Archive for category: Business

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How Reducing Export Tariffs Will Alleviate Poverty In India

Poverty in IndiaNarendra Modi and Donald Trump have reached an agreement. India’s exports to the United States (U.S.) will be subject to a reduced tariff rate, from 50% to 18%, with immediate effect. Modi’s new deal is conditional. India must purchase $500 billion of U.S. goods over the next five years, although this includes current projects, and must transition to purchasing U.S. oil. Although the deal does constrain India to some degree, overall it is set to greatly benefit the Indian economy and is an important example of successful international cooperation in an increasingly volatile era.

Modi wrote on X: “When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.” The tariff reduction will provide society-wide economic benefit, reducing poverty in India. The Indian aviation industry is set to capitalize on the deal. Air India Ltd and SpiceJet Ltd are forecast to purchase $100 billion in aircraft orders from U.S. firms over the next five years. However, those most impoverished in India are expected to benefit in particular.

Tariffs and Poverty in India

High export tariffs directly impact the trade opportunities of corporate entities and governments. However, they can also be particularly detrimental to the standards of living of low-income households. Tariffs reduce the purchasing power of low-income households, both through increasing the prices of goods and services and by decreasing nominal incomes.

According to the World Bank, 5.3% of India’s population lives below the extreme poverty threshold of $3 per day. Tariffs have a significant impact on the quality of life of this sector of the population. Higher food and water prices, increased unemployment and reduced incomes decrease opportunities to escape extreme poverty and can push more of the population below the poverty line.

International Cooperation and Its Benefits

The World Trade Organization (WTO) reports that reduced export tariffs have a positive impact on low-income households and small businesses that cannot compete under high trade restrictions. Through negotiating a new tariff of 18%, Modi has lessened the economic burdens on the most impoverished sector of his population. Millions of Indians may enjoy greater purchasing power with their incomes, easing access to basic necessities. Modi’s deal also contributes to a larger trend of U.S. export tariff reductions in the subcontinent.

The U.S. and Bangladesh have reached an agreement on a 19% reciprocal tariff rate, with a plan to establish a 0% reciprocal tariff rate for textiles and other apparel goods. The textile and apparel industry is the backbone of the Bangladesh economy. The sector accounts for roughly 80% of Bangladesh’s total export revenue and employs around 4 million workers. Many of these workers are part of the 18.7% of the Bangladeshi population that falls below the national poverty line.

A reduced export tariff on this sector will lessen economic pressures on individual firms, which is expected to lead to improved working conditions and potentially higher wages. The reduction may therefore benefit the quality of life of many who experience the daily challenges of poverty.

Looking Ahead

Overall, Modi’s deal demonstrates that large-scale international cooperation, while benefiting major economic players such as governments and corporations, can also provide advantages for alleviating poverty in India. Reduced export tariffs can contribute to poverty reduction on a broader scale.

– Arthur Horsey

Arthur is based in Hampshire, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How REgrow Yirga is Reshaping the Coffee Industry in Ethiopia

ethiopia coffeeEthiopia produces some of the best specialty coffee in the world. Demand for specialty coffee is rising, and Ethiopia’s potential to market 6,000 more varieties creates an opportunity to export coffee at a higher rate. Yet, many of the farmers do not see the benefits of their own labor.

Many farmers lack access to basic necessities such as potable water, a proper education and electricity. Rural and remote coffee farmers produce 95% of the coffee while owning less than five acres of land. A disconnect between the coffee supply chain and smallholder coffee farmers prevents them from receiving fair pay. This causes intermediaries to control the flow of money. REgrow Yirga is reshaping the coffee industry in Ethiopia to address these issues.

REgrow Yirga

The USDA, JDE and Peet’s Coffee started REgrow Yirga to change the Ethiopian coffee sector. Their goals include enhancing competitiveness, increasing productivity, improving supply chain performance and strengthening market conditions, according to TechnoServe.

The program targets the Gedeo Zone in southern Ethiopia, an area widely known for its Yirgacheffe coffee. This project supports 45,000 smallholder coffee farmers and 45 private wet mills by addressing the root problems hindering growth in the coffee sector.

How It Works

The program prioritizes addressing the gap in education on agronomy for Ethiopian coffee farmers. This involves a two-year agronomy training program from the TechnoServe Coffee Farm College, which is responsible for teaching farmers how to adopt regenerative agronomic practices through practical and knowledge-based training. REgrow Yirga equips coffee farmers with the necessary equipment and support to begin independently increasing their incomes.

Another issue that the program is tackling is the replacement of outdated coffee trees. Many of the current coffee trees are more than 20 years old, limiting coffee production. REgrow Yirga is reshaping the coffee industry in Ethiopia by teaching farmers the benefits of cutting coffee trees at the stump in a process called rejuvenation.

The process removes trees from production for one year while they regrow. Many farmers avoid doing this because they cannot afford to lose a year’s worth of income, but this process creates a more productive tree and a higher yield of coffee over time.

Gaining Independence

Through education on renewable practices, and by providing the resources to increase productivity, REgrow Yirga is reshaping the coffee industry in Ethiopia by allowing smallholder farmers to gain independence. This project brings equity to the coffee industry. Farmers gain a fair share of the value that their coffee creates. These long-term sustainability efforts will serve as a model for changes that are driving reform for equality for marginalized farmers worldwide.

– Sachin Kapoor

Sachin is based in Atlanta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Energizing the Environment: Red Bull Creating a Better World

Energizing the EnvironmentRed Bull humbly began in the ‘80s in Thailand as an uncarbonated beverage that utilized natural caffeine remedies. Today, the company has a strong international presence and dominates the energy drink market. Red Bull makes it clear that its marketing success is not based on having the best-tasting energy drink.

Instead, it focuses on offering a product that fuels the energy and excitement consumers associate with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In other words, Red Bull primarily targets athletes, especially those involved in extreme sports. However, this does not mean that only professional competitors can benefit from the brand’s offerings.

Red Bull is also widely known for creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences through its international charitable initiatives and sponsored events.

Giving Life to the Night

Ho Chi Minh City is working to revitalize urban spaces and create community recreational centers. However, the budget is small, so community spaces are dimly lit and look unapproachable. Red Bull is helping revive the community by repurposing its aluminum cans to create illuminating, solar-powered billboards.

Each billboard is made of 2,475 Red Bull cans. The project, which is called “Giving Life to the Night,” utilizes solar energy explicitly, which naturally converts into electricity. Indeed, the project may seem small and subtle; however, the reliable energy is bringing communities together.

The project has had its greatest impact on young people. Red Bull has consistently worked to engage youth by providing recreational and sports activities, health check-ups and employment opportunities. As a result, Ho Chi Minh City has become a city full of life and energy, with Red Bull’s initiatives helping create job opportunities for more than 70,000 young adults.

Energizing the Environment

The company that owns Red Bull is called TCP Group. The group is constantly organizing events and collaborations that will enhance the global community. For example, TCP Group is reducing its carbon footprint and practicing water sustainability.

Red Bull has set a goal to use 100% recycled packaging in the next few years. Currently, 70% of packaging is recyclable aluminum. Commonly misunderstood, TCP is not just interested in growing the Red Bull brand; one of its core principles is “Energizing the Environment.” As part of this commitment, TCP Group has reduced its water usage by more than 20%.

The company has made significant progress in improving water efficiency and is now setting an example for other Thai companies by encouraging greater water resilience amid growing scarcity. Currently, the company is supporting Thailand’s River Basin Project, which focuses on replenishing water in the Bang Pakong, Yom and Mekong rivers. As the initiative continues, it has achieved net water–positive status, reinforcing TCP’s role in promoting long-term environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, TCP has also been contributing to the WEnergy world campaign, a global initiative to reuse resources and reduce gas emissions. In 2024, the company got creative and organized a running event in which every participant had to donate recyclable cans or packaging.

The Red Bull U-Project

The Red Bull U-Project is a volunteer-based initiative that mobilizes undergraduate students interested in public service. Launched in Thailand in 2013, the program aims to promote social development by supporting projects in key areas, including agriculture, education, health care and technology. Notable initiatives include the Ambulance for Children with Care project and the Herbs for Healthy Life and Self-Sufficiency Economy project, both of which reflect the program’s focus on community well-being and sustainable impact.

Final Remarks

Red Bull’s U-Project and Energizing the Environment initiative, among others, have ensured philanthropic and civic engagement across Asia continues to support community-driven initiatives that address local development challenges and strengthen social infrastructure.

– Mireya Aguilar

Mireya is based in Layton, UT, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Tradedepot Is Driving Growth for Small Retailers in Nigeria

TradeDepotAcross Nigeria, small retailers power local economies, yet remain disconnected from efficient global supply chains. This gap drives high costs, inefficient logistics and lost income opportunities for informal businesses. TradeDepot offers a digital solution to this challenge, bridging global supply networks and small retailers in Nigeria.

The Gap Between Small Retailers and Reliable Supply Chains

Small retailers, including family-run shops, street vendors and kiosks, are the backbone of developing economies. Many operate out of homes and are run by women balancing entrepreneurship with domestic work. Together, these businesses account for up to 80% of employment in Africa, making them a powerful driver of income generation and poverty reduction.

Studies by TechnoServe show that targeted support for small retailers can increase incomes by more than 30%. Given the scale of informal retail across Africa, even minor improvements can create lasting economic and social impact. As the final link in the supply chain, small retailers are responsible for distributing essential goods within their communities.

Yet persistent gaps between informal retailers and major suppliers result in fragmented logistics, limited visibility and widespread inefficiency. In Nigeria alone, these systemic gaps generate more than $4 billion in annual losses across the consumer goods supply chain. Most existing supply-chain technologies prioritize large enterprises, leaving informal retailers underserved.

By directly connecting small retailers to reliable supply networks, platforms like TradeDepot enable business owners to save time, reduce costs and increase profits.

TradeDepot’s Digital Solution

African retailers face some of the highest product distribution costs globally and TradeDepot is working to change this reality in Nigeria. By establishing a direct digital channel between manufacturers and informal retailers, the platform streamlines procurement, logistics and inventory management in a single system. Through this platform, small retailers in Nigeria can place orders, track deliveries and manage inventory in real time.

Increased price transparency and access to supplier discounts reduce costs at the earliest stages of the supply chain, directly improving retailer margins. TradeDepot positions itself as the middleman between global brands seeking new markets and Nigerian retailers pursuing growth. As the company scales, it is extending its logistics and distribution expertise to support informal retail ecosystems across Africa.

Market Potential for Global Brands

Africa’s young and rapidly growing population presents major opportunities for global brands. Rising incomes and urbanization are driving demand for quality consumer goods. Yet, fragmented logistics continue to constrain efficient trade and prevent profits from staying within local economies.

TradeDepot’s model reframes poverty reduction through a business lens, shifting power within supply chains toward small retailers. Rather than charity, it provides entrepreneurs with the tools, data and market access required to drive sustainable business growth.

Improved Quality of Life for Small Retailers in Nigeria

TradeDepot’s platform is transforming daily business operations, giving small retailers in Nigeria greater autonomy, predictability and control. As many informal shops are home-based and women-led, these efficiencies have a powerful impact on female entrepreneurs. Women account for 85% of TradeDepot’s retail users and 65% of its distributor network.

Access to tools such as digital wallets and credit lines strengthens financial inclusion, increasing women’s purchasing power and business agency. In a survey of more than 200 customers, 90% reported improved quality of life after adopting TradeDepot’s platform. Retailers no longer need to close shops or travel long distances to source stock.

Instead, they can access consistent inventory at fair prices through nearby depots, improving product availability for communities while boosting retailer profits.

Final Thoughts

By connecting global brands with informal retailers, TradeDepot is driving growth for small retailers in Nigeria, unlocking Africa’s consumer market while navigating the continent’s complex distribution networks. The result is stronger small businesses, more resilient local economies and a scalable, market-driven approach to poverty reduction.

– Hope Jowharian

Hope is based in Paris, France and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge: Boosting Small Businesses

Rwanda’s Zamukana UbuziranengeIn October 2025, Rwanda hosted the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Annual Meeting in Kigali, spotlighting the nation’s emergence as a continental leader in “quality infrastructure.” Central to this economic success is Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge program, a strategic initiative translated as “Grow With Standards.” By providing technical assistance to small businesses, the program bridges the gap between local production and international safety requirements, fostering a new era of inclusive industrial growth.

The Standards Maturity Model

The implementation of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge utilizes what experts refer to as a “maturity model.” Rather than imposing unreachable global mandates on small entrepreneurs, the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) provides a tiered trajectory for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to progress incrementally. This approach first adapts international standards to suit local realities.

Then it aligns them with global markets as the institutions mature. The program begins with a gap assessment to benchmark current business practices against applicable standards. Following this, the RSB offers customized training and “handholding” support to help staff implement systems that promote consistent quality.

This hands-on guidance prepares businesses for a final assessment and the eventual initiation of the formal certification process. Through this supportive framework, the government ensures that small producers can match their technical ambition with their actual capacity.

Removing Financial Barriers To Growth

A significant political development occurred in January 2025, when the government announced that all quality services under Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge would be provided free of charge to MSMEs. These services include technical assistance, testing, calibration and certification. By removing these costs, the state eliminated a significant financial barrier for low-income entrepreneurs, particularly those without access to funding from external development partners or nongovernmental organizations.

Quantifiable Impact on Local Industries

The measurable success of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge is evident in the diverse range of businesses it has supported. By June 2025, the program reached approximately 988 MSMEs and cooperatives. This group comprises 368 enterprises operating in food value chains and 226 businesses in the chemical industry, producing essential items such as soaps and detergents.

The program also supported 94 businesses in the textile and leather sectors and trained 33 cooperatives in transparent grant management practices. Sector-specific results highlight the practical outcomes of these certifications. For instance, the RSB has successfully certified 14 honey products from 12 different companies against international food safety management systems.

These certifications allow Rwandan honey to access wider regional and global markets, increasing the income of rural beekeepers. Similarly, the certification of locally made machinery and mechanical tools reduces field failure rates. It provides a powerful marketing tool for exports.

Fostering an Inclusive Quality Culture

The long-term impact of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge extends beyond technical compliance to social empowerment. The program specifically focuses on MSMEs established by women, young people and individuals with disabilities. By equipping these marginalized groups with the skills to produce high-quality goods, the initiative fosters a culture of self-sufficiency.

Residents in areas like Cyanika have noted that the availability of affordable, quality local products reduces the need for community members to seek supplies across borders.

A Regional Leadership Strategy

Rwanda’s hosting of the ISO Annual Meeting 2025, themed “United for Impact,” reflects its position as a regional hub for innovation and trade. The country has developed and adopted more than 2,250 international standards to date, which support socioeconomic activities and open doors for Rwandan products in global markets. The global community recognizes this commitment to quality infrastructure as a “hidden foundation of prosperity” that helps developing nations escape the cycle of low-quality production.

The future of Rwanda’s Zamukana Ubuziranenge appears promising as it continues to integrate local businesses into the formal economy. Indeed, by prioritizing standards as a tool of industrial policy, Rwanda is demonstrating how technical excellence can drive sustainable development and poverty reduction. As more MSMEs achieve certification, the nation moves closer to its goal of achieving self-reliance and global competitiveness, proving that standards serve as a springboard for inclusive growth.

– Elena Cárdenas

Elena Cárdenas is based in Monterrey, México and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ghana’s Sustainable Fashion Movement

Ghana’s Sustainable FashionIn the heart of Accra, the bustling Kantamanto Market once symbolised the ingenuity and resilience of Ghana’s second-hand clothing trade. Today, it has become the epicentre of an environmental and public health crisis due to fast fashion. Every week, the market receives 15 million discarded garments from the Global North – clothes too cheap, too poor in quality or too plentiful to sell at home. Ghana is now one of Africa’s largest importers of used clothing, yet nearly 40% of these imports end up as waste, placing the burden of the global fashion industry’s overproduction squarely on the shoulders of Ghana’s working poor. To reclaim their livelihoods, participants of Ghana’s sustainable fashion movement are working to revitalise and rebuild the second-hand clothing market.

Background

Detrimental environmental and economic consequences arise from fast-fashion waste in Ghana; piles of unsellable materials overwhelm landfills, clog waterways and spill into neighboring communities, while toxic chemicals from synthetic fibres threaten to obliterate biodiversity and animal habitats. Furthermore, the 30,000 traders, tailors and entrepreneurs of Kantamanto market – long celebrated for breathing new life into the fashion industry’s cast-offs – now contend with mountains of unmarketable textile waste. This intensifies the strain on local businesses and could make people abandon their craft entirely and become second-hand sellers. This instability highlights the need for Ghana’s sustainable fashion movement.

The Or Foundation

Founded in 2022 as a community business incubator, the Or Foundation is at the forefront of Ghana’s sustainable fashion movement, striving to implement cooperative business models for these numerous upcycling businesses born from the textile crisis in Accra. Working closely within the insular divisions of Kantamanto market, the foundation transforms a seemingly hopeless situation into one of innovation and prosperity.

Liz Ricketts of the Or Foundation speaks of its aim to restore a circular economy – where products, materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible to minimise waste and environmental harm – to liberate Accra from the severe effects of Western overproduction. Ricketts describes the foundation’s goals as including: “the development of new materials made from textile waste, debt relief for Kantamanto retailers, alternative livelihoods for young women who labour in modern-day slavery carrying bales of clothing on their heads, and scientific research to determine how we can safely clean up the waste at the bottom of the sea.”

In reclaiming their second-hand trade, the foundation’s role in Ghana’s sustainable fashion movement confronts a long history of colonial oppression and works to restore justice to those most affected. Through rallying communities together, initiating waste control services and showcasing upcycled fashion items, they do just this

Waste Management

Ghana does not “have the infrastructure to keep clothing […] out of landfill,” Lisa explained. To address this, the Or Foundation has partnered with Accra’s waste management department to organize and fund a team of volunteers who separate textile waste into sellable garments and those that require sustainable disposal.

Since 2024, these “Kanta Keepers” have successfully hauled more than 18 tons of textile waste from not just the overflowing market site, but also beaches, waterways and streets, transporting them to a sanctioned dumpsite far from the coastline, according to the Or Foundation.

Their work not only protects the health of individuals in Kantamanto, but also preserves ecosystems that are threatened by synthetic, slow-decomposing textiles. This marks an important step towards the circular economy envisioned by Ricketts and the Or Foundation.

Repurposing Garments

Of the garments diverted from landfill, many are upcycled into creative, sustainable and forward-thinking fashion projects. Ricketts underscores the economic burden of fast-fashion waste on the Kantamanto workers, noting that declining clothing quality forces “Kantamanto retailers [become] dependent on a system where they have to sell higher quantities of a cheaper product to stay out of debt,” Lisa explained. By generating alternative streams of income, the Or Foundation provides much-needed relief and strengthens Ghana’s sustainable fashion movement from within.

One example is the annual “Obroni Wau” (or “dead white man’s clothing”) festival, which spotlights upcycling and creative reuse through runway shows, pop-up stalls and musical performances, according to VOA. This celebration amplifies the work of local designers, tailors and traders who transform discarded garments into “one of a kind creations,” as Lisa describes. Tailors have even fashioned protective uniforms for Ghanaian pineapple pickers from discarded denim, shielding workers from burns and rashes in the field. These artisans become highly sought-after for their unique, custom-made pieces, ensuring that the cultural identity of Ghana’s second-hand clothing trade remains vibrant. Hence, this Or Foundation’s work in manifesting a circular economy sector is creating new jobs in repair, design, resale and small-scale manufacturing, transforming the livelihoods of those in and around Kantamanto.

In Conclusion

When talking about how to confront a problem that feels too vast to solve, Lisa explains to Good on You that “sustainability is a language… communities like Kantamanto are still fluent.” By reframing textile waste as both a valuable resource and an integral part of Ghana’s social fabric, Kantamanto promotes fairer trade systems and greater producer responsibility. Through their initiatives, Ghana’s sustainable fashion movement is guiding key legislation, policy-makers and industry advocates – illustrated by the creation of the Ghana Used Clothing Dealers Association and its commitment to achieving 100% textile-waste diversion by 2050 – towards regenerative systems that maximise the lifespan of materials.

In many ways, Ghana’s circular economy has become a pioneer of fast-fashion waste innovation. Lisa further argues that resolving the fast-fashion crisis begins with a simple directive: “all we have to do is listen”. Recognizing the perspectives and lived experiences of the workers and broader Kantamanto community is essential, as such engagement can drive real-world solutions to the fast-fashion waste crisis.

– Emily Wooster

Emily is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Garbage Cafes Tackle Waste and Poverty in India

garbage cafes

India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It has a population of more than one billion within its territory, which makes up 17.5% of the world’s overall population. The country’s growth rate, however, has stood at less than 1% since 2018. It is located in South Asia, with countries around its borders such as Pakistan, China, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The country has 28 states and eight union territories, each with its own government bodies. It is officially known as the Republic of India and is known for having one of the largest democracies in the world. India has many facts that are unique to its people, but one unexpected fact is that it is currently the world’s largest producer of plastic waste.

Plastics for Change

According to Plastics for Change, India was labeled as the world’s biggest polluter. In 2024, it was reported that the country produced 20% of the overall plastic waste that pollutes land and oceans. There are more than 9 million tonnes of waste generated by the country each year, which exceeds competing countries such as China and Nigeria. The waste is largely created by population growth, urbanization and development within the economy. As the population increases, the need for resources expands, like building more housing and grocery stores. The need for plastic resources is especially high within urban areas.

Waste and Poverty in India

Poverty in India has decreased significantly between 2016 and 2021. The number of people living in poverty decreased from more than 300 million between 2015 and 2016 to around 230 million between 2019 and 2021. As of 2025, 83 million people live in poverty in India, with more females being impacted. This shows the country has taken great strides in investing in its people.

There have been large impacts, such as investments in the economy, roads and connectivity between local and urban areas. There have also been job creations in various fields and aid programs accessible to the public. India is currently known as the fastest-growing economy in the world and has a high gross domestic product (GDP). Even though poverty in India has not been eradicated, there are cafes in the country offering meals to people in need in exchange for collecting waste.

Garbage Cafes

It all began in 2019 after multiple reports of plastic waste impacting communities and cities in India. One such city that took the initiative was Ambikapur. One of the first “garbage cafes” opened with one simple policy: every person who turns in 2.2 pounds of plastic waste gets a full meal. These meals include rice, vegetables and other staples vital to one’s diet. For those who collect 1 pound of waste, they can purchase breakfast items. With this cafe serving 20 meals daily, it presents a solution to waste polluting the city’s streets. In total, the cafe has collected more than 20 metric tonnes of waste since its creation.

This garbage cafe prides itself on its slogan, “more the waste, better the taste.” It prioritizes two main issues within its city and India as well: hunger and plastic waste pollution. People who struggle to make ends meet for their families have access to meals that can benefit them and their loved ones. The cafe is operated by the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation (AMC), which oversees this local initiative.

Creation of Jobs

It may have started in Ambikapur, but garbage cafes have spread to other cities in India, such as Siliguri and Mulugu. These cafes have similar policies that provide meals to people in need who collect waste. Another campaign offers period products to those who collect plastic waste. These initiatives help rid streets of pollution while also providing citizens with basic needs. Cambodia has also adopted similar programs, showing how positive responses to these initiatives can lead to long-term benefits.

The Municipal Corporation has also provided jobs that would not have been available otherwise. It employs more than 400 women to sort plastic waste after collection. They are given the necessary tools, such as gloves and masks, to protect themselves. They also go around neighborhoods to collect the waste from homes. This shows the creation of jobs that help people who may have been unemployed, especially women who are often most impacted by poverty.

Looking Ahead

Garbage cafes have created opportunities for people in poverty to supply meals for themselves and their families. This shows the importance of investments in communities and how corporations can assert themselves in this role. For the 83 million who remain in poverty in India, there are initiatives by the government and garbage cafes to alleviate daily burdens. There are job openings, investments in community cleanups and meal provisions where necessary. India has shown one initiative that other countries can adopt to target two issues at one time.  

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Lush Is Fighting Global Poverty One Soap at a Time

Lush Is Fighting Global PovertyFounded in the United Kingdom in 1995, Lush has become a global cosmetics giant, with more than 800 shops in 50 countries. From its conception, Lush reinvented the beauty scene, leading a “cosmetic revolution” which put ethics at the forefront of its business. From a soap that helps to fund vital services in Gaza to its unwavering advocacy, Lush is a powerful player when it comes to fighting against global poverty.

A Small but Mighty Hand Cream

One of the cornerstone products in Lush’s fight against global poverty has been its Charity Pots, a vanilla and floral-scented hand and body lotion. This product was created to raise money for grassroots groups, campaigns and nonprofits doing humanitarian groundwork protecting human rights and ensuring environmental justice. In 2024, Lush made more than $130 million in charitable donations since the launch of its giving initiatives back in 2007. The Charity Pot made up 75% of these donations.

Despite recently removing the product from its shelves, Lush remains committed to campaigning. The organization has produced a new line of Giving Products, which allows it greater flexibility in targeting and responding to global emergencies, directing money to where it is needed. Lush’s Charity Pots proved to be a small but mighty force in the fight against global poverty.

Lush’s Giving Products

Replacing the Charity Pots, Lush’s Giving Products hit the shelves with the Watermelon Slice soap as the first launch. Originally a regular product, it was turned into a Giving Product after a staff member highlighted the symbol’s significance in the movement to support a free Palestine. With each sale, 75% of the proceeds are donated to childhood mental health and medical services in Gaza, including charities providing prosthetic limb support to adults and children.

Since launching the Watermelon Slice soap, Lush has used its Giving Products to support various causes. These include aiding Indigenous volunteer fire brigades in the Amazon, backing lawyers and human rights activists in Mexico and supporting “She Should Run,” an organization working to increase diverse political participation.

The Use of Fairtrade Ingredients

One of the main selling points for Lush products is its use of Fairtrade ingredients. The Fairtrade Foundation seeks to address the root causes of poverty directly by ensuring farmers and workers in developing countries receive better prices, working conditions and more power over their products. Cheap products often come at the exploitation of those who grow them.

So by ensuring a minimum price, the Fairtrade Foundation ensures that farmers and workers can cover the costs of sustainable production and have a safety net for when the market falls below a sustainable level. Farmers whose products are Fairtrade certified also receive a Fairtrade Premium, a lump sum which members of Producer Organizations democratically decide how to spend. This money is typically invested in community development.

By choosing Fairtrade products, Lush is helping to break the cycle of poverty in developing countries, enhance the well-being and resilience of these communities and enable individuals a greater level of dignity.

Uplifting Communities Through Knot Wraps

Lush’s venture into reusable packaging has also proved significant in fighting global poverty. While sifting through bundles of vintage scarves, the Lush buying team discovered an abundant supply. In 2009, the company began stocking more than 40,000 wraps as part of its shift to knot wrapping, a sustainable, reusable packaging alternative.

From there, Lush began partnering with re-wrap, a nonprofit organization in India that produces 100% organic cotton knot wraps. Crafted by highly skilled female artisans, re-wrap makes a range of products, including tote bags, gift wraps, pouches and aprons and is dedicated to uplifting rural women and farming communities.

During production, local women are trained in the skills needed to make these wraps, enabling them to earn an income and empowering them to leave unsafe relationships. By working directly with re-wrap, Lush ensures that producers receive fair wages, further helping to alleviate poverty in rural communities.

A Lush Future

From its Watermelon Soap funding aid in Gaza to partnering with organizations that empower women in India through artisanal skills, Lush is building an impressive track record of fighting global poverty. Its unwavering advocacy and campaigning should serve as a blueprint for other companies. We can only hope this vital work continues and that others follow.

– Libby Foxwell

Libby is based in Sherborne, Dorset, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Loans + Health: Asasah’s Microfinance Model for Pakistani Women

Asasah’s Microfinance ModelMore than 115 million women worldwide rely on microfinance loans. At first glance, this may look like an empowering opportunity. However, research shows a darker side: many women from improvised households running these small businesses report health challenges linked to the stress of heavy debt.

This raises an urgent question: how do we ensure that microfinance does not come at the cost of women’s well-being? One answer lies in Asasah’s Microfinance Model.

What is the Problem?

A study involving 442 women across multiple cities and provinces in Pakistan asked open-ended questions to explore the health consequences faced by small business owners. The findings revealed numerous challenges categorized into social, physical, mental and economic issues.

Specific concerns included stress, infectious diseases, inadequate housing and limited access to gas lines and health care facilities. Loans alone are insufficient to secure a thriving business and a healthy life.

Asasah’s Microfinance Model

Asasah is a Pakistan-based social enterprise that supports entrepreneurs through financial services to reduce poverty. Its mission is to boost productivity while driving sustainable poverty alleviation. What truly sets Asasah apart is its exclusive focus on women and its unique blend of financial services and health support.

Grounded in the belief that empowering women is one of the most powerful catalysts for social change, Asasah provides microloans and integrates health services to ensure long-term well-being and productivity. Every client receives mandatory health and credit life insurance, with coverage extending to their spouses.

Beyond insurance, Asasah also conducts health workshops to raise awareness and promote healthier living, ensuring that women remain productive and supported. The impact of Asasah’s approach is measurable.

Between its founding in 2003 and June 2013, the institution successfully disbursed 170,000 microloans, issued 170,000 life insurance policies and provided 35,000 health insurance plans.

Why It Is Important

Building on its findings, the study recommended several ways to address the challenges that arise after loans are provided in the microfinance sector. One key recommendation was to pair financial services with health interventions. These could include health insurance, housing loans and improvements to basic living conditions such as water and gas lines.

In other words, microfinance must be combined with health services to prevent the triple burden of debt, disease and destitution faced by many hard-working women. Only by acting on these recommendations can women sustain their businesses without being trapped in the cycle of poverty.

Thanks to Asasah’s approach and efforts, the institution has gone beyond simply providing tools for survival. Instead, it has asked a deeper question: How can we ensure women continue in their efforts? While the fight against poverty is far from over, Asasah’s microfinance model demonstrates how addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges can create lasting impact.

– Majida Mohamed

Majida is based in Minneapolis, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Devin Hibbard Dismantles the Poverty Cycle With Entrepreneurship

Devin HibbardDevin Hibbard is the cofounder and CEO of BeadforLife and Street Business School. She has demonstrated the power of seeing people’s talents and transforming them into beautiful businesses that help them get out of the poverty cycle.

The Power of Belief

When Devin Hibbard was 19, she traveled to Nepal on a medical relief trip with her parents. There, she witnessed her father save a woman’s life after childbirth. However, just days later, the woman passed away. That moment challenged Hibbard’s worldview.

She began to question everything, feeling the weight of how deeply unfair life can be and lost much of the belief she once held. Since then, Hibbard says she has worked hard to rebuild that belief. “And through working with women living in unspeakable poverty,” she shares, “I’ve learned a lot about the power of belief.”

One Necklace Turned Into One Mission

Later, Hibbard traveled to Uganda and met a woman named Millie, who made jewelry from discarded paper. During the civil war, Millie headed to the slums and did whatever she could to survive. Hibbard bought a necklace from Millie and before leaving Uganda, she and her mother purchased necklaces from each of the 100 women living in the mud homes of the slum.

Once she returned to the U.S., Hibbard hosted an event where she sold the beads. The event was so successful that it inspired her to return to Uganda and launch BeadforLife in 2004, a nonprofit organization that helps women dismantle the poverty cycle through entrepreneurship.

Providing the Tools To Succeed

To provide people in developing countries with the tools to become successful entrepreneurs, Devin Hibbard founded Street Business School. While BeadforLife helped women earn income through jewelry-making, Hibbard realized a more structured approach to business education was needed.

Street Business School (SBS) offers programs in valuable skills to people of all ages, genders and countries. Today, it partners with organizations in 37 countries. It has empowered more than 92,000 individuals, helping to break the cycle of poverty through sustainable change.

Hibbard’s vision for Millie and her beads in Uganda blossomed into a nonprofit that is transforming the lives of thousands, helping them dismantle the poverty cycle. It’s important to recognize that overcoming poverty often requires more than just financial support. It involves providing essential resources and knowledge that empower individuals to achieve long-lasting success.

Knowledge is very powerful, but so is the act of believing, both in oneself and others. By instilling this belief, people can create opportunities that lead to profound change. Together, society can achieve far more than we ever imagined.

Conclusion

Hibbard’s work is a powerful reminder that dismantling the poverty cycle isn’t about charity but unlocking potential. Through entrepreneurship, education and unwavering belief in human capability, she’s helping thousands rewrite their futures. Her impact proves that with the right tools and mindset, lasting change is not only possible, it’s inevitable.

– Knia Parks

Knia is based in Pepper Pike, OH, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr