Archive for category: Development

Information and stories on development news.

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Financing the Future: Samurai Bonds Helping Kenya Grow

Samurai bondsOn August 21, 2025, Kenya secured 25 billion yen (about $169 million) through Japan’s Samurai bond market, a yen-denominated debt instrument backed by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance. The deal is aimed at strengthening Kenya’s vehicle assembly industry and addressing inefficiencies in the energy grid, where transmission losses currently consume nearly a quarter of national output. This marks the first time Kenya has tapped into Samurai financing.

It underscored its efforts to diversify funding sources and pursue more cost-effective borrowing options to finance the future and help Kenya grow. Kenya’s gross public debt has climbed steadily in recent years, from 45.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015 to 67.8% in 2021. Infrastructure projects and reliance on Eurobonds and bilateral loans drive this. This makes the move toward Samurai financing particularly significant as part of a broader debt diversification strategy.

Why Samurai Bonds Matter

Samurai bonds are yen-denominated loans issued in Japan by foreign entities. For developing countries like Kenya, they represent a critical opportunity to access Japanese capital markets and secure funds at lower interest rates than many dollar-denominated loans. With global debt burdens rising, innovative tools like Samurai bonds provide nations with greater financial flexibility and protection from volatile Western credit markets.

Kenya’s choice to issue Samurai bonds reflects a broader global trend. Countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines have also experimented with similar instruments, demonstrating their usefulness as a way to diversify financing while strengthening international ties. Economists believe these types of bonds, along with Panda bonds in China and sustainability-linked bonds, will become increasingly important.

They help nations manage debt while also seeking funds for sustainable development. As of the most recent analysis, 43% of Kenya’s external debt is multilateral, 31% bilateral and 27% commercial, which are mainly Eurobonds. Samurai bonds provide a way to rebalance this mix and reduce exposure to high-cost commercial borrowing.

Direct Benefits for Kenya

The immediate benefits of Kenya’s Samurai bond financing are of great importance for financing the future of Kenya. First, the funding will support job creation in the country’s growing vehicle assembly plants, part of its broader plan to become a regional manufacturing hub. Second, by modernizing energy infrastructure, the financing will help reduce electricity transmission losses, improving grid reliability for both households and businesses.

This will cut costs, boost productivity and increase competitiveness for local industries. Additionally, tapping into new markets signals investor confidence in Kenya’s long-term prospects. This may encourage future international investment, making it easier for Kenya to access capital at favorable rates.

By diversifying its funding sources, Kenya can avoid over-reliance on a single market or currency, reducing vulnerability to global economic shocks. The Debt Sustainability Analysis has noted that Kenya is vulnerable to external “market financing shocks” as Eurobond markets tighten. This risk has grown, especially following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and global monetary tightening.

A Solution-Focused Shift

Beyond its immediate economic benefits, the Samurai bond deal highlights a solution-oriented approach to Kenya’s development challenges. Traditional loans have often come with high interest rates, rigid repayment terms or political conditions. By pursuing Samurai bonds, Kenya is demonstrating how developing countries can use innovative financial tools to secure resources that are both affordable and aligned with their development needs.

This move also shows the immediate effect of global partnerships in supporting Kenya’s growth. For Kenya, the deal is not only about managing debt, it is about investing strategically in sectors that will generate long-term returns. By strengthening vehicle assembly and energy, the government is targeting industries with strong multiplier effects.

New jobs, better infrastructure and increased investor confidence all feed into broader economic growth to finance the future of the country. Other developing nations may see this as a model worth replicating, signaling a shift toward creative financing solutions that link global capital to local development goals.

Looking Ahead

The full impact of the Samurai bond deal will take time to measure. However, it already represents an important milestone in Kenya’s financial strategy. By turning to innovative financing mechanisms, the country is showing how global partnerships can unlock resources that directly improve people’s lives.

For citizens, the results of global partnerships could include more reliable electricity, new employment opportunities in manufacturing and greater stability in the economy. For the international community, the deal highlights the importance of offering developing nations access to affordable financing tools that allow them to chart their own paths toward sustainable growth.

Kenya’s foray into Samurai bonds is more than just a loan. It is a reminder that creative financial solutions can drive development, reduce poverty and build resilience in a rapidly changing world.

– Nilay Ersoy

Nilay is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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BC Sakhi in India: Women Bringing Banking to Rural Doorsteps

BC Sakhi in IndiaAfter years of rapid digitalization, even coming across someone without a bank account has become an extremely rare sight for almost anyone today. However, this was far from reality for rural India just a decade ago, where, until 2014, only 35% of adults had an account with a financial institution, leaving millions excluded from formal banking.

This severe gap was not merely impractical, but resulted in a perpetual cycle of debt for many. Local moneylenders in rural India often charge high interest rates to exploit villagers with little to no knowledge of or access to formal credit and banking.

The Launch of BC Sakhi in India

2020 marked the start of something that completely reshaped a harsh reality for many rural Indians. Over the past five years, the Bank Correspondent (BC) Sakhi initiative has been dedicated to bridging this gap that leads to exploitation, going door-to-door to bring India closer to true financial freedom.

Launched by the Indian government under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), the BC Sakhi (friend) initiative aims to appoint at least one female banking correspondent for every Gram Panchayat (village council). Women from self-help groups are recruited and provided with extensive vocational training to be on the frontlines of financial inclusion, interacting with villagers to transform financial management.

These women take on roles ranging from raising financial literacy to opening bank accounts and linking villagers with credible institutions that offer credit, savings and government benefit transfers.

A Community-Centered Approach

The initiative adopts a tailored approach to overcome connectivity barriers—historically a major reason for access gaps in villages. Women within the community, often from underprivileged backgrounds and needing employment, are brought into the program. This enables them to secure a stable income to support their families while gaining vocational skills that help them advance in their careers.

Technology as a Tool for Inclusion

A door-to-door approach, while fruitful, created challenges of efficiency that needed to be resolved to speed up progress for villagers. As of 2022, only 37% of rural Indians were aware of or claimed to have used digital banking. Reflecting on this trend, the initiative tapped into an underutilized resource with great potential to transform banking for rural Indians—technology. Digital tools to accelerate adoption include: 

  1. Aadhaar-enabled payment systems: Bank accounts were linked to government IDs, allowing the use of biometrics to approve deposits and withdrawals.
  2. Micro-ATMs: To eliminate the need for a traditional branch, low-cost handheld devices enabled women correspondents to carry out common transactions at the doorstep, including extending small loans to informal workers.

Banking on Women’s Empowerment

While serving the rural population, the initiative also empowers rural women in all aspects of life. By stepping into the role of a BC Sakhis, women gain access to:

  1. Income Generation: By earning commissions on transactions and service fees, BC Sakhis can generate supplemental income.
  2. Skill Development: All correspondents receive free or heavily subsidized training in digital tools, financial services and soft skills such as customer service and communication.
  3. Social Status: While acting as facilitators between villagers and banks, Sakhis gain confidence and respect within their communities. Government-led impact studies have shown increased confidence levels among women who work with the initiative.

The initiative has already trained more than 50,000 women to serve as links between rural Indians and formal banking. By adopting a community-centered approach, the program has contributed to positive change toward reducing both financial insecurity and social marginalization of women. As more villages continue to be linked to correspondents under the scheme, BC Sakhi in India is set to remain a cornerstone of the nation’s journey to complete financial inclusion.

– Anahadhbir Singh

Anahadhbir is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Bridging the Digital Divide in Barbados

Digital Divide in BarbadosThe increase in internet penetration has been highly beneficial in bridging the digital divide in Barbados. This has allowed those who were formerly unable to connect with others worldwide the ability to do so. Some of the main challenges to achieving full connectivity include limited digital literacy, frequent disconnections, vulnerability to major cyber incidents and a shortage of local websites.

Still, significant progress has been made. Barbados has modernized its public sector through improved digital channels. The digital divide in Barbados is also narrowing thanks to the accelerated pace of digital transformation, led partly by the UNDP. This effort targets government institutions, strategic partners, businesses and the youth.

In addition, the UNDP’s blueDIGITAL initiative has provided essential tools to support fisherfolk, government agencies, tourism partners and the wider public. These tools are driving innovative digital solutions tailored to Barbados’s specific needs, further helping to bridge the digital divide.

Current Issues

As of 2022, an estimated 76% of Barbados’s population has internet access. However, challenges remain: only 25% of the most visited websites in the country can be accessed locally and overall internet quality is below standard for the general population due to weak market competition. Additionally, the nation’s internet resilience score of 46% means it can withstand only limited disruptions.

According to the Global Cybersecurity Index, Barbados ranks among evolving nations (score of 20-55) in handling cyber incidents. The country has about 1,889 domains registered under its country code (.bb). However, the main challenge is limited locally hosted content, which weakens internet resilience and slows progress in bridging the digital divide.

Working To Move Forward

The digital divide in Barbados has gradually narrowed, thanks in part to outside support. Key contributions include the modernization of the public sector, the accelerated pace of digital transformation and the UNDP’s blueDIGITAL initiative.

Support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has also been critical. Its $40 million loan to Barbados is driving the digital transformation of public administration, while efforts are underway to improve both public and private services. These changes aim to reduce transactional costs and make services more accessible.

The UNDP has also played a key role in reducing the digital divide in Barbados. Through two digital transformation initiatives, the Business Adaptation Programme and Work Online Dominica, the UNDP has helped participants adapt to the digital world of work. These programs equip individuals with skills to manage their businesses, strengthen marketing and improve their financial standing.

Conclusion

Barbados has faced its fair share of issues regarding its internet stability and getting everyone online, with many problems still being faced with major cyber incidents and their prevention. However, with assistance from the UNDP and the IDB, Barbados has made significant progress in its digital development. Thanks to these initiatives, the digital divide in Barbados grows narrower with each passing day.

– Amari Jennings

Amari is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Community Identity in Guyana

Community identity in GuyanaFrom the smell of curried goat at Georgetown’s Stabroek Market to the crash of the Kaieteur Falls in the Amazon, the developing country of Guyana in South America exudes diversity. This principle can also be applied to the increasing notion of community identity in Guyana, which aims to unite a land thriving with multiculturalism.

In 2019, 48.4% of the Guyana population lived below the poverty line of $5.50 per day. However, this worrying statistic provoked positive change in a nation striving to place its citizens at the heart of recent economic revival.

Grassroots Strategies for National Growth

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has led political efforts to tackle disparities in living conditions and employment opportunities for Guyanese. He has recently sought to adopt a strategy centered on a campaign that involves “meeting residents at the grassroots level” rather than relying on the ever-fluctuating international market. As a result, self-dependency is tied to a strengthened facet of community identity in Guyana.

Outlined in the 2017 National Development Strategy, the government voiced strong concern over a de-skilled workforce caused by regional disparities within the country. The goals of recent legislation can be explained through a two-pronged approach:

  • Community-based initiatives that have specific regional interests at heart.
  • Nationwide approaches that seek to place all Guyanese at the forefront of national socioeconomic development.

Political Investment into Individual Communities

Community identity in Guyana has been central to developments revolving around a poverty reduction strategy under Ali’s administration. Regional strategies that target community initiatives have aimed to address problems unique to those living within the region. For example, the president visited residents living in Baracara village to emphasize agricultural production in the rural community.

Face-to-face contact between political representatives and their respective electorates ensures that policy-making adapts to the specific circumstances. The president visited communities in Georgetown to address urban issues such as unemployment. As a result of these discussions, more than 30 young people secured jobs, showing how domestic political engagement has directly improved the lives of Guyanese.

The Greater Guyana Initiative: Nonprofit Regional Partnerships

Alongside political efforts to strengthen community identity in Guyana, nonprofit organizations continue to run region-based programs. The Greater Guyana Initiative has supported communities nationwide with projects prioritizing local interests. In Potaro-Siparuni, Essequibo, the 2024 Hinterland Poultry “Egg Sandwich” Project Phase II has focused on egg production.

The organization has improved workplace machinery and equipment for workers in the region. As a result, the province has achieved at least a 75% hatchability rate, boosting both profit margins and workers’ salaries. The age of these workers is also an important consideration.

The Greater Guyana Initiative has taken active measures to provide opportunities for young people to remain in education. With child labor statistics in the Upper-Demerara Berbice region reaching 27.8%, nearly 10% above the national average, entrepreneurial programs have been offered as alternatives to full-time labor. These programs equip young adults with a skillset that encompasses both practical and analytical learning skills.

From 2024 to 2025, agriculture- and innovation-based initiatives were deployed across Guyana to boost youth employment in the industry. This pathway toward a promising career offers students an alternative to child labor, allowing them to apply skills gained from higher education. These carefully tailored initiatives highlight how organizations have sought to strengthen the domestic economy by improving the equipment and resources available to Guyanese.

At the same time, the targeted workers’ age reflects a moral commitment to reducing child labor in Potaro-Siparuni and Upper-Demerara Berbice. In essence, government and nonprofit organizations have recognized the potential of prioritizing domestic over international production.

Final Remarks

Locally based initiatives have carried national implications. A strengthened community identity in Guyana has brought greater focus to domestic output. As an alternative to international reliance, self-sufficiency has fostered a stronger national identity. With self-sufficiency comes greater community engagement with politicians, negotiations for better working conditions and improved salaries. Returning to the 2017 National Development Strategy, the long-term goal of repatriating the sizable Guyanese diaspora now appears increasingly attainable.

– Ash Fowkes-Gajan

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

Photo: Pexels

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First Elections in BARMM: A Test of Peace in the Philippines

BARMMIn the Philippines, the southern region of Bangsamoro, also known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is holding its first official elections under a parliamentary setup on Oct. 13, 2025. These elections are important for the peace and prosperity of the Philippines and its southern region. However, the region has a history of volatility and the May 2025 general midterm elections were marked by significant violent political activity.

As reported by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), the once-militant faction, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which formerly clashed with the Philippines’ other governing authorities, has been making efforts to uphold a ceasefire. The group is also working to maintain peace in the region.

Election Violence and Security Concerns

While election violence almost doubled this year, the conditions for a ceasefire in BARMM have still technically been upheld. This gives hope for the upcoming elections, thanks largely to MILF and BARMM working toward peace. Both the government and MILF combatants formed the Joint Quick Response Team and have worked together to disarm and de-escalate violence in the region.

According to the University of the Philippines, while the country is striving toward a more integrated democratic nation, different forces have been attempting to coerce communities to vote a certain way through gun violence. Although official checkpoints have been established to confiscate firearms, rogue groups have set up their own checkpoints and even government officials are suspected of favoritism in how they follow through on checkpoints.

Global Implications and the Road Ahead

American organizations, such as the USIP, have been assisting in these areas. They credit MILF with striving to uphold peace and serving as an example of once-hostile forces working together toward a common goal. While the May midterms did not go as well as expected, there is hope that the October primaries will be both successful and less bloody. The fight for peace in the Philippines has been tenuous and how things will fare remains to be seen.

MILF created an agreement with the government in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The group has faithfully upheld its agreement and acted as an agent for peace in an otherwise volatile region. The Philippines could use more aid from countries like the U.S. and Japan, but the security of the whole Pacific region relies on the success of these upcoming elections.

Final Remarks

If this election is successful, it will be a step in the right direction for the Philippines as a democratic nation. It is of particular interest to countries like the U.S. and Japan in the fight against China’s push for control in Asia. As the Philippines becomes more secure, its economy is bound to thrive, poverty will decrease and it will become a more active member of the international political community. This hoped-for “unification” in the Philippines, while still showing signs of resistance in the area, promises to make the Philippines an “investment destination.”

The commitment of groups like MILF and USIP reflects optimism that maintaining peace in these volatile regions will lead to a better life for everyone involved. However, the history of the BARMM region casts considerable doubt on the future of the southern Philippines and its ability to move forward peacefully. Still, BARMM is working toward peace and the region’s future may be studied in textbooks for years to come.

– Gregory Walker

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

Photo: Flickr

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Working with Refugee Resettlement Sites

Refugee Resettlement SitesCatholic Charities in the Greater Boston area helps to resettle refugees from all over the world, including the countries of Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, Cape Verde, Cuba, Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan and Vietnam. These individuals and families face linguistic, economic, cultural and legal challenges and they help arrivals integrate into society. They offer families a place to live and job support by helping refugees find places to work as well as English language training.

The Borgen Project spoke with a volunteer who has worked as the lead of a community sponsorship site for the past two years about her experience working with the families and leading a team of volunteers. As a student and somebody who works with individuals with varying levels of immigration status, they did wish to remain anonymous. Asking her about her experience working with newly arriving families, specifically from Haiti and Cape Verde, at a location that focuses on refugee resettlement and integration into the community. 

Refugee Resettlement Camps

Resettlement happens when a conflict prevents refugees from being able to go home or they’re living in conditions that are dangerous or aren’t meeting their needs. Formerly, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) defines resettlement as the transfer of refugees from an asylum country to another state that has agreed to admit them. Often, resettlement requires the participation of many different agents, including different states, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), civil society and the communities that the refugees are relocating to.

Working with Refugees

The Borgen Project spoke with a volunteer about her experience working at a refugee resettlement camp for the past two years, asking what she does during her volunteer hours and what it is like working with the people there. The particular site they worked with was set up as a temporary housing facility for refugees coming into the area so that they could start to look for jobs. Their children, if they had any, could get acclimated in the school system and they could participate in English workshops. 

“During my past two years at this resettlement location, I’ve primarily worked with the children at the site, which has been a very fulfilling and insightful experience. Most of the families coming to this site are coming from Haiti and Cape Verde, meaning that, along with being in a new environment, there is a language barrier as well. The kids I’ve been working with speak a mix of French, Spanish, Portuguese and Creole while trying to learn English. Something I’ve been the most impressed by is how quick the kids, in particular, are able to learn English.”

Residents spend afternoons hanging out and playing with the kids. On some days, they are outside playing soccer or basketball. On other days, they are helping out with homework. “The kids at these sites are amazing, always looking out for their siblings and the other kids there. While some days are tougher than others, putting it into perspective, these kids are living in one-bedroom, one bathroom suites with their entire families, with other families next to and across the hall from them.” 

The Reality of Refugee Resettlement

Refugee resettlement is hard and the majority of refugees have made long journeys under tough circumstances and it takes a lot of support to get to a stable position. Organizations like Catholic Charities are just one example of NGOs that invest resources with the intent of helping refugees find a community that welcomes them with open arms. 

There are many aspects of the resettlement process and supporting and creating a space for the children is often an overlooked part of the process. Working with families, specifically the kids upon their arrival and helping them adjust, as well as being an outlet for them, is incredibly important but does not get as much recognition. Refugee resettlement also involves many critical components, including the legal work required for families and individuals. While volunteers at resettlement sites may not always contribute to the legal needs of refugees, donating their time and skills has proven to be just as valuable.

Looking Forward

Going forward, refugee resettlement remains an essential service supported by numerous NGOs and dedicated volunteers. People around the world face resettlement for many reasons and they often encounter linguistic, economic, cultural and legal challenges when they arrive. Through the work of NGOs, refugee resettlement programs provide the support needed to help individuals and families adjust and thrive in a new environment.

– Olivia Peters

Olivia is based in Newport, RI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mexico’s Fight Against Poverty: Wage Increases and Welfare

Mexico’s Fight Against PovertyMexico is a country in North America often associated with culture, tourism and economic inequality. In recent years, though, the nation has achieved one of its most significant breakthroughs: a historic reduction in poverty. Due to government-led programs such as wage increases and social program expansions, millions of people have been lifted above the poverty line.

While there is still much more work to do, Mexico’s progress shows how much effort can make a difference in the global fight against poverty and inequality.

A Historic Decline

Between 2022 and 2024, more than 8.3 million people were lifted out of poverty. According to AP News, this was an 18% drop nationally and the extreme poverty rate declined by nearly 23%. A country long affected by economic inequality, the turnaround in the last decade has been unprecedented.

Since 2018, more than 13.4 million Mexicans have escaped poverty, a 26% overall reduction. Experts attribute this success to higher wages, increased welfare programs and the government focusing more on vulnerable populations in both rural and urban areas.

Wages at the Center

One of the biggest policies behind the shift is the increase in the national minimum wage. It reached an all-time high of $20.76 per day in 2025. For decades, Mexican workers’ earnings failed to keep pace with inflation.

This resulted in much of the working class being stuck in cycles of poverty despite constantly working and contributing to the growing economy. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador made it a priority to increase wages to reverse that issue. Since the increase, many families have gained reliable and consistent access to food, school and health care, leading to lower child malnutrition rates.

Welfare Programs

Along with the wage hikes were expanded social programs. Senior citizens now have universal pensions, Indigenous communities have targeted assistance and low-income students are eligible for stipends. These programs have created safety nets that have helped reduce child labor, increased school enrollment and improved access to medical care.

The “Sembrando Vida” (Sowing Life) minimum wage. directly supports farmers by paying them to plant trees and restore lost land. This has given rural workers a steady income. It has also addressed environmental concerns. Other programs targeted the younger population, offering scholarships to encourage education and raise retention rates.

Global Context and Looking Ahead

Mexico’s progress reflects a broader Latin American trend. Other countries, like Brazil, have had success with similar programs. Mexico’s model adds another layer, coupling wage increases with welfare expansion. This dual approach could become the blueprint for other struggling nations looking at how to address their own poverty.

Mexico’s path has continually produced lasting benefits: millions of healthier families, more educated individuals and more financial stability. Experts say these improvements are not only a benefit for households but could also strengthen democratic stability because citizens feel supported by their government.

Mexico’s story proves that targeted policy enhancements can directly and quickly cause change. A country plagued by inequality has shown that this progress is both a milestone and a challenge for its future leaders to follow suit: continue building and adding to the legacy of one of Mexico’s biggest fights against poverty in history.

– Brody L. Gates

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

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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A Recent History of British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

British Development Aid in Sierra LeoneThe British government plans to cut its Official Development Aid (ODA) budget from 0.5% of the country’s GDP to 0.3% by 2027. This follows cuts in 2021, when the government reduced ODA spending from 0.7% of GDP, a figure once considered the standard for G7 countries. British development aid has had a significant impact in many parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe.

Currently, the only regions the British government has confirmed will continue to receive aid are those affected by current humanitarian crises: Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. This means it is unclear whether countries like Sierra Leone, whose health care, water provision and education access have benefited enormously from British development aid, will continue to receive sufficient support. The following explores some of the most notable successes of British development aid in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone in Context

Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa. It is one of the least developed countries in the world, ranking 185th out of 193 nations on the Human Development Index. About 25% of its 8.8 million people live in extreme poverty and its GDP per capita is $874.

A British colony until 1961, Sierra Leone’s recent history has been defined by crises. A civil war gripped the country between 1991 and 2002, killing between 50,000 and 200,000 people and precipitating long-term consequences such as dysfunctional infrastructure and generational trauma. The country was at the centre of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and in 2017, mudslides killed hundreds. 

Despite the shocking statistics, many outcomes in Sierra Leone have been improving significantly. In the last decade, life expectancy has increased by 7 years, while the death rate of children under 5 has fallen by roughly a quarter.

British Development Aid in Sierra Leone

  • The Freetown WASH Consortium. Established in 2009, the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programme channelled British aid into constructing water storage facilities and public latrines, improving drainage systems and training health care workers in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. By 2013, more than 144,000 people had gained access to improved water supplies and at least 33,000 had access to better sanitation facilities. The program also helped reduce the spread of cholera and malaria.
  • Secondary Education Improvement Program. Known in the local Krio language as “Leh Wi Lan”, the Secondary Education Improvement Programme took off in May 2016 with an investment of £62.5 million to improve the learning conditions and attendance of secondary schools. By the programme’s closure in 2023, the number of girls and boys attending secondary school had more than doubled.
  • Rehabilitation of Freetown’s Water Supply System. 2016 was an important year for British development aid in Sierra Leone, coming two years after the initial West African Ebola outbreak had brought the country to a standstill. June saw the investment of £38 million into rehabilitating Freetown’s water supply system, creating new pipe networks and reducing leakage to support 120,000 people’s access to clean water.
  • Saving Lives in Sierra Leone. Perhaps the most wide-reaching and well-documented example of British development aid in Sierra Leone, the £170 million Saving Lives in Sierra Leone programme improved the accessibility, availability and quality of child and maternal health services across the country. Administered in conjunction with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Saving Lives provided family planning for more than 670,000 women, as well as widespread access to free contraceptives and health care drugs. Health care facilities improved, staff received training and essential medicines became more readily available. Between 2016 and 2019, these measures helped save the lives of almost 25,000 children and more than 3,000 mothers. The Saving Lives program also contributed to the substantial decline in Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate, which decreased by 74% between 2000 and 2020.

Emergency Aid for Mudslide Victims 

Following the devastating mudslides of 2017, the British government delivered a £5 million humanitarian response package that enabled UNICEF to provide essential medicines and clean water for 5,000 people and an Oxfam-led group of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide clean water and sanitation for 3,000 people. The U.K.-based charity Street Child provided bedding and clothing for an additional 3,000 children. The package also included supplies for Sierra Leone’s government, such as generators and tents.

Looking Ahead

The benefits of British development aid in Sierra Leone have been widespread, felt in the country’s education, health care and water services. As Sierra Leone continues to recover from past crises and build toward long-term development, sustained international support could help ensure that the country does not lose this progress and that future generations can thrive.

– Joseph Webb

Joseph is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in the DRC

Higher Education in the DRCHistorically, political turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has contributed to the country’s higher education gap, which persists today. Militant activity connected to the rebel group M23 has resurged since November 2021. Efforts to meet the urgent needs of the 1.2 million people displaced by violence in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu alone have taken the place of addressing disparities in higher education.

Despite recent efforts to make education equally available, bridging this gap for rural populations, low-income families and disabled and female students remains largely on the back burner. Here’s a look at the complex factors influencing higher education as a goal for all Congolese students and the path forward to make this a reality.

The DRC’s Educational Landscape

Barriers to higher education can be traced back to the DRC’s colonial period, when education was distributed exclusively to the elite class. Today, this trend manifests as an educational gender gap. In 2020, for instance, only 8% of Congolese men enrolled in tertiary education, while this figure was a mere 5% for Congolese women. Meanwhile, the DRC has one of the youngest populations, with more than 60% of people younger than 25.

The country’s lack of educational resources poses the risks associated with an under-skilled workforce, such as high youth unemployment and economic instability. Still, from 2010 to 2024, the number of Congolese children enrolled in secondary education increased from 2.3 million to 7.5 million. With such demographics, demand for education in the DRC is predictably high, yet enrollment in higher education doesn’t reflect this.

While overall enrollment in schooling for Congolese children has shown progress, the marginal number of students able to afford higher education reveals a systematic disparity between educational demand and resource availability. As a result, future adults with less education will become vulnerable to the same financial instability that withheld them from pursuing higher education.

Factors Affecting Higher Education in the DRC

A significant correlation exists between the quality of health and the attained level of education. UNESCO considers the expected health and the attained schooling that Congolese children will receive in their lifetimes and currently estimates these children will only achieve 37% of their full potential. The DRC’s low yield in tertiary school enrollment is reflected in its low funding for educational resources, with only 2.3% of the country’s GDP invested in the education sector.

Additionally, as civil unrest displaces families, funds once set aside for higher education are instead diverted to cover food, shelter and other basic needs. Rural communities, already lacking infrastructure, remain cut off from adequate educational services, widening the resource gap between urban and rural students. In these same areas, violence often disrupts schooling, while the limited educational materials the Congolese government can distribute are stretched especially thin.

In 2019, the DRC attempted an educational reform to make free schooling equally accessible nationwide. However, many parents continued paying teacher salaries themselves. Particularly in large cities, families have struggled to sustain education through out-of-pocket payments. In contrast, higher education often remains under-resourced and staffed by undertrained teachers. Congolese teachers have gone unpaid, raising concerns that federal funds meant to improve educational quality are not reaching students as intended.

Who Is Without Access to Educational Opportunity?

While the DRC’s poor infrastructure affects all students, higher education remains disproportionately inaccessible for women because of deep-rooted cultural and social barriers. The gender gap in higher education enrollment is narrowing, yet high fertility rates and cultural pressure for early marriage compound disadvantages for women. For those who do not complete secondary school, the likelihood of marrying young and bearing children is nearly twice as high as that of their peers.

Driving Access to Higher Education

While solutions like free education can be achieved, a community-based approach is necessary to compensate for the gaps preventing Congolese youth from pursuing higher education. On a structural level, reforming the education system could produce a more relevant curriculum to better equip Congolese students for success in the workforce. Still, the need remains to eliminate social, financial and political barriers deterring students from higher education.

The DRC’s government institutions must also do their part to distribute educational resources equitably. In the meantime, the World Bank is one organization spearheading educational funding in the DRC. In 2024, the World Bank helped channel $67 million from the Global Partnership for Education to the DRC to stock classrooms, support disabled students and advance girls’ secondary education.

While external funding doesn’t promise a permanent solution for higher education in the DRC, it does set an agenda as the country continues to navigate systemic reform on behalf of its current and future students.

– Isla Hansen

Isla is based in Spokane, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Renewable Energy in Armenia

Renewable Energy in ArmeniaRenewable energy in Armenia is transforming the nation’s energy landscape. The government is ramping up solar, hydro and wind power investments to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. After long dependence on natural gas and oil from neighboring Russia and Iran, Armenia is shifting toward clean energy. This is marked by large-scale solar developments that signal a rapid change in the nation’s energy output.

Armenia’s Energy Dependency and National Goals

For decades, Armenia’s energy supply relied heavily on imports, with natural gas accounting for more than 80% of the country’s fuel mix. This dependency left the nation vulnerable to fluctuating prices and geopolitical instability.

In response, the government has adopted ambitious renewable energy targets to generate 66% of electricity from clean sources by 2036. By 2030, solar energy alone is expected to make up 15% of total production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy security.

Masrik-1: Armenia’s Landmark Solar Project

One of the most significant milestones in Armenia’s clean energy shift is the Masrik-1 solar power plant, the country’s largest renewable energy project. Located in the Gegharkunik region, the 55-megawatt facility produces around 128,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually to power 21,600 homes.

Developed with support from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, Masrik-1 also cuts carbon emissions by an estimated 40,000 metric tons yearly. As the first large-scale solar plant in Armenia, Masrik-1 demonstrates the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix and achieving long-term energy independence.

Diversifying Armenia’s Renewable Energy Mix

Beyond solar power, Armenia is working to develop a broader portfolio of renewable resources. Hydropower currently provides around 30% of the country’s electricity, making it the largest contributor to renewable energy.

A key component of this is the Vorotan Cascade, located in the country’s Syunik region, which currently contributes 13-15% toward Armenia’s total power generation. This development was purchased by a U.S company, ContourGlobal, in 2015 for $180 million. It later attracted another $70 million in investment to modernize the project further.

Wind energy remains limited, contributing less than 1% of total generation. However, Armenia’s theoretical wind potential is estimated at 450 megawatts, with projects such as Qarahach-1, a 20 megawatt development, already in planning. Indeed, the Lusakert Biogas Plant near Yerevan generates approximately seven gigawatt-hours annually, helping reduce emissions from livestock waste.

International Investment Driving Change

Armenia’s renewable energy expansion has been made possible by significant global partnerships. The European Investment Bank and the European Union (EU) have committed more than $35 million to energy efficiency initiatives, including modernizing public buildings in Yerevan. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Green Climate Fund have provided a $15 million loan to support green small and medium-sized enterprises.

Additionally, the World Bank is funding upgrades to Armenia’s power transmission grid, enabling integration of up to 1.1 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2032. Private-sector investment is also growing, with firms like Amber Capital Armenia developing new solar plants in partnership with international lenders. Together, these efforts accelerate the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

A Sustainable Future for Armenia

Renewable energy in Armenia represents more than a technological shift; it reshapes the country’s economic and environmental future. With large-scale solar projects, expanding hydropower capacity and growing international investment, Armenia is moving closer to energy independence while reducing its carbon footprint.

Continued collaboration between government, industry and global partners will be vital to achieving the nation’s ambitious renewable energy goals and ensuring a sustainable path forward.

– George Horberry

George is based in York, Yorkshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr