya focuses on integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into everyday teaching. Led by Kenya’s Ministry of Education and ICT Authority, also in partnership with UNESCO and Huawei, this project’s goal is to provide safe and reliable internet access to schools all across Africa. It has already been implemented in two phases, connecting approximately 34 schools and six special education schools.

– Simone Sanchez

Simone is based in Huntington, NY, US and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Giga and The Digital Divide in Africa

gigaLimited internet access across sub‑Saharan Africa affects far more than social media or streaming. It shapes whether students can learn, teachers can access training and health workers can reach patients in remote places. The Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) estimates that sub‑Saharan Africa has the world’s largest mobile internet usage gap, driven by affordability, skills and device access.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report that two-thirds of the world’s school‑age children lack internet access at home. Children in low- and middle-income countries are particularly affected. Closing these gaps is central to cutting poverty and unlocking long‑term development.

How Connectivity Translates to Classrooms and Clinics

When schools get reliable internet, students can access digital lessons, teachers can join training and ministries can target support based on real‑time data. In health, mobile platforms let nurses triage cases, issue reminders and consult specialists without long referrals.

The result is time saved, better information and fewer missed appointments. In places where travel is costly or unsafe, digital services extend the reach of education and primary care.

Giga: Connecting Every School

Giga, a UNICEF and ITU partnership, works to connect every school to the internet and every young person to information and opportunity. The initiative maps schools, tracks connectivity in real time and supports governments in financing and procuring affordable services.

In sub‑Saharan Africa, Giga works with governments including Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Niger and Zimbabwe to map schools and design viable financing models. Public‑private partnerships, satellite mapping and open data are helping countries plan where and how to connect first.

To speed up progress, Giga has teamed up with industry and tech partners to lower costs and expand coverage. Market assessments call for a collaborative push to connect every African school by 2030, while mapping work with companies like Mapbox and AI partners has identified tens of thousands of previously unmapped schools. Partnerships with providers such as Liquid and IHS Towers support connectivity rollouts and school mapping at scale.

Smart Africa: A Regional Blueprint for Scale

Smart Africa is a pan‑African alliance working toward a Single Digital Market. Its SMART Broadband 2025 blueprint aligns with U.N. Broadband Commission targets. It focuses on affordability, coverage and policy harmonization for faster rollout.

At the continental level, the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy aims to build a digital single market by 2030, with supportive regulation, regional infrastructure and cross‑border services. Together, these frameworks guide countries on spectrum, universal service funds and investment climates that make school and clinic connectivity more sustainable.

Mobile Health: Bringing Care to the Last Mile

Mobile health services show how connectivity improves daily life. In South Africa, Hello Doctor provides 24/7 phone and app access to registered doctors, including callback and prescription support within national regulations. Regional models go further. In Rwanda, the government signed a 10‑year agreement with Babyl to provide telemedicine through basic phones and data services, expanding access for millions who live far from clinics.

Pharmacy‑based telehealth is also growing. mPharma is rolling out Mutti Doctor and subscription services that support remote consultations and point‑of‑care testing across multiple markets.

Barriers That Still Block Progress

Affordability, device availability and digital skills remain the biggest obstacles. GSMA finds that adults in rural areas are far less likely to use mobile internet than those in cities and women are less likely than men to be online. Industry and development partners are responding with device financing, digital literacy programs and policy reforms that reduce taxes and fees on data and smartphones.

A 2024 industry coalition, backed by global institutions, is focused on closing the usage gap by improving access to affordable, internet‑enabled devices.

What Works: Schools First, Clinics Next

The most promising models start with clear targets, open data and local ownership. Map schools, publish the data and invite providers to compete on price and quality. Connect clinics along the same routes and share infrastructure where possible.

Link connectivity with training, curriculum and telehealth workflows so that teachers, nurses and community health workers can use the connection from day one. The result is better learning, faster referrals and fewer missed visits.

A Roadmap To Narrow the Divide

Giga’s school connectivity model, Smart Africa’s broadband blueprint and mobile health platforms show that closing the digital divide is achievable at scale. Investments that combine infrastructure with skills and services can deliver immediate gains in classrooms and clinics while building inclusive growth over time.

With governments, private sector partners and communities working together, Africa can connect its schools, strengthen primary care and give the next generation the tools to thrive.

– Joseph Hasty

Joseph is based in Winter Park, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr