Information and stories on development news.

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Hakainde Hichilema’s Push for Digital Inclusion in Zambia

Hakainde Hichilema’s Push for Digital Inclusion in Zambia At the start of 2024, roughly two-thirds of Zambia’s population lacked reliable access to the internet, highlighting a critical barrier to national development. In light of this issue, Hakainde Hichilema, the president of Zambia, has established ambitious goals to connect his nation to the internet and bring Zambia into the digital age. President Hichilema and his government aim for 80% digital inclusion in Zambia by 2026.

What is Digital Inclusion?

Digital inclusion encompasses more than just internet access. It integrates digital literacy training to navigate the internet, high-quality tech support and access to applications that maximize the utility of internet access. Digital inclusion also incorporates measures that combat poverty. For example, easier access to job opportunities that someone without internet access might not discover. President Hichilema has diligently worked to tackle poverty in Zambia by enhancing digital connectivity through a variety of measures.

Hakainde Hichilema and Key Government Initiatives

Hakainde Hichilema has been the leader of Zambia’s United Party for National Development since 2006. He grew up in a rural community in the Monze District of Zambia, a region that he is now helping gain widespread access to reliable internet. His presidency is committed to pioneering how Zambia’s government can fight poverty by improving digital connectivity.

While running for president, he focused on education, jobs and digital inclusion in Zambia. His plan to improve digital inclusion in Zambia includes tax incentives, improvements to digital infrastructure, partnerships with companies for access to satellites, foreign partnerships with wealthier nations and building a free wi-fi network that all Zambians, including the poor, can take advantage of.

The details of these initiatives are as follows:

  • Taxes. President Hichilema has instituted tax waivers on ICT equipment to spur private sector investment. This has yielded $54 million in investment. As companies invest capital in the country, it stimulates the economy. In the long term, it fosters a tax base that can subsequently fund various social programs that address poverty and assist those most in need.
  • Infrastructure. Zambia’s government plans to link itself to all eight of its neighboring countries via high-capacity optic fiber cables. This is in addition to the 379 communication towers Zambia plans to erect, primarily in rural areas. Zambia has also launched a 5G network through collaboration with MTN and Huawei. These measures will greatly improve Zambia’s Wi-Fi network infrastructure, linking every citizen nationwide to the internet and enabling them to obtain information that was once inaccessible.
  • Satellites. Zambia has collaborated with Starlink to deliver affordable internet services to underserved communities. Through this collaboration, many rural communities now access the internet at public libraries, schools and hospitals. Starlink’s satellites provide internet access to hospitals, empowering them to acquire up-to-date information regarding medications or new health guidelines. Doctors can communicate with patients via online communication platforms. This allows them to support their patients should any issues arise after visits. This system closely mirrors practices in the United States (U.S.), where a doctor remains accessible weeks after a visit if issues emerge.
  • National Free Wi-Fi. ZamFree is an initiative to extend free Wi-Fi to Zambians in key public spaces, including markets, schools, airports and hospitals. Liquid Telecom, another organization working to broaden Wi-Fi access in Zambia, champions Hichilema’s plan to link 1,291 secondary schools to the internet. Free Wi-Fi narrows the divide between the rich and the poor. Individuals experiencing poverty can leverage the internet to participate in job training programs or enroll in school. As their skillset grows, they can secure employment and address workforce gaps more easily.
  • International Partnerships. The African Development Bank has considered establishing its headquarters in Zambia. This would not only generate jobs but also transform Zambia into a major hub for expanding internet access across much of Africa. President Hichilema has also initiated collaboration with the Czech Republic. The aim is to establish scholarships for professionals specializing in IT, AI and cybersecurity. These partnerships strengthen Zambia’s relationship with countries worldwide, enhancing diplomacy.

Ending Poverty with the Use of Digital Tools

Improvements to internet infrastructure in Zambia carry the potential to fight poverty by improving digital connectivity and empowering more people to utilize the internet. Indeed, doctors in hospitals can leverage the internet to reach patients, extending health care access to those facing unreliable transportation or mobility issues. Teachers can engage students across all levels of education, from pre-K through college. Overall, these examples, among many others, highlight the potential to fight poverty through improved digital inclusion in Zambia.

– Jeff Mathwig

Jeff is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Vocational Education Centers in Myanmar

Vocational Education Centers in Myanmar Known as the Golden Land, Myanmar is a vibrant country that is home to 135 different racial groups. The country is actively taking action to bridge the notable skills gap in its workforce. This challenge has led to underqualified citizens in the market. To prevent this issue from getting worse, vocational education centers are being developed in Myanmar, expanding access to training for all Myanmarese citizens.

Vocational Education Centers in Myanmar

The Swiss nongovernmental organization (NGO), Helvetas, partners with organizations in Yangon, Myanmar, to provide medical and humanitarian aid to disadvantaged families. It works to improve family incomes and expand education opportunities. Helvetas shares deep connections with the United States (U.S.) to strengthen networking.

In 2024, 295 implemented projects granted 4.9 million citizens a sustainable life. These projects consisted of skills training, trade marketing, farming and fishing. Some vocational education centers were developed digitally to ensure education access, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Recent annual tracer studies show that 80% of graduates are employed or self-employed. Helvetas provided digital learning courses that consist of small animations and training videos to meet people’s needs. Women, more specifically, enroll in these courses as they offer more flexibility. These courses monitor people’s progress and make interactions more motivating. 

Government Efforts Through DTVET

The Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET) has led impactful initiatives that have benefited the Myanmar population. It has provided socio-economic advancement opportunities to help workers develop their skills. It seeks to reform international TVET proficiency in methodology and government tech practices. The department aims to link vocational training in high schools and universities to prioritize operational and business needs. Its focus on formal education nurtures a child’s growth and knowledge. Its main objective is to expand education accessibility and support employment opportunities and capital income.

CVT’s Role in Advancing Leadership

The Center for Vocational Training (CVT) opened in 2002, providing access to high-quality education. This education has included various apprenticeships and collaborations with local institutions. Both Germany and Switzerland made efforts to foster the center. The CVT has galvanized approximately 1,502 graduates who earned their diplomas or dual apprenticeship diplomas within one to three years.

Additionally, around 1,164 individuals received short vocational training certificates and 1,068 postgraduates also earned their certificates. Many of these students went on to achieve leadership roles in industry. The CVT inspired the creation of nonprofit social enterprises that focus on advocacy, food security and empowerment. This, in turn, has influenced the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration to build a provincial expert team.

Looking Ahead

Myanmar is actively forging a brighter future, focusing on industrialization and instilling hope and optimism in its people. Through impactful initiatives like vocational centers, many students, including adults, are becoming capable leaders within the nation. With the support of digital vocational training from Helvetas and the integration of education classes in schools, Myanmar is laying a foundation for progress. Ultimately, these strategic goals could guide Myanmar toward a balanced and prosperous future.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ambitious Goals and Quick Results: Mongolia’s Vision 2050

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 Vision 2050 is a long-term policy plan that focuses on a country’s growth by setting up milestones and windows of time to devote resources for specific projects. Multiple countries have a Vision 2050 policy, including Papua New Guinea, Lithuania, and India. Specifically, the policy generally involves making more eco-friendly use of resources, creating more ideal uses of social services, and reducing poverty significantly.

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 was first introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. During 2020, Mongolia experienced an economic reduction of 10%, strikingly fast, unlike previous years. The lockdown on homes also revealed the vulnerability of citizens to poverty, with food insecurity, easy job loss, and a decrease in agricultural products. The policy has three phases: phase one from 2021 to 2030, phase two from 2031 to 2040, and finally from 2041 to 2050.

Mongolia’s Poverty Goals for 2050

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 has many objectives for different parts of the culture and government. For poverty specifically, Mongolia plans to reduce national poverty to 15% by 2030 and 5% by 2050. The first phase, 2021-2030, involves bolstering an economic environment that supports entrepreneurship, expanding the job market by moving many financially unstable citizens to the middle class, and providing at least 75% of herders and farmers with decent equipment and technology to support a stable business flow. On top of this, Mongolia plans to resolve any overdue external debt the government owes while maintaining a stable economy.

By resolving external debt, foreign trade and investment are stronger and less risky, which in turn helps create a steady stream of employment for citizens. If the country improves job opportunities, many Mongolian citizens could transition from poverty into the middle class. One of Mongolia’s Vision 2050 goals is to make the middle class a predominant economic group to encourage job creation and innovation.

The second and third phases, 2031-2050, will foster a competitive nature in business to keep cash flows going smoothly and to prompt innovation among citizens to improve the culture and economy. Alongside these goals is to improve credit ratings and increase national savings. In the last phase, 2041-2050, Mongolia hopes to make the middle class a predominant economic group. With many citizens transitioning to the middle class with a lucrative job environment and encouraging entrepreneurship, inflation should drastically decrease, while employment skyrockets. One of the most ambitious goals in this final stage of Mongolia’s Vision 2050 is to create at least one city completely free of poverty.

Strides in Progress

One of the fastest results that Mongolia’s Vision 2050 accomplished was improved air quality in 2020. This problem partly predated the implementation of Vision 2050, where in 2019, Mongolia’s Voluntary National Review raised the question of growing air pollution, and started taking steps to reduce it. However, thanks to the urgency and efforts of Mongolia’s Vision 2050, in 2020, Mongolia cut air pollution down by 40%.

Halfway through phase one, Mongolia’s Vision 2050 has already yielded some promising results for the rest of the policy plan. The creation of the E-Mongolia app is an e-government service that has been designed for public use. Essentially, the app allows citizens to look up vehicles and property for purchase in a given area. The app also allows citizens to look at personal medical records, prescriptions, and accurate data on floods. The app has made strides in making data, accessibility, and communication easier for citizens and political officials in Mongolia. In other words, the app has improved the quality of life through access and clarification while making political dealings faster and easier.

Value chains for livestock have also improved drastically from 2020 to 2025. Animal husbandry has experienced increases in quality, which has driven down price volatility in Mongolia, specifically for products like cashmere, meat and dairy. The economic potential for livestock bolstering is promising, with many more Mongolian politicians showing an interest in the sector in recent years, and continuing to pour resources and effort into the chain to create a stable pillar of economic income.

The Future

Mongolia’s Vision 2050 continues to work towards the ambitious goals of reducing national poverty to 5% and creating a poverty-free city by 2050. With the swift result of decreased air pollution, the growing focus on the farming economy, and the ease and quality of life improvement brought about by the E-Mongolia app, future success looks tangible and bright for Mongolia.

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Human Capital Investment Project Targets Poverty at the Roots

Human Capital Investment Project

In January 2025, Guinea-Bissau launched a $20 million Human Capital Investment Project with support from the World Bank. It aims to reduce poverty through education, health care and social protection investments. As one of West Africa’s most impoverished nations, Guinea-Bissau struggles with food insecurity, low school completion rates and limited access to basic services. Guinea-Bissau’s Human Capital Investment Project tackles these problems by strengthening public systems and targeting support to the country’s most vulnerable communities.

The Human Capital Investment Project

The Human Capital Investment Project initiative will deliver cash transfers to vulnerable households, helping families cover food, school costs and medical needs. It will also distribute school kits to more than 111,000 children to encourage classroom attendance and ease financial pressure on parents. These efforts aim to improve student retention in a country where fewer than 30% of students complete primary school.

The project also expands maternal and child healthcare, especially in rural regions with limited access to clinics. It funds new health workers and social service professionals who support expectant mothers and deliver care in hard-to-reach areas. These trained professionals provide care, help families navigate public services and improve trust in local systems.

The project further supports social programs and community outreach initiatives, fostering long-term development, reducing poverty cycles, and strengthening resilience among Guinea-Bissau’s most vulnerable populations.

Lessons From Similar Poverty-Focused Initiatives

Several global examples show how similar investments can improve the quality of life on a mass scale. In Mozambique, a government-led program in 2022 combined cash transfers with nutrition support, which increased school attendance and child health among impoverished households. Similarly, in Bangladesh, the Maternal Health Voucher Scheme provides prenatal care and financial assistance, helping reduce maternal deaths and increase access to health services.

Kenya also offers a strong example of the likely results of Guinea-Bissau’s project. In 2023, the government trained more than 1,000 community health volunteers who now bring basic medical care and health education to rural families. The program improves access to healthcare services and offers career paths for young professionals in underserved areas.

Guinea-Bissau’s Human Capital Investment Project takes a similar approach to these programs, using targeted investments in people to break the cycle of poverty. Indeed, Guinea-Bissau’s initiative will likely see similar successful results. The project will help build a foundation for long-term economic resilience and better quality of life by focusing on education, health care and social support.

Final Remarks

As the project continues, its success will depend on clear coordination and responsiveness to community needs. However, Guinea-Bissau’s Human Capital Investment Project signals an ongoing shift toward people-centered development. It could offer a model for other countries seeking to improve fragile public support systems and combat systemic poverty.

– Kelsey Eisen

Kelsey is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Reducing Poverty in São Paulo

Poverty in São PauloSão Paulo, a city in Brazil, has launched new initiatives to help reduce poverty and guide citizens to self-sufficiency. Two major programs, SuperAção SP and the Master Plan, take different approaches to the same goal. SuperAção SP focuses on personalized support, working directly with families to identify needs and provide training, funds and resources. Meanwhile, the Master Plan aims to fight poverty through urban development by improving housing, transportation and job access. Together, these efforts aim to create immediate relief and lasting economic stability.

SuperAção SP

SuperAção SP employs 500 specialized agents who will work with around 20 families, examining each family’s particular root cause of poverty and devising a specific plan to get them out of poverty. For instance, a mother who cannot afford to send her children to daycare will be given a fund and advised on what to save money for. Individuals with little to no prior job experience will receive training that equips them for the labor force, giving them a better chance at getting jobs. Families suffering from malnutrition and food shortages will receive emergency funds and resources that are completely food-centered.

The first step of this program is to reach and work with more than 100,000 families in São Paulo over the next two years. During this period, the objective is to lift these families out of extreme poverty and implant a degree of self-sufficiency that enables them to remain above the poverty line. What sets SuperAção SP apart from other poverty alleviation policies is its dual approach: providing immediate support to those in need while equipping individuals with the skills and opportunities necessary to achieve long-term economic independence.

The Master Plan

Another poverty reduction initiative in São Paulo is the Master Plan. Initially implemented in 2014, the plan was revised in 2023 to accommodate increased demands and to take a more proactive approach to addressing poverty. The Master Plan is designed to reduce poverty through urban development; it focuses on creating better public transportation, larger apartment buildings and more room for parking, subway systems and train stations.

The core premise of the Master Plan is that poverty can be reduced through improvements in urban infrastructure and public spaces. Larger apartments, with cleaner subway, train and bus stations, will improve the quality of life in a given area. As a response to the improved areas, employment will also increase in the form of business and new work opportunities will be created. In turn, these improvements are expected to stimulate local economic growth by encouraging business development and creating new employment opportunities.

Furthermore, by bringing housing and job prospects closer, the Master Plan aims to strengthen the quality of life and the labor market in São Paulo. The 2023 revision of the plan was partly driven by studies indicating that areas with well-developed public transportation and larger residential and commercial buildings experienced lower poverty rates.

Conclusion on Poverty Reduction in São Paulo

The Master Plan and SuperAção SP are just a few of the many poverty plans in São Paulo. The poverty rate in São Paulo has been steadily decreasing in recent years. In 2023, the poverty rate reached a new low of 27.4%, which had not been seen since 2012. Programs like the Master Plan and SuperAção SP continue to be implemented and revised to reduce poverty. 

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Social Programs Improving Health and Poverty in Gabon

Social Programs Driving Health and Poverty Reduction in GabonGabon, though rich in natural resources and boasting a high per capita GDP, still faces widespread poverty. About 33% of the population lives on less than $5.50 per day. However, several social programs are helping to address poverty and improve access to health care. As medical expenses often deepen financial hardship, these programs play a critical role in promoting both health and economic stability.

National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund

The National Health Insurance and Social Coverage Fund (NHISCF) plays a central role in Gabon’s push toward universal health care. The fund draws support from the government, public sector officials, employers and employees. Initially designed to serve the poor and public employees, the fund now covers more than half of the population. It also supports students and workers in the private sector, expanding access to medical care for low-income groups across Gabon. Through this fund, Gabon has taken significant steps toward closing the gap between income and access to health care. By reducing out-of-pocket medical costs, NHISCF allows many residents to seek treatment without facing financial strain.

The Gabon Indigents Scheme

In 2007, Gabon established the Gabon Indigents Scheme (GIS) under the NHISCF. This initiative targets economically vulnerable residents, representing about 30% of the population, who are at least 16 years old. The government fully funds their medical care and these individuals do not pay contributions. High costs often prevent people in low-income households from accessing essential services. By removing the financial barrier, the GIS ensures that poor residents can receive treatment when needed. This approach not only protects their health but also shields them from falling deeper into poverty due to medical debt.

Cash Maternity Benefits and Birth Grants

Gabon’s social insurance system also offers maternity leave benefits and family allowances. According to the SSA, the system provides 100% of a mother’s final monthly income for up to six weeks before childbirth and eight weeks after. In cases involving complications, the leave period extends by another three weeks. Employers initially pay the benefit, and the government reimburses them for half the cost. Families also receive financial assistance after childbirth. The government provides 8,000 CFA francs as a birth grant and 45,000 CFA francs to help cover expenses for clothing, toiletries and other newborn needs. These programs reduce both physical and financial stress, helping mothers recover and return to work without added pressure.

Toward a Healthier and Stable Future

Gabon continues to make measurable progress in reducing poverty and strengthening public health systems. Government-backed programs provide medical care, maternity support and financial assistance to those who need it most. By prioritizing equitable access and addressing systemic barriers, these initiatives help protect the most vulnerable while building a more resilient population. As Gabon works to expand and improve these services, the country moves closer to achieving its goal of universal health care and long-term poverty reduction.

– Sevyn Whatley

Sevyn is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rebuilding Khartoum

Rebuilding KhartoumKhartoum, the capital of Sudan, was once engulfed in civil war. After a hard-fought battle, the Sudanese Armed Forces reclaimed the city from the Rapid Support Forces on March 26. With the conflict subsiding, efforts are now turning toward rebuilding Khartoum and restoring hope for its future.

The Civil War

On April 15, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an attack on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Khartoum. The RSF maintained control of the city until March 2025, displacing more than 13 million people in the process. While the current conflict is devastating, it is not unprecedented—Sudan has a long and painful history of violence. The Second Sudanese Civil War, which began in 1983, resulted in the deaths of more than 2 million people. The Darfur conflict, which started in 2003, claimed 300,000 lives and displaced approximately 2.7 million.

The ongoing civil war has caused more than 61,000 direct deaths, but the true toll is far higher. More than 150,000 people have died due to war-related effects such as famine and disease. The RSF has been accused of committing acts that may amount to genocide, echoing the violence seen in Darfur during the early 2000s. Reports of ethnically targeted attacks and mass displacement have raised serious concerns among human rights groups and international observers. This humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for both national reconciliation and sustained international support.

Khartoum in Ruin

The effects of the war and genocide have been catastrophic. Rebuilding Khartoum will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge, with Sudanese authorities estimating the process will cost around $300 billion. Natural disasters have only worsened the crisis, as rains and flooding have displaced thousands and contributed to a resurgence of cholera. Amid ongoing conflict, the Sudanese government is unable to adequately support displaced or sick individuals. Even before the war, Sudan faced a humanitarian crisis, with 15.8 million people in need of assistance; today, that number has more than doubled.

The famine in Sudan is now the worst the country has experienced in decades, and one of the most severe globally, according to Science. More Sudanese people are suffering from extreme hunger than in any other country in the world combined, marking a staggering humanitarian crisis. While food insecurity was already a major concern before the current conflict, the war has intensified the situation dramatically. Continuous bombing, indiscriminate shelling and the looting of markets and supply chains have devastated both rural and urban food systems.

The conflict has disrupted agricultural activity on a massive scale, as farmers have to flee their land. As a result, the production of staple crops has plummeted. Sorghum and millet have declined by 42% and 64% since 2023. In many regions, food is either unavailable or unaffordable, pushing millions closer to starvation. The crisis has reached a tipping point, with aid agencies warning that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further mass loss of life.

The Road to Recovery

The process of rebuilding Khartoum could take an extensive amount of time. Recovery efforts will involve clearing unexploded ordnance, reconstructing critical infrastructure and restoring essential services such as health care, water and electricity.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has emphasized the importance of placing civilian well-being at the center of all recovery and peacebuilding efforts. The organization advocates for a unified diplomatic approach to ensure coordinated and effective action. Recognizing the many challenges ahead, the IRC continues to push for policies that address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability.

IRC has been providing aid to Sudan since 1981 through fundraising efforts and humanitarian initiatives. Its work spans several critical areas, including clean water programs, health services, and support for survivors of gender-based violence. Through these efforts, the IRC remains committed to improving the lives of Sudanese people amid the ongoing crisis.

Mercy Corps, another organization actively working to support Sudan, provides cash assistance to displaced individuals and those in urgent need. The organization has distributed financial aid to over 12,000 families, enabling them to purchase essential items such as food, water, and medicine. In addition to emergency relief, Mercy Corps supports long-term recovery by supplying seeds and farming tools to smallholder farmers; an especially vital effort, as the majority of Sudan’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Like the IRC, Mercy Corps has been delivering critical aid in Sudan for more than two decades.

The Future

Rebuilding Khartoum marks the start of a long road to recovery. With widespread destruction, famine, and displacement, Sudan’s future depends on sustained humanitarian support, coordinated diplomacy, and a lasting commitment to peace.

– Abegail Buchan

Abegail is based in Johnstown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Community-Led Development in Tanzania: Transforming Lives

Community-Led Development in TanzaniaTanzania is a country with stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. It has become an example of how community-driven development can successfully tackle poverty. Recent statistics show that approximately 26.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line. Rural communities are at risk because they have limited access to essential services like clean water and education. Some significant changes occurring on the ground involve community-led development in Tanzania, devising creative solutions to transform lives through local initiatives, improving life in rural areas and establishing sustainable methods to escape poverty.

VSLAs: Driving Internal Financial Growth

In rural Tanzania, formal banking services are restricted, leaving numerous communities distant from conventional financial institutions. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have effectively addressed this void, transforming economic inclusion, especially for women. The VSLA model is a simple yet highly effective approach. In this system, groups of 15 to 40 local community members, predominantly women, meet regularly to save small amounts of money, after which the total savings and any profits from loans are shared among the members.

The impact extends beyond individual success stories. VSLAs promote shared ownership, transparency, effective governance, inclusiveness and organized savings and lending. Members can lend money to other farmers. Borrowers must repay the loan within a set timeframe and contribute interest to the group’s savings. At the end of each cycle, members receive back their savings and a share of the interest earned on the loans.

In the latest savings round, 112 VSLA groups saved 80 million Tanzanian Shillings ($32,000) in just nine months. Members use these savings to invest in their futures, start businesses, repair homes, cover medical costs and pay for education. More importantly, the model builds financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills and social capital that sustain poverty reduction beyond any single loan or project.

Participatory Forest Management

Since 2001, the Nou Joint Forest Management Project (JFM) has been a conservation effort in Tanzania’s Manyara Region. Its goal is to safeguard the 320 sq km Nou Forest, which sustains 28 permanent rivers and impacts the livelihoods of more than 200,000 individuals. This initiative tackles forest degradation caused by shifting agriculture, population increases, illegal logging and unmanaged grazing. The approach utilizes Participatory Forest Management (PFM), fostering collaboration between government bodies and local communities to protect forest resources.

Tanzania’s Forests cover approximately 38.8 million hectares, supporting biodiversity while providing critical resources to rural communities. Historically, these forests faced degradation through unsustainable harvesting and agricultural expansion. PFM, an innovative, community-led development in Tanzania, transfers management rights and responsibilities to local communities.

The World Land Trust’s 2021 appeal to save Tanzania’s coastal forest is a notable conservation achievement. Within five weeks, the campaign garnered $541,760 from international donors, exceeding its initial goal of $487,584. Immediate action was needed to protect the coastal forests of Lindi District in southern Tanzania, which face urgent threats from expanding roadways and commercial cashew and sesame plantations.

The appeal’s success has enabled Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG) to launch immediate conservation action in partnership with local communities. The funding supports comprehensive protection efforts, including enhanced reserve patrolling, wildlife monitoring programs and vital research initiatives. Most importantly, the additional money raised allows TFCG to expand its conservation impact further, providing these fragile coastal ecosystems with the robust protection they need.

The Path Forward

The UNESCO-Alwaleed Philanthropies project embodies an innovative approach to community-led development in Tanzania. It recognizes that culture and the arts can be powerful tools for education and economic empowerment. The core concept involves integrating cultural heritage and artistic practices into Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

This approach ensures that students do not merely acquire skills; they gain abilities rooted in their cultural identity, which can aid in preserving traditional practices while fostering modern livelihoods. From 38 applications, UNESCO carefully selected projects demonstrating the most substantial potential to blend cultural preservation with practical skill development. Each selected initiative receives up to $10,000 as funding and as seed money to prove that culture-based vocational education can create sustainable business and employment opportunities.

This project is part of a broader effort to promote the economic and social value of cultural heritage and institutions in Tanzania. The initiatives foster collaboration on both local and national levels, aiming to empower youth, women and underprivileged groups while ensuring that Tanzania’s vibrant culture remains influential and thrives in today’s world.

– Vanuza Antonio

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

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Unemployment in The Philippines

philippines unemploymentAccording to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), the current employment rate is around 96.1%. In contrast, the current unemployment rate stands at 3.8%. This looks good on the surface. However, employment gaps relating to poverty exist in the Philippines.

Within the Philippines, there are wage/salaried workers in private companies or the army. There are the self-employed/family businesses, retail stores or drivers with low-paid employees. Then there are farming towns and family members who technically do not have jobs but still receive allowances.

Workplace Quality

While hospitality and food service jobs are on an employment rise of 377,000, careers in administration and agriculture have largely decreased by almost a million. In STEM, they’ve had a shorter decrease of -68,000. These facts are distressing because they reflect the lack of skill or education that the people of the Philippines have access to or have completed, which directly reflects the unemployment and poverty in the Philippines.

The reasoning behind these statistics could be the unmanageable population rate, or it could be the lack of sufficient education. Asian Development Bank (ADB) lists that the major factors of poverty in this nation revolve around weak employment generation, increasing populations, recurring trauma of natural disasters, income inequalities, etc.

ADB research found that poverty is directly related to the accessibility of education. Families with many children tend to be the first affected by poverty and unemployment in the Philippines. It also found that the government still has a hand in the reason why chronic poverty levels have not improved, with little action on poverty reduction programs.

“Self-Rated” Poverty and The Employment Gap

In his recent article, entrepreneur and President of the National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA) Brian James Lu explores the highest rates of what he calls “self-rated” poverty. Theoretically, the job market holds plenty of opportunities, but the people qualified for these roles are few. This is where the employment gap and issues of poverty intersect. Last December, SWS reported that 63% of Filipinos claimed themselves as unemployed.

“The characteristic of Philippine employment is that while more Filipinos are technically employed, many are underemployed, working jobs that offer meagre wages, lack security, or provide limited hours,” according to Lu.

There is an average of 20 typhoons annually, with limited financial success, especially with families who are involved in agriculture, and only 5% of lower-income households use health services. The findings break down the gap between primary and secondary education with a difference of 96% over 73%. In turn, Filipinos who live in poverty face discrimination when applying for jobs.

A New Future

A 2024 Labour Force survey found that almost 50 million people have a job in the Philippines, lowering unemployment rates by 13.9%. Jobs providing a stable life for most include jobs in services and agriculture. Their Department of Finance have taken measures by creating a program dubbed Growth-Enhancing Actions and Resolutions (GEARS) that has aided their economy and, in turn, has invested in more valuable employment options for all citizens.

Another recent initiative, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, has brought in further investments to the country. A notable mention includes President Bongbong Marco’s Build Better More program focusing on employment prosperity.

Active Solutions

Skill development programs like the Philippines Skill Framework (PSF) focuses on quality education and organizations such as The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have provided training programs, especially in STEM/Medical careers and “Trabaho Para sa Bayan” (TPB) planning on the technology field have started to make a positive impact on the livelihood of many Filipino families. The need for “multi-skilled” individuals is a desired outcome for rising market demand.

– Melody Aminian

Melody is based in Irvine, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Poverty in the Least Developed Countries

Digital Poverty in the Least Developed CountriesMillions are being left behind in the digital age, as digital poverty in the least developed countries becomes ever more entrenched in global society. As the world sees its’ fourth industrial revolution, the United Nations’ list of the 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is seeing a growing digital divide. Just under a fifth of the world’s population lives in the least developed countries, and yet almost 70% of the collective LDC population still does not have access to the internet.

Background

Digital poverty in the least developed countries could deepen global socio-economic inequalities and exclude those living in LDCs from fully participating in the global economy. Digital poverty is also holding the growth of business back; in Senegal, 80% of people cannot use the internet for work, and in Rwanda this jumps to 99%. Elsewhere, in the LDCs of Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda, only 10% of businesses have a computer.

As new technologies develop at an exponential rate in more developed countries, LDCs are left outpaced. For example, 5G mobile networks are becoming commonplace in more developed countries, whilst LDCs are still only able to work with 2G and 3G networks, according to the U.N. This digital gap reinforces disparities in education, employment, and economic growth. However, efforts are underway to understand the facts that contribute to digital poverty in least developed countries and to bridge the digital divide.

About Digital Poverty

Digital poverty refers to restricted or no access to digital resources such as the internet, computers and mobile phones. It also encompasses digital illiteracy, where individuals lack the skills or education necessary to utilize online tools effectively. Digital poverty exists on a spectrum—while some individuals may have limited access, others do not have access to technological advancements at all.

Globally, 3.7 billion people lack access to or do not use the internet, with sub-Saharan Africa particularly affected. Digital poverty disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women, the elderly, and those with lower education levels.

Key contributing factors to digital poverty include:

  • High Costs: Internet services and devices remain unaffordable for many in LDCs.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Unreliable electricity and insufficient ICT infrastructure hinder internet expansion.
  • Limited Education: Many individuals lack the skills to navigate digital technologies or do not recognize the benefits of being online, according to Telecommunications Policy.
  • Content Accessibility: Many LDCs lack sufficient digital content available in local languages.

The Impact

The impacts of digital poverty can limit other aspects of a person’s life, including their earning potential. More than 80% of jobs that are middle-skilled, and therefore higher earning, rely on individuals having skills in technology and access to digital platforms and technology, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Lower-skilled jobs, which do not have these requirements, tend to be lower paid. This results in a cycle of individuals in digital poverty taking on lower-income jobs, which further limits possible education, meaning that people cannot gain the digital skills they need to secure the higher-earning, digitally focused jobs.

In LDCs, this cycle could limit a nation’s economic progress, both in terms of its citizens’ economic opportunities and mobility, and in limiting an LDCs ability to partake as effectively in online trade, both nationally and globally.

Digital Poverty: Solutions

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is a low-cost satellite internet initiative that provides broadband access to underserved regions. Whilst precise costs are still not public, the project promises that its 3,232 satellite constellation will provide speeds comparable to 4G internet, addressing infrastructure limitations faced by LDCs.)

The UNDP commenced its Doha Program of Action (DPoA) in 2022, set to run through to 2031. The DPoA is a framework strategy which aims to accelerate digital accessibility in LDCs through five key steps, including early engagements with governments, tailoring digital solutions that “work for everyone,” creating result-driven roadmaps, improving technical capacities and sharing skills and expertise through archives and assemblies.

Whilst the DPoA is still in its’ formative years, initiatives like this, which focus on policy development, equitable digital solutions, and infrastructure expansion, in collaboration with governments, NGOs, academia, and private companies, have previously been successful.

Digital Literacy Workshops

In Bangladesh, the UNDP facilitated digital literacy workshops for female entrepreneurs, boosting their ability to generate income. Similarly, in Nepal, the UNDP collaborated with a local bank firm to equip women from rural areas with the knowledge of how to partake in online transactions.

UNDP reports on its website that an initiative in Afghanistan improved and expanded a digital payment system, which resulted in a growth in financial inclusion and the synchronization of financial services. These success stories demonstrate how global collaboration can boost access to the digital age and enhance local economies.

The Future

Bridging the digital divide extends beyond simple internet access—it directly impacts global poverty reduction. Improved internet access enables entrepreneurship and job creation while allowing individuals to access essential financial services. More than 25% of the global population lacks access to banking, restricting economic mobility, but with the right initiatives, this can change.

Expanding digital access could improve economies by enhancing trade, education and health care. Closing the digital divide could foster international economic growth, benefiting both developing and developed nations.

Closing the digital divide is not a challenge that any single country can solve alone—it requires global collaboration and, when used the right way, technology can even be a part of the solution. While recent technological initiatives provide hope, sustained investment in digital infrastructure, policy reform, and education will be necessary to ensure long-term success.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr