Archive for category: Africa

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5 Facts About Zambia’s Energy Crisis

Zambia’s Energy CrisisZambia is a landlocked country in south-central Africa and it is home to the largest artificial dam in the world: The Kariba Dam. This dam provides hydro-power, giving power to 43% of the country. Unfortunately, there has been an extreme drought, causing the dam not to be able to generate enough power and the nation is experiencing major blackouts. The crisis has been ongoing since March 2024. Here are five facts about Zambia’s energy crisis.

Long Blackouts

These blackouts have lasted as long as three days, with some areas receiving only one or two hours of electricity daily. Zambia generates 84% of its electricity from water sources, 13% from coal and just 3% from “solar, diesel and heavy fuel” combined. Without sufficient hydroelectric power, the country struggles to meet its energy demands.

Many people visit restaurants not to eat or drink but to charge their phones and a growing business has emerged around charging phones for a fee. These blackouts have worsened matters considerably for a country that already struggles with energy distribution. “Less than half of Zambia’s 20 million people had access to electricity before Kariba’s problems.” Zambia’s energy crisis has only made matters worse.

Industries Impacted by the Blackouts

Health care facilities are under great strain. Hospitals in Zambia are in dire straits because their patients need electricity. “Fortunately, the government has installed huge generators in some markets, government offices and hospitals,” reports the BBC. Also, many small businesses cannot run during the day, putting immense pressure on owners to buy expensive diesel generators.

Mining, an important industry in Zambia, is struggling as well. In fact, two miners were recently saved after a power outage trapped them underground. Luckily, they were able to be rescued.

Political and Economic Ramifications

Zambia is “one of the most functional democracies on the continent,” says President Hakainde Hichilema. With no electricity, jobs or general well-being, Hichilema expresses fear about the future of that system. AP news reports that small businesses are “the backbone of the country,” and there is fear that an economic downturn will hurt the nation.

Economist Emmanuel Zulu notes that the energy crisis is weighing heavily on Zambia’s economy, contributing to rising unemployment. Meanwhile, Zambian economist Trevor Hambayi estimates that the crisis has cost the nation approximately $1.3 billion, around 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP).

Impact on Agriculture

Farmlands are also heavily impacted. The drought is not only creating an energy crisis, but it is also creating a historically dry farming season. Places that have been hit badly by the drought are producing “half” of the maize they usually make and “three-quarters” of Zambia’s livestock live in areas that have been hit particularly hard by the drought. Food and water have become increasingly scarce due to these developments, exacerbating food insecurity. This crisis has also contributed to a cholera outbreak, with 20,000 reported cases.

Solutions to Zambia’s Energy Crisis

The Zambian government is promoting a “solar explosion” as a solution to avoid relying on polluting energy sources such as coal and charcoal. Together with other organizations, the government is working to implement solar power to help alleviate Zambia’s energy challenges. The government has negotiated with China, India and Canada to bring in as much solar power as possible. In addition, it has made it easier for citizens to buy solar on their own by removing “imported duties and value-added taxes on solar equipment.”

Though the government is working to install major solar infrastructure in the future, this process may take some time. While that process continues, groups like SolarAid support businesses and people who need aid now. SolarAid is a charity that fights poverty, climate and energy crises by providing solar power to rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa.

SolarAid was founded in 2006 and since its start, the charity has distributed 2.3 million solar lights, provided 12.5 million people with light and saved many families $297.9 per year. SolarAid is working to make solar power available to as many Zambians as possible. Through its Zambian office, SunnyMoney, the organization has been working to create a thriving “solar market in Zambia.” Since its inception in Zambia in 2008, SolarAid has given out 413,000 solar lights. While Zambia’s energy crisis continues, the sales at SunnyMoney have gone up 540%.

Final Note on Zambia’s Energy Crisis

Zambia’s energy crisis is a massive problem for the nation. However, it may open the door for a brighter, more energy-resilient nation. Even more, Zambia’s energy crisis may lead the way for green energy, which could be an important example for the rest of the world.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburyport, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Fighting Poverty in Nigeria by Creating Jobs

Poverty in NigeriaNigeria is giving its young entrepreneurs a chance to create small businesses which, among other initiatives, could reduce the unemployment rate and help fight poverty in the country.

Poverty in Nigeria: A Youthful Outlook

To accomplish such a feat, the country has created a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for the specific purpose of financing youth in the country, regarding their entrepreneurial endeavors. Nigerian leaders hope that the $100 million invested into such an establishment would make a positive impact in the reduction of Nigeria’s multidimensional poverty. Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is at 0.175, according to the 2024 Human Development Reports. While this index would indicate a better performance regarding multidimensional poverty, the impact still exists in the country.

The country’s African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President expresses his hope that the youth will help the country rise with the following statement: “Certainly, Nigeria, 64 years after independence, should not be a developing country. Nigeria should be a developed nation!”

Nestle: Empowering Nigeria’s Women

Through its “Rural Women Empowerment Program,” Nestle is providing various opportunities for women in Nigeria. According to Vanguard, the program provides training, mentoring and grants to young Nigerian women in rural areas looking to boost their businesses, sometimes providing up to three times the value of their existing businesses

Nestle is also hiring women into executive positions of leadership within the company. Women hold almost half of the company leadership positions, with 46.4% being the current number and slowly rising, with the initiation of the program that Nestle started in 2021. Since then, Nestle has empowered 332 women in the workforce in Nigeria, helping to generate financial independence and foster businesses for women for years to come.

Nigeria’s Increasing International Innovations

More recently, in November 2024, the Nigerian President attended a G20 Summit in Brazil, where he addressed the positive impacts of an alliance between Brazil and Nigeria. “By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger,” he stated. The President also added that “Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to address hunger and poverty. The endorsement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies that will deliver inclusive growth and socio-economic development.”

In short, Nigeria is also utilizing its international relations with Europe and other African Nations to provide the economy with better sustainable development and long-term economic growth.

Fighting Poverty in Nigeria

Overall, Nigerian entrepreneurism and international relations would seem to be on the rise in Africa, and the reduction of poverty in the country could be the result. Between the investment bank being created, women holding leadership positions in conglomerate companies like Nestle, and alliances between Brazil and Nigeria growing stronger, the country could well be on its way to eradicating poverty within its borders. For Nigeria, an investment in the youth of today is a future for the youth of tomorrow.

– Sadie Treadwell

Sadie is based Grovetown, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Mothers2mothers is Improving Health Care

mothers2mothersPoor health rates paint a dull picture in sub-Saharan Africa, with 9% of its population living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that in 2022, more than 2.5 million Africans had tuberculosis, an infectious disease that primarily targets the lungs. Furthermore, during the same year, 94% of malaria cases worldwide occurred in the area. These illnesses are holding sub-Saharan African regions from reaching their full economic potential. To counter their growing shadow of death and sickness, a non-profit known as mothers2mothers is actively playing a part.

Mothers2mothers: Improving Health Care in Africa

Dr Mitch Besser established Mothers2mothers in 2001 as a small local NGO in Cape Town. Little did its founder know that within 20 years the organization would bloom into one of Africa’s most prominent multi-national non-profits, functioning in 10 countries in the region including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa; receiving numerous certifications and partnerships from other firms equal to its calibre and importance such as USAID, The Johnson & Johnson Foundation and MULAGO.

Mothers2mothers works with women living with HIV and hires them as Mentor Mothers who go to households to provide health education and emotional support for those burdened with the illnesses they also are affected by. They also work with medical professionals to provide health care according to an individual’s needs.

So far, the NGO has created more than 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV. This strategy proves effective as HIV-positive clients are more comfortable opening up and seeking help from those in the same place as them.

Educational Programs

The target demographics for mothers2mothers are women, children, adolescents, male spouses of patients and sexual minorities. The firm runs educational programs in which they explain the causes and symptoms of diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and link potential patients to testing and treatment centers. In 2023, the organization tested 100% of the people referred for TB and all positive individuals received treatment, according to its website.

Moreover, in the same way, Mentor Mothers track infants and children who may be susceptible to HIV transmission and help provide testing facilities to them. They also work with the children’s parents and give guidance on how to raise them to be healthy and mentally active. According to mothers2mothers, 99% of children enrolled in these early childhood development programs achieved their full developmental milestones by their first birthday.

In an interview with Wowwire, Robin Smalley, a co-founder of the organization, shared the inspiration behind mothers2mothers, “When the (HIV) test would come back there would be no one to tell the mother-to-be that she had options. This young woman would be terrified, convinced she and her baby were going to die. These young women were continually falling through the cracks in the medical system. Realizing that the greatest resource we have in Africa is the women themselves, Mitch (Besser) came up with the idea for mothers2mothers.”

Mothers’ Ball

In addition to working through Mentor Mothers, mothers2mothers also runs fundraisers and awareness activities. On November 20, 2024, the organization hosted its second “Mothers’ Ball” in London to spread the word on what they do and raise funds to finance their activities further. Over 300 people attended this event.

Mother2mothers has reached 16 million people who did not know their health issues beforehand or have any idea of how to get help. In 2023 alone it treated 774,307 clients. The Mentor Mother system has been so successful that it became an official South African government policy in 2012.

This system benefits not only the client but the Mentor Mother herself. A mother working for the firm Irene Nkosi stated in Make Mothers Matter, “My job at mothers2mothers has given me peace of mind. Being part of their family brought back my self-esteem and confidence. Sharing what I have learned there about HIV with my family has played a massive role in removing the stigma they had placed on me.”

– Mustafa Tareen

Mustafa is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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KujaEcoPads: Sustainable Solution to Period Poverty in Cameroon

Period Poverty in CameroonIn Cameroon, 70% of women and girls lack access to sanitary products, illustrating the prevalence of period poverty across the country. This is largely driven by affordability, exacerbated by the rising costs of menstrual products across Africa. In Cameroon, a pack of disposable sanitary pads costs around 600 Central African Francs ($0.99), a prohibitive price for the 52% of Cameroonian women who live below the poverty line at $2.15 a day.

This forces many women and girls no choice but to rely on “rags, newspaper and leaves” to manage their periods. These methods compromise women’s health and dignity. Marie Claire addresses this crisis by creating Cameroon’s first biodegradable and affordable sanitary pad through her social enterprise KujaEcopads. The sanitary pads are not only sustainably manufactured and produced but also free from harmful substances for girls and the environment.

Period Poverty in Cameroon

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for menstrual health to be globally recognized as a matter of human rights rather than solely a hygiene issue. Inadequate access to sanitary products not only affects women’s health but also exacerbates existing gender inequalities, acting as a barrier to education, economic opportunities and dignity for many women and girls.

In Cameroon, period poverty has a severe impact on educational outcomes: 70% of women and girls in Cameroon are illiterate, often due to missing school while on their period. According to menstrual rights activist and founder of KujaEcopads, Claire, “girls skip three to five days of school a month” because of their period. Eventually, they “drop out, which perpetuates a cycle of early forced marriages, early pregnancies, prostitution, illiteracy, poverty and shame.”

Refugee Camps in Cameroon

Period poverty in Cameroon is intensified by its ongoing humanitarian challenges. Currently, nine out of 10 regions in Cameroon face complex and separate refugee crises. There is an influx of Central African refugees in the East and internally displaced people in the North due to climate-related conflict. According to the United Nations High Commission For Refugees (UNHCR), Cameroon hosts two million internally displaced people and refugees.

As a result, period poverty is particularly prevalent among refugees in Cameroon. According to a study by U.N. Women, these women face unique barriers when menstruating due to insufficient water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in Cameroonian camps. Not only is it more difficult to manage menstruation in refugee camps, it can also be dangerous. The study highlighted how many toilets in the camps were not separated by sex and did not have adequate locks or lighting at night. This left 99% of women in these camps feeling unsafe while using sanitation facilities, making them more vulnerable to sexual assault.

KujaEcopads: Reducing Period Poverty One Pad at a Time

KujaEcopads provides Cameroon’s first biodegradable sanitary pad, costing half the price of a typical sanitary pad. The pads are produced from fibers of banana stems, which are cheap, natural and abundant resources in Cameroon. This innovation directly addresses the unique challenges faced by refugee women in Cameroon.

In camps with inadequate washing and sanitation facilities, two-thirds of used pads are disposed of in rivers, causing environmental harm. Refugee women also struggle to use reusable pads, often donated by charities, because they cannot wash and sterilize them safely. Consequently, KujaEcopads solves these issues by creating disposable and biodegradable pads, ensuring safe and ecofriendly disposal.

Social Entrepreneurship and Period Poverty in Cameroon

Crucially, KujaEcoPads operates as a sustainable social enterprise. The organization ensures women have affordable access to sanitary products rather than relying on charity donations. “I knew if we could get people to buy our pads and continue to buy our pads, we could sustain the giving and that will solve the problem of period poverty in Cameroon,” explains Claire. This makes the enterprise self-sustaining, with 100 low-income women manufacturing and producing the pads locally in Cameroon, creating jobs and empowering communities.

Conclusion

KujaEcopads currently provides its biodegradable pads to one million girls across Cameroon. By combining innovation, sustainability and community empowerment, KujaEcoPads significantly alleviates period poverty in Cameroon.

– Georgia Wells

Georgia Wells is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Tunisia: A Pathway to Poverty Alleviation

Renewable Energy in Tunisia
Tunisia, a country with immense solar and wind potential, stands at a pivotal point in its energy sector. Renewable energy in Tunisia can address not only its energy poverty but also broader economic and social issues, creating a sustainable path for development. However, the push for renewable energy raises significant questions about equity, local benefits and just transitions. Recent initiatives in Tunisia demonstrate how transitioning to renewable energy sources could bring affordable power to communities and reduce poverty. However, these efforts also highlight the complexities and competing interests surrounding this transition.

Renewable Energy in Tunisia: The Goals

Tunisia has committed to generating 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 3% of its energy mix. By 2050, the Tunisian government aims to cover all its electricity needs through renewable energy, according to the World Bank.

This shift aligns with SDG 7 which calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030. Achieving SDG 7 is particularly critical for Tunisia as it addresses energy poverty and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. In 2022, natural gas accounted for nearly half of Tunisia’s energy consumption, according to the World Bank. By reducing its reliance on imports, Tunisia can mitigate the risks that international strikes and unstable exchange rates pose to its economy.

However, questions persist about who ultimately benefits from scaling up renewable energy in Tunisia. Critics argue that while infrastructure expansion continues, the benefits often bypass local communities and favor foreign investors and urban centers.

The Challenge of a Just Transition

Arab Reform Initiative requires Tunisia to rethink how it plans and executes renewable energy projects. Experts define this approach as creating “thriving economies that provide dignified, productive and ecologically sustainable livelihoods; democratic governance and ecological resilience.”

The solar plants in Tozeur, near the Saharan desert, reveal the challenges of such transitions. These facilities represented a significant increase in Tunisia’s renewable energy capacity, but they failed to create meaningful employment for local communities, according to the Arab Reform Initiative.

Moreover, the plants export much of the energy they generate, offering limited benefits to the impoverished southern regions where they are located. These dynamics intensify regional inequalities and fuel resentment.

In 2021, poverty rates in Tunisia’s southern governorates exceeded 33%, far above national averages. These regions also receive the least public investment in sharp contrast to urban coastal areas that attract most of Tunisia’s development spending, according to the Carnegie Endowment. Achieving SDG 7 in these areas requires policies that prioritize equitable energy access and inclusive economic benefits.

Alleviating Energy Poverty

Energy poverty—the lack of adequate, affordable and reliable energy access—continues to impact rural Tunisia. Access to sustainable energy, as emphasized by SDG 7, provides a foundation for improving education, health care and economic development, according to the Sustainable Energy for All.

Movements like the El Kamour protests in 2017 show how marginalized communities have resisted exclusion from the benefits of natural resource exploitation. These protests, which originated in southern Tunisia, saw the government increase local investment and job creation using revenues from the region’s oil and gas sector, according to the Arab Reform Initiative. Their success reflects a broader demand for a more inclusive and equitable approach to development, which is essential for realizing SDG 7.

Benefits of Renewable Energy for Economic Stability

Renewable energy offers Tunisia an opportunity to stabilize its economy. By reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels, Tunisia can protect itself from the energy import costs that strain national finances. For instance, in 2022, Tunisia imported approximately 48% of its energy needs, primarily through natural gas, according to the World Bank. By producing more solar and wind energy domestically, Tunisia can stabilize electricity costs and shield consumers from the fluctuations and price shocks of global energy markets. This shift would also improve Tunisia’s trade balance and create a more resilient economy.

The Tunisian Platform for Alternatives and other grassroots organizations advocate for a “resistance to accumulation” approach. They call for renewable energy strategies that prioritize investments in local communities, create jobs and ensure that the benefits of the energy generated are distributed equitably, according to the Arab Reform Initiative. These strategies align with the universal principles of SDG 7 by focusing on affordable and reliable energy access for underserved populations.

Resistance movements, such as El Kamour and recent campaigns for a just energy transition, highlight the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping Tunisia’s energy future. These movements underscore the importance of prioritizing local empowerment and ensuring fair distribution of renewable energy benefits.

Addressing Climate and Social Inequality

Renewable energy projects in Tunisia bring significant social implications, particularly for women, who often face the most severe impacts of energy poverty and climate-related challenges. In the first quarter of 2019, 12.4% of men were unemployed compared to 22.6% of women.

The Kairouan Solar Project, Tunisia’s first large-scale solar initiative, significantly boosts the country’s renewable energy capacity by providing 100 MW of solar power to the national grid. This initiative, part of Tunisia’s broader goal to generate 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, directly supports the transition to clean energy. Beyond electricity production, the project revitalizes agriculture in Kairouan, a region with some of Tunisia’s highest poverty rates. By improving irrigation for wheat and olive farms, enhancing water access and sustaining agricultural production, the project strengthens local communities, offering greater stability and food security. Its dual focus on energy generation and community impact exemplifies how solar initiatives can address both national energy needs and regional development.

Beyond this, the Project emphasizes gender equality by providing targeted opportunities for women in training and employment. This is especially significant in a country where rural women face acute economic and social challenges. Seventy percent of women employed in rural areas work informally, over half of which do not receive wages. Those who are paid earn wages that are less than half of the Tunisian minimum wage, with little to no access to social security or health insurance, according to Assafir Al-Arabi.

Imen Tahri is one of the 20,000 farmers that has benefitted from this project. Before the project, she was left with little income to sustain her and her family due to drought. Now, thanks to “solar-powered pumping systems” introduced by the project, her olive harvest has improved seven-fold, generating enough income to support her family.

This inclusion aligns with SDG 7, which calls for universal access to modern energy while ensuring equitable benefits for all, particularly marginalized groups.

Building a Brighter Future

As Tunisia accelerates its renewable energy transition, it must balance economic, social and environmental priorities. By integrating the principles of a just transition—ensuring local communities benefit, fostering inclusive governance and prioritizing equity—Tunisia can fully unlock its green energy potential while uplifting its most vulnerable citizens.

Achieving SDG 7 in Tunisia requires a collaborative approach that aligns global investments with local needs. With continued international support and grassroots momentum, Tunisia can lead by example in sustainable equitable energy development.

– Sarah Maunsell

Sarah is based in Bristol, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: The Progress

Marburg Virus Outbreak in RwandaRwanda is fighting its first outbreak of the Marburg virus and experiencing its third-largest outbreak. As of October 2024, there were 63 cases, with 15 cases resulting in death. The Marburg virus is very contagious but only contracted through bodily fluids and scientists believe the Rwanda outbreak began with contact with contaminated animals.

Animal Contagion

The Marburg outbreak in Rwanda was announced on September 27, 2024, according to Nature. Surrounding countries reported their outbreaks years before, with Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea having their outbreak just last year. At first, the virus’s origins were uncertain; researchers thought it came from an animal but had no proof. Rwanda started contract tracing and an epidemiological investigation to identify the first patients and to determine how they contracted the virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the animal of contact was possibly a Rousettus bat, a fruit bat found in mines or caves, because they carry the Marburg virus. “Initially, human Marburg virus infection results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies,” said eMedicine Health.

Progress of the Marburg vaccine

The Marburg virus is a relative of the Ebola virus, both being part of the Filoviridae family. Both viruses have similar symptoms and transmission. According to eMedicineHealth, the Ebola virus has a higher fatality rate of 25%-90% compared to the Marburg virus fatality rate of 24%-88%. Ebola is more virulent but has two licensed vaccines, while the Marburg virus has none.

As of October 2024, the only vaccine for the Marburg virus is experimental. The scientists had the first trial of the experimental vaccine to fight the Marburg virus outbreak in early October. The Sabin Vaccine Institute sent out 700 vaccine doses to health care workers because they are the most at risk. The vaccine is currently in Phase 2, which means it is still undergoing testing. The Sabin Vaccine Institute still monitors people with previous outbreaks in surrounding countries.

“Interim results are expected next year, and Sabin also plans to launch a similar Phase 2 trial in the U.S. next year,” said the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Outside Help

The people of Rwanda are not combating the Marburg virus outbreak alone. They have the support of many, some of which are WHO, Africa CDC and the United States, using a “governmental approach.” The CDC and WHO worked with Rwanda to begin a response to the outbreak and identify the public health needs. Rwanda’s supporters also sent scientists and researchers to help with the epidemiologic investigation and distribution of the vaccine.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has reached level two for travelling which states “Practice Enhanced Precautions.” The WHO and the CDC have released statements about the outbreak and the risks people take if they travel to Rwanda. The supporters of Rwanda during the outbreak have helped create a response plan/program to assist in the public health of the people in Rwanda.

Conclusion

Since the announcement of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, the country has worked effortlessly to stop the virus. Many have come to Rwanda’s aid in their time of need. Their supporters have provided vaccines and plans to help support the public and the health officials/workers. Coming to Rwanda’s aid has allowed the progress of attaining an official and approved vaccine for the Marburg Virus that could prevent any more severe outbreaks in the future.

– Ashley Diaz

Ashley is based in Homestead, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Harnessing Solar Energy in sub-Saharan Africa

Energy in sub-Saharan AfricaAccess to electricity is a critical step toward reducing poverty. It enables communities to improve economic productivity and is a basic necessity vital to our lives in the 21st century. Out of the 800 million people living without reliable electricity, approximately 600 million are in sub-Saharan Africa.

This lack of energy infrastructure hampers economic growth. It severely hinders the scope of education and health care development, making it a pivotal obstacle to job creation. However, solar energy may be emerging as a formidable player in the fight against poverty in the region. With sub-Saharan Africa having abundant renewable energy resources such as sunlight and wind, the area is more than well-positioned to harness solar power and try to transform its energy landscape.

The Energy-Poverty Nexus

Without electricity, the mundane daily processes of society come to a halt. Businesses struggle to operate, health care services are unequipped and education is limited to daytime hours. Access to electricity, therefore, is at the core of any society aiming to meet economic and productivity goals. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa, more than half of the region’s population does not have regular access to electricity. Energy poverty is linked to the deepening of economic disparity in this region due to limited access to essential services.

Solar energy offers a promising solution because sub-Saharan Africa has abundant sunlight and wind. Solar energy is a clean, renewable and widely available resource. It can be harnessed to provide electricity in off-grid and remote areas. The region receives enough solar energy to meet its demands several times over, making solar energy a solid contender for addressing energy poverty.

Furthermore, solar power systems are scalable. This means they can be installed in smaller areas, such as individual homes and across larger territories, such as villages and entire communities. These systems are often a more affordable option in addition to being easier to maintain than traditional energy grids that are fossil fuel-based. This quality makes them particularly suitable and easily adaptable for rural communities.

Current Solar Energy Projects Transforming Lives in sub-Saharan Africa

Several organizations and solar energy initiatives are showcasing the potential behind this effort to alleviate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Some of them include:

  1. The Desert to Power Initiative: The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Desert to Power Initiative aims to create the world’s largest solar zone. Spanning 11 countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Niger, this project is fighting toward the decentralization of energy in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently focusing on the Sahel region, a semi-arid region stretching from Senegal to Sudan, the project intends to provide 10 gigawatts (GW) of solar generation capacity via both on and off-grid solutions to approximately 250 million people. The Desert to Power Initiative will improve energy access for rural communities by focusing on large-scale solar farms and fostering new job creation in the renewable energy sector. This will tremendously help stimulate economic growth in the region.
  2. Solar Sister: Solar Sister is a social enterprise that supports local women in rural areas in becoming clean energy entrepreneurs. The initiative trains and supports women in delivering clean energy directly to homes in rural sub-Saharan African communities. It sells solar-powered products such as lamps and chargers. In turn, it aims to tackle energy poverty and the gender-technology gap by creating job opportunities for women. The initiative has trained more than 10,700 entrepreneurs and reached more than 4.3 million people with solar energy solutions.
  3. SunCulture: With its headquarters in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, SunCulture is revolutionizing the agricultural industry in the region by providing rural farmers with solar-powered irrigation systems. By replacing reliance on rainfall or fuel-powered pumps, SunCulture provides a renewable and cost-effective solution. The irrigation systems are also a low-maintenance alternative. This innovative system is currently transforming lives across the continent. The company has raised more than $40 million to bring sustainable and affordable solutions to rural communities that rely solely on income derived from agricultural practices.

Conclusion

In sub-Saharan Africa, solar energy holds immense potential to combat poverty while simultaneously driving sustainable development. By harnessing the region’s copious amounts of sunlight, solar energy can be the key to accessible electricity. Indeed, advances will improve job opportunities and further growth in the health care and education sectors. As more governments, businesses and local communities add to the effort, investing in solar energy shows a path toward a more equitable future for the region.

– Mashal Aman

Mashal is based in Kyoto, Japan and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty in Tuareg Communities

Poverty in Tuareg CommunitiesThe Tuareg are a traditionally nomadic people living in Northern Africa. Many have now settled because of the harshness of the nomadic lifestyle. Moreover, the introduction of state boundaries by the French during their colonial occupation of Northern Africa has made Tuareg mobility difficult. French colonial powers also dispossessed Tuareg of their grazing land and conscripted Tuareg men into their army. Cut off from their traditional ways of living and coping with the inhospitable conditions of the desert, poverty in Tuareg communities is widespread as they live in places such as Niger, “one of the poorest nations in the world,” according to USAID.

Environmental Challenges

The difficulties of Tuareg life could only increase with changing weather patterns bringing more droughts to the Sahel region. Largely dependent on animal agriculture, Tuareg must migrate seasonally in search of water springs, arable land, game and wood. However, since the series of droughts that hit the Sahel region from 1968 until 1985, livestock yield has drastically decreased. These dry years resulted in the death of over 100,000 people from lack of food and disease.

In 2021, southern Mauritania, central Mali, southern Niger and central Chad, crops received less than half the amount of water they needed. With the population of the Sahel set to reach approximately 500 million by 2050, the onset of extreme weather patterns threatens to exacerbate the already existing poverty in Tuareg communities.

Moreover, the wells in the Sahara are few, and far between and highly dangerous. They are handmade by Tuareg, and at high risk of collapse. One elderly Tuareg man reported, “Digging a well that can collapse on you is like facing the barrel of a gun.”

Mali and Niger

The largest populations of Tuareg live in Mali and Niger, where they make up around 10% of the population. However, they do not necessarily have citizenship in the countries in which they reside. In Mali, tensions with the Malian population stem from the fact that Tuaregs enslaved black Africans in the 18th and 19th centuries when they had control over northern Mali, according to Refworld.  For their part, Tuaregs are aggrieved by the lack of representation and government support they receive in their remote Northern territories, Al Jazeera reports.

In Libya, many Tuareg joined Gaddafi’s army on the promise of a salary and the potential for citizenship. However, bureaucratic obstacles prevented Tuareg from achieving legal citizenship. Gaddafi’s government required people seeking citizenship to show proof of residence in Libya 10 years before the country’s independence in 1951. But many nomadic Tuarge lacked these written records. Without citizenship, their rights are not protected and they can be denied medical aid. Additionally, they cannot travel or find stable employment.

Organizations Helping

Although many Tuareg are politically marginalized, there are currently many NGOs working to further their interests. Jump4Timbuktu, for example, is a charity working in Mali to economically empower the Tuareg community there. The charity works with local Tuareg, helping them sell their handcrafted jewelry. All profits go towards funding community development schemes.

Bambini nel Desserto is another organization that focuses on providing relief for people in Africa, including Tuareg communities living in the desert. The charity has recently helped Mohamed Ag Abasse, a Tuareg man from Mali, set up his own artisanal workshop so he can sell his handmade jewelry.

Conclusion

Initiatives like those mentioned above help Tuareg communities slowly to diversify their economy beyond agriculture. This will be a vital step if the indigenous people of the Sahara are to survive the changing and increasingly hostile environment of the Sahel.

– Io Oswald

Io is based in Paris, France and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A Healthier Future: YEDI Is Empowering Adolescents in Nigeria

Adolescents in NigeriaYouth Development and Empowerment Initiative (YEDI) is a Nigerian nonprofit organization that delivers evidence-based programs aimed at building young people’s health assets, improving access to health services and promoting adherence to healthy behaviors. Since 2011, YEDI has been tackling the significant challenges faced by adolescents and young people in Nigeria.

These challenges include mental health issues, accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and services and a lack of quality information about SRHR. YEDI’s commitment to empowering young people is evident through its partnerships and programs, advancing adolescent health and well-being across the country. Through its various programs, YEDI has impacted more than 458,560 young people across Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Akwa Ibom and Rivers State.

The SKILLZ Program

Since 2012, YEDI has partnered with Grassroot Soccer (GRS) to implement the SKILLZ program in Nigeria. The program is delivered through fixed and outreach sites, which serve as safe spaces for young people aged 10-24, as well as the broader population in underserved communities. YEDI’s interventions provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and services, equipping young people to make informed decisions about their health and future. The SKILLZ program also promotes gender equality, empowering young women and girls, as well as young men and boys, to become leaders and advocates within their communities.

The SKILLZ program has impacted at least 370,000 adolescents by providing comprehensive information and services related to SRHR, gender-based violence, gender equality, mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment. YEDI collaborates with partners across diverse thematic areas, including gender-based organizations, to ensure that survivors of abuse and individuals in need of health care services, such as those requiring HIV/AIDS care, receive adequate counseling, support and treatment. Through its programs, YEDI has referred more than 56,000 people for proper care and treatment, helping them along their recovery journey.

Cultivating Safe Spaces for Young People

YEDI was also part of the consortium that implemented the USAID-funded Youth Powered Ecosystem for Adolescent Health (YPE4AH) project. This initiative aimed to improve the health and well-being of urban, underprivileged, out-of-school and unmarried adolescents aged 15–19 in Kano and Lagos. As part of the project, YEDI established and managed six youth-friendly centers in these cities, which played a crucial role in developing life skills for more than 66,000 out-of-school adolescents in Nigeria.

In addition, YEDI has extensive experience in creating safe spaces for young people. Since 2015, YEDI has managed seven Hello Lagos Youth Friendly Centers in partnership with the Lagos Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), benefiting about 1,000 young mothers and 100,000 adolescents in Lagos State.

Using Soccer to Engage Adolescents

YEDI uses soccer as a natural hook to engage adolescents on issues related to their health and relationships, identifying innovative ways for them to become champions within their communities. YEDI’s programs are designed to reflect the needs, interests and behaviors of young people while strengthening their SRHR and life skills. Both trained female and male “near-peer” coaches deliver the evidence-based and age-appropriate SKILLZ curriculum, which integrates soccer language, metaphors and activities to promote reflection on gender norms, goal setting and achievement.

The BEAT NTD Project

To combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, YEDI implemented the “BEAT NTD” project in Lagos and Rivers states. This initiative resulted in a 45% increase in awareness and knowledge about NTD prevention and mitigation, improved access to health care and a 10% reduction in the prevalence of NTDs. The project successfully reached a total of 3,101 adolescents in the targeted communities, contributing to better health outcomes in these areas.

Furthermore, the organization actively participates in key networks and community bodies, including the Lagos State Adolescent Health and Development Technical Working Group, the Child Protection Network and the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria. These engagements strengthen YEDI’s capacity for impactful collaboration, advocacy and knowledge-sharing, all aimed at advancing adolescent health and well-being across the country.

Conclusion

YEDI plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of adolescents in Nigeria. By creating safe spaces and engaging youth in meaningful discussions, the organization empowers the next generation to become advocates for their health and communities, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Unsplash

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AFRYDEV: Empowering Women and Youth in Northeastern Nigeria

AFRYDEVThe Northeastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria has been grappling with a severe crisis largely driven by the activities of Boko Haram, an Islamist terrorist jihadist organization. This violent extremist group has inflicted significant harm on innocent citizens. Boko Haram’s ideology is rooted in establishing a “pure” Islamic state governed by Sharia law.

The group’s operations have gained traction in the region due to a confluence of socioeconomic factors, including widespread poverty, hunger, lack of education and limited social development.

African Youth for Peace Development and Empowerment (AFRYDEV), a nongovernmental organization established in 2013, is actively addressing the escalating challenges of poverty, gender-based violence (GBV) and socioeconomic inequality in this region.

The Situation in Northeastern Nigeria

The Northeast, Nigeria’s largest geopolitical zone, has been a conflict zone since 2009 when Boko Haram declared its goal to form an Islamic State in the region. In response, in 2013, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) declared a state of emergency and launched military operations in the area. However, as of 2019, the conflict has resulted in more than 35,000 deaths and displaced more than two million people, including women and children. Furthermore, more than eight million people in the region are in need of humanitarian aid.

With the extremist group still a threat, carrying out attacks across different villages in the Northeast, many families are struggling to meet their basic needs in the face of relentless insecurity. Poverty remains rampant, with many households lacking access to essential services such as health care, education and safe water, perpetuating a cycle of deprivation and social instability. The ongoing conflict has worsened vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls, who face heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and exclusion from economic opportunities.

AFRYDEV recognizes that these issues are intertwined and significantly hinder the potential for sustainable development and peace within these communities. Therefore, as a youth- and women-led organization, AFRYDEV is dedicated to tackling the critical issues of poverty and hunger through innovative and targeted interventions aimed at addressing the essential needs of insurgency-affected communities.

AFRYDEV’s Strategy

AFRYDEV employs a multifaceted approach to address the intertwined challenges of poverty, GBV and socioeconomic inequality in conflict-affected regions of Northeast Nigeria. Its strategy is rooted in community engagement, peacebuilding and socioeconomic development. The NGO actively involves local stakeholders, including women, youth, traditional leaders and government representatives, in the design and implementation of its programs. This participatory approach fosters ownership and ensures that AFRYDEV’s initiatives are responsive to the specific needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.

For instance, its Youth Peace Camp Project empowers vulnerable youth through leadership and civic engagement training. It also establishes youth community service clubs that promote active participation in local governance, creating a platform for transparency, accountability and collaborative nation-building. Similarly, through projects like the European Union’s Support to Early Recovery, AFRYDEV facilitates the reintegration of women and girls affected by Boko Haram, enhancing social cohesion while also providing vocational training and economic opportunities.

Additionally, AFRYDEV’s focus on gender-sensitive programming ensures that women and girls are not only protected from GBV but are also empowered to participate fully in economic and social life. By combining humanitarian assistance with capacity-building initiatives, the nonprofit aims to transform communities, promote social stability and pave the way for a more peaceful and equitable society in northeastern Nigeria.

Empowering Women and Youth

AFRYDEV has empowered more than 50,000 women and youths through various initiatives aimed at promoting active citizenship, leadership and skills development. The establishment of youth community service clubs has further strengthened community ties and encouraged active participation in local governance. In Yobe State, its collaboration with various stakeholders has led to the successful reintegration of more than 1,000 girls and women who were previously abducted by Boko Haram insurgents, highlighting the organization’s commitment to social acceptance and healing.

Furthermore, programs like ‘’Resilience Building through Livelihood’s Support to Promote Durable Solutions’’ have provided sustainable livelihood options through the restoration of market systems, protection and income generation starter packages to more than 10,000 people affected by the conflict. The Community Clean-up Project in Borno State has improved the physical environment and also fostered a sense of inclusion and economic opportunity among marginalized youth, thereby building trust within communities.

The outcomes of AFRYDEV’s efforts extend beyond immediate interventions, contributing to broader socioeconomic development and resilience in the region. Its focus on livelihood and economic empowerment has provided training and resources to vulnerable women and girls, enabling them to start their own businesses and contribute to their families’ incomes. This approach has led to improved economic stability and has equipped individuals with marketable skills, fostering long-term self-sufficiency.

Additionally, AFRYDEV’s training programs for community stakeholders have enhanced local capacities in conflict resolution and dialogue, facilitating sustainable peace and human rights advocacy. Overall, the positive changes brought about by AFRYDEV’s work are evident in the strengthened community relationships, increased engagement in governance and enhanced well-being of conflict-affected populations, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and resilient society.

Final Note

AFRYDEV is committed to providing life-saving protection services to address the impact of the humanitarian crisis on vulnerable women, adolescent girls, boys and men in host communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees. The organization focuses on an integrated, survivor-centered and community-based approach to address gaps identified in the prevention and response to GBV in conflict-affected communities in northeastern Nigeria. This includes providing access to life-saving services for GBV survivors, skills building and livelihood options through localizing the production of dignity kits and reusable menstrual hygiene kits. These initiatives aim to improve the economic security of women and adolescent girls, leading to enhanced reproductive health outcomes and financial stability.

– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr