Archive for category: Development

Information and stories on development news.

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How India’s Sustainable Goals are Combating Poverty

India's Sustainable Goals are Combating PovertyIn a recent meeting at the United Nations (U.N.) headquarters, India stated that it is currently meeting expectations to reach its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) health targets by 2030. This was announced during the Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the High Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development.

Significant progress has also been made in climate commitments made by India during the Paris Agreement in 2015. The link between making sustainable decisions and reducing poverty is very apparent when looking at recent data from India.

The Progression of India’s Climate Commitments

Non-fossil fuel capacity is currently one of India’s climate commitments. By the year 2030, India hopes to ensure half of the country’s energy is derived from renewable sources. Remarkably, India met this goal in 2024. Around 50% of the country’s installed capacity is sourced from wind, solar, hydro and nuclear sources. However, only 28% of electricity used in India is derived from non-fossil fuel sources. While India has met its initial target, it is still working toward making better use of sustainable energy sources.

India has also committed to increasing carbon sinks. A carbon sink is something that releases less carbon into the atmosphere than it absorbs. India’s goal is to use forests and trees to make an extra 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon sink. By 2021, India had managed to create an additional 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon sink.

Each year, there has been an increase of 150 million tonnes. However, there are some worries about the sustainability of carbon sinks. There is an anxiety surrounding the imbalance of monoculture plantations compared to naturally occurring forests. The concern surrounds their impact on ecology and whether their success can be sustained during a period of urbanization and pressure of land use.

Further, India has focused on its emissions intensity as part of its climate commitments. The government hopes to have a 45% reduction in emissions from its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030. By the year 2020, India had already reached a 36% reduction. However, there is a significant lack of data beyond 2020 on emission reduction in India. Therefore, progress cannot be successfully monitored despite being on track to meet the goals of the group five years ago.

Impacts on Poverty Reduction

Over the course of the last 10 years, more than 240 million people have escaped from poverty within India. Furthermore, from 2015, the number of people with social protection coverage has increased by twice as much. These figures were displayed at the Voluntary National Review and reflect how India’s sustainable goals are combating poverty. India’s showcase at this review was a product of conversations with marginalized groups within its country. These groups include tribal groups, ensuring their needs are also being met.

India presented a short film during its VNR, highlighting its progress on the SDGs. The video showed how the country raised its SDG index score from 60 to 71. It also detailed efforts to ensure food security for more than 800 million people and the delivery of more than 2.2 billion vaccine doses. The film concluded with India’s core vision: “A sustainable future where no one is left behind.”

Looking to the Future

Working sustainably can improve a country’s economy and create a better future for its citizens. If India hopes to continue its remarkable progress, there are a few elements it can focus on. However, recent data support how India’s sustainable goals are combating poverty. As progress continues to increase, there is the hope of a future with little to no poverty.

– Katie Gray

Katie is based in Glasgow, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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A New Era Begins: Google’s $37 Million AI Fund to Africa

A New Era Begins: Google’s $37 Million AI Fund to AfricaArtificial Intelligence (AI) has skyrocketed throughout the world in recent years. AI focuses on completing tasks with human-like intelligence, such as reasoning, problem-solving, and language understanding. AI can also use its problem-solving skills to help communities around the world tackle their biggest challenges. Google has recently approved a $37 million AI fund for Africa to aid the fight against poverty. 

Food Security Initiative

Out of the $37 million, Google committed $25 million to the AI Collaborative: Food Security Initiative. The AI collaborative funds will support AI tools designed to improve hunger forecasting, support smallholder farmers and strengthen crop resilience. In many countries, the population depends on farming to survive. This initiative will develop tools that will predict hunger, enhance cropping systems, climate-related crop threats and help address farming inefficiencies. This AI fund for Africa aims to strengthen food systems and improve the livelihood of farmers in the face of worsening economic and environmental shocks. With the AI Collaborative initiative, communities and farmers can have an increased income and malnutrition reduction.

AI Education and Safety Programs

Google is also committing $7 million toward AI education and safety programs across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. AI education for young people could prepare them for higher-paying jobs. Not only is Google donating to AI education, but it is also offering 100,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships for students. The program expands access for Africans to participate in the digital economy. 

Masakhane African Languages AI Hub

The Masakhane African Languages AI Hub is receiving $3 million for enhancement. The AI Hub will use the funding to create databases, translation models and voice technologies to ensure that AI systems represent African languages in the digital world. This new processing tool will support more than 40 African languages. Language barriers are a challenge for some African communities and often exclude them from opportunities. This translation method will allow for better communication for Africans looking into education, health care and finance. 

AI Research

Google is also giving $1 million each to two institutions for AI research. The University of Pretoria’s AfriDSAI and Wits MIND Institute in South Africa will receive funding for advanced AI studies. The grants to the institutes will support graduate students and researchers in contributing to shaping global AI development. The initiative positions Africa to play a greater role in the global AI conversation.

Road Ahead

Google’s recent donation expands the tools available to address poverty in Africa. This technological advancement provides a road to systematic change. The use of AI could help address some of Africa’s biggest issues, like food insecurity, unemployment and underrepresentation. While poverty remains a significant challenge, AI initiatives supported by Google represent a step toward long-term solutions.

– Emily Herlehy

Emily is based in Denton, TX, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Unlocking the Future of Renewable Energy in Cuba

Renewable Energy in CubaThe island nation of Cuba, located in the Caribbean, is at a critical juncture in its energy development. Cuba has considerable renewable energy resources, including sunlight, wind and biomass. However, its energy grid relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, especially from Venezuela, making it vulnerable to price volatility, geopolitical changes and concerns over energy security.

Renewable energy in Cuba has the potential to be about more than just technology; it can offer economic independence, a climate-resilient future and sustainable development opportunities in a country where energy development has long been constrained by existing energy infrastructure and a lack of foreign investment options.

Renewable Energy in Cuba

Currently, renewable energy sources contribute to less than 5% of Cuba’s total electricity generation. This is incredibly low compared to the government’s target of 24% renewable energy generation by 2030. Cuba’s energy infrastructure remains outdated, inefficient and frequently experiences breakdowns. The result is regular blackouts and, in rural areas particularly, energy poverty complicating any efforts for economic activity and the modernization of living standards.

Notably, Cuba has significant untapped solar capacity, receiving an average of 5.4 kWh/m2 per day and significant capability in wind, biomass and small hydro. The potential for real transformation is incredible. However, the challenge is fostering the conditions to attract investment, skills, capabilities and partnerships to harness that potential.

For investors, Cuba’s renewable energy sector is a largely untapped multibillion-dollar market that could encourage local job development, reduce carbon emissions and modernize the energy grid. If successful, Cuba could gain some degree of economic sovereignty through a low-carbon energy project.

However, foreign investors face numerous complications and sometimes, impenetrable obstacles, including red tape, legal uncertainty and financing. Furthermore, U.S. sanctions present an additional layer of difficulty in exploring partnership possibilities, which, in many cases, innovative financing and creative partnerships can help to advance projects.

Public-Private Partnerships Gaining Traction

In light of these challenges, there are hopeful signs on the horizon. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are starting to emerge. These partnerships allow foreign firms to contribute equity and technology as partners with the Cuban state-owned enterprise. New financing options, including green bonds and blended finance models, may provide a pathway to mitigate the risks of investing in Cuba’s renewable energy market.

Cross-border projects, particularly with European countries and Latin American neighbors, demonstrated a potential for scaling renewable projects. For example, Spanish and Chinese firms have engaged in various levels of partnership with Cuba, committing to constructing solar parks and wind farms. These cross-border collaborations have revived the feasibility of industrial-scale renewable energy projects across the Cuban landscape.

What Cuba Needs for a Successful Energy Transition

Interviews with Cuban engineers and energy policy specialists suggest that Cuba’s transformation to renewable energy will depend on three factors. The first is regulatory reform, which could streamline the approval of renewable energy projects by dealing with the current layers of licensing and approval that can be cumbersome.

The second relates to financing mechanisms, which may require the government to establish ways to de-risk investments for foreign entities interested in participating in the energy transformation. Third is capacity building, which includes developing a local skilled workforce.

There are lessons that Cuba can learn from other emerging economies, such as Costa Rica’s remarkable transition to renewables to achieve 99% of its electricity from renewables and Uruguay’s successful public-private partnerships.

Socioeconomic Benefits of a Greener Grid

Cuba’s renewable energy implications extend beyond electricity. From a microeconomic perspective, a greener grid could mean lower household costs. This could have a ripple effect in reducing risk from air pollution-related health outcomes, creating thousands of new jobs in installation, maintenance and manufacturing.

From a macroeconomic perspective, decentralized power using solar and biomass could facilitate reliable access to power in rural regions. It could unlock local economic development through agricultural growth, small and micro-enterprises development and improve educational delivery.

In urban agglomerations like Havana and Santiago de Cuba, renewable-powered public transit, such as electric vehicles or other clean energy systems, offers a promising shift in urban mobility. Paired with new energy-efficient infrastructure designed to meet local environmental conditions, these developments could significantly transform both the economy and the environment in these regions.

Yet, any sustained progress will rely on long-term commitments and funding. Most of Cuba’s renewable energy projects are funded through one-off grants, pilot programs or developmental loans and lack funding to assist with continued operational costs. Cuba could struggle to reach its renewable energy commitments and aims without stable policy frameworks and continued periodic financial assistance from rich states and multilateral institutions.

Conclusion

Cuba’s renewable energy sector may be nascent, but the possibilities are considerable. Through the appropriate policy alterations, financial instruments and international arrangements, Cuba may become a model of clean energy development in the Caribbean. The opportunities remain largely unrealized, coolly waiting for much political, economic and technological convergence, potentially to reshape Cuba’s energy future.

– Sophia Scelza

Sophia is based in Lindenhurst, NY, USA and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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Seed Ball Technology Reforestation in the Sahel is Restoring Land

Seed Ball TechnologyCommunities across the Sahel face desertification, declining soil fertility and disappearing livelihoods. Seed ball technology in the Sahel offers a low-cost, scalable solution that combines local knowledge with nature-based restoration. This method delivers native seeds embedded in clay and compost directly to degraded terrain, encouraging plant growth and supporting communities in rebuilding land and livelihoods.

How Seed Ball Technology in the Sahel Works

Seed ball technology involves encasing seeds in clay, compost and sometimes natural fertilizers. These balls protect seeds from pests, birds and harsh environmental conditions until they germinate. When scattered on land, seed balls absorb rainwater, enabling seeds to sprout without intensive farming or irrigation.

Locals mix native seeds, such as pearl millet or sorghum, with clay and compost to form seed balls. They scatter these balls across barren land during the rainy season. The seed ball protects seeds and retains moisture long enough for germination. Researchers in Senegal reported more than 95% emergence rates in on-station trials for pearl millet seed balls.

Supporting Smallholder Farmers and Boosting Yields

Development projects in the Niger Republic use seed ball technology to help subsistence farmers. Programs reduce crop failure risk by improving seedling survival with minimal seed use. Trials revealed that mineral-enhanced seed balls boosted root growth by 227%. It also increased shoot biomass, laying the foundation for improved panicle yield in staple crops.

Partnerships Driving Adoption and Scaling

Organizations such as farmer federations, like the Gaskiya Federation of Maradi Farmers Unions in the Niger Republic, help disseminate seed ball technology, supported by research teams funded by groups like the McKnight Foundation. The approach relies on simple local inputs, making it affordable and appropriate for remote areas.

The Great Green Wall initiative aims to restore millions of hectares across the Sahara-Sahel. While large-scale tree planting faces logistical hurdles, seed ball methods offer a complementary and rapid restoration option. The technology helps deliver vegetation in tough terrain and reinforce ecosystem resilience.

Empowering Youth and Community Engagement

In Ethiopia, social enterprises led by young innovators apply seed ball dispersal methods to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable agriculture. These efforts engage local communities, boost vegetation cover and create green livelihoods in arid zones.

Seeding Hope Across the Sahel

The success of seed ball technology in the Sahel is not only about germinating plants but about shifting what’s possible for communities living on the edge of the desert. Turning degraded land into productive fields helps farmers secure food, preserve biodiversity and reduce migration pressures.

Its simplicity allows it to spread quickly without heavy machinery or expensive inputs, making it a practical tool in the fight against desertification. Governments, NGOs and research teams are investing in scaling this approach. Seed balls could become a cornerstone for ecological resilience and economic stability across the Sahel’s most vulnerable regions.

– Hayden Chedid

Hayden is based in Parker, CO, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Increasing Access to Electricity in Ethiopia

Access to Electricity in EthiopiaThe continent of Africa has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, making life more difficult for millions of people. Africa is home to 19% of the world’s population, yet many—mostly in sub-Saharan Africa—are living without electricity. Those who do have access often rely on power sources that are unreliable and unsustainable. Electricity demand has continued to grow over time, especially in Ethiopia, but the World Bank has been making moves to change that.

The ELEAP Program

The Ethiopia Electrification Program (ELEAP) is under the leadership of the World Bank Group. Its main goal is to reach complete electrification in Ethiopia by the end of 2025 and to support the rollout of new electrification systems. The plan is to expand electricity through solar mini-grids, with some grid (65%) and some off-grid (35%) energy systems.

So far, the results have been positive. As of 2025, the program has made strong progress. From March 1, 2018, to June 4, 2024, 6.3 million people gained access to on-grid electricity sources. Solar energy is the most viable option for renewable energy and the most reliable source, as it has already been a major part of Ethiopia’s electrical landscape. The implementation of solar energy fits easily with the systems already in place, which allows them to work together effectively. Because of these systems, more than 19,000 public facilities have gained access to electricity, including health clinics and schools. Forecasts suggest that by 2026, 10 million more people in Ethiopia will have access to electricity.

The Burden of Limited Electricity Access

Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 100 million people. The country is experiencing rapid population growth, which has contributed to challenges such as food insecurity, environmental strain and low electricity access. Even though Ethiopia has substantial renewable energy resources, most of the population still relies on traditional biomass energy such as firewood and coal.

Even when households have access to power, financial constraints often prevent them from using it. Most electricity needs are for cooking, but the existing systems are not large-scale enough to provide the energy required for all Ethiopians to prepare their meals. As electricity reaches more areas, household chores have become easier since many families can now use electric stoves instead of fire-burning stoves, saving time and benefiting the environment. Solar-powered water pumps have also been introduced to provide clean water to rural communities. 

Before the introduction of new energy systems, women and children had to go outside and search for wood to use as fuel and poor households had to devote all their income to energy. With expanded access, energy is now reaching both large infrastructure projects and poor urban communities.

Looking Ahead

Access to electricity in Ethiopia has risen to 55.4% and continues to grow rapidly. ELEAP has made significant progress in electrifying the country within just a few years. The outlook for Ethiopia and ELEAP remains positive, with sustainable energy sources supporting growth and improving the lives of many.

– Bowie Aldrich

Bowie is based in North Syracuse, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Planting Prosperity: The Green Wall of China Combats Poverty

Green Wall of China Combats PovertyIn the Taklimakan Desert of Xinjiang, China, dunes shift as much as 20 meters each year due to powerful and relentless winds. The dunes creep across the land, consuming the environment and deepening the struggles of those living in poverty. But China is fighting back. The Green Wall of China combats poverty by pushing back the desert and restoring both land and livelihoods.

On November 28, 2024, the final stretch of the desert met its match. The last 100 meters of shifting sand along the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert was planted with various seedlings like red willows, saxaul and desert poplar, sealing the gap in what is now a 3,046-kilometer-long green barrier. With that, the Green Wall stands as a living shield against desertification and poverty.

Drivers of Desertification in China

Desertification is “the transformation of fertile land into desert or arid waste” due to a combination of natural and human factors. Shifting climatic and weather patterns can intensify wind speeds and soil erosion, accelerating the spread of desertification. Human-driven climate change has intensified the problem. Specifically, China’s rapidly growing population has placed immense pressure on natural resources, with rising consumption leading to land degradation and creating conditions that allow desertification to swiftly creep up.

The Three North Shelterbelt System

Otherwise known as the Green Wall of China, the Three North Shelterbelt System is one of China’s most significant ecological and economic initiatives. The project carries calculated responsibilities such as improving the ecological environment, mitigating natural disasters and expanding habitable and arable land. These activities have led to its recognition as a key national project. 

Beyond environmental goals, it also plays a role in enhancing production conditions, reducing regional disparities and fostering shared prosperity among all ethnic groups. Additionally, the Green Wall of China combats poverty by supporting the restructuring of rural industries, accelerates poverty alleviation among farmers and contributes to long-term sustainable economic and social development.

After generations of sustained effort, the Three North Shelterbelt System has completed afforestation and conservation work across 31.7429 million hectares. As a result, forest coverage in the project area increased from 5.05% in 1977 to 13.84% by 2020. 

The initiative created the “Great Green Wall” along China’s northern frontier— serving as a barrier against wind and sand, conserving water and soil, protecting agriculture and supporting animal husbandry and has achieved ecological, economic and social benefits.

Protecting the People and Lands

According to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Forestry and Grassland Bureau, the successful completion of the Green Wall along the Taklimakan Desert will enhance the region’s ecological barrier, stabilize agricultural production, improve urban living conditions and support both economic and social development.

Expanding tree cover helps stabilize water supplies, absorb carbon dioxide and offer communities sustainable access to resources like timber and other forest products. China has adopted scientific sand control technologies, including engineering sand fixation, biological sand control and photovoltaic sand control. While stabilizing and preventing the spread of sand, these efforts have also supported the development of local, sand-based industries– helping to improve lives and boost regional economies.

Looking ahead, Xinjiang plans to further build upon and strengthen the “edge-locking” efforts, contributing to the construction of a robust ecological security barrier in northern China.

How The Green Wall of China Combats Poverty

Along with the hardships of desertification, farmers were uneasy about losing their sole source of income and falling into poverty as the desert expanded. Their fears have been eased through local government subsidies and additional employment opportunities.

The Chinese government launched the “Returning Farmland to Forest Program,” also known as “Grain for Green.” This initiative provided financial incentives to farmers to cease cultivation on vulnerable land and instead plant trees. The program has a dual purpose: first, to reduce soil erosion and prevent further flooding; and second, to ensure that farmers’ quality of life continues to improve, even with the loss of arable farmland. In return for the protection of the newly planted trees, farmers received subsidies, as well as land rights to the fields and terraces that they managed.

The amount of compensation varies based on location and the type of land cultivated; however, according to the State Forestry Administration, the average household receives no less than 9,000 yuan, or $1,253. Households engaged in the program receive payments directly to their bank accounts after forestry officers conduct annual inspections of their forest plots.

Employment Diversification

In addition to providing subsidies, the Returning Farmland to Forest Program has helped diversify employment opportunities and broaden the industrial base in impoverished areas. A study conducted by four Chinese universities examining the program’s long-term impact on rural economic development found that there was a 10.9% increase in the value generated by local primary sectors, compared to similar counties that did not participate. Furthermore, rural employment in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishing rose by 8.2%.

The Three-North Shelterbelt System holds the title of the Green Wall of China and with it, the aid for poverty. The project has enhanced the region’s ecological environment, boosted grain production and achieved progress in developing forest product bases. Through the growth of forest and fruit-related industries, the project has helped lift tens of millions of local residents out of poverty.

The project has generated a wide range of job opportunities in areas such as tree planting and land maintenance, offering stable sources of income for local communities. This rise in employment has elevated living standards and stimulated economic growth in rural and impoverished regions.

The restoration of arable land has revitalized agriculture, allowing farmers to improve crop yields and diversify their production. The benefits of the Green Wall are evident in the rise of agricultural productivity, which has bolstered food security and aid for poverty. In 2023 alone, forest-related industries in China generated an annual output of 8.04 trillion yuan, exceeded $180 billion in forest product trade and directly employed 60 million people across the country.

Other Poverty Alleviation Initiatives

The Green Wall of China was among the first large-scale projects to link environmental restoration with poverty reduction, but it is not the only one. The following are other poverty alleviation initiatives: 

  • The Natural Forest Protection Project (1998). Aims to protect natural forests by stopping commercial logging to preserve ecological balance and biodiversity. To offset income loss, farmers and communities receive subsidies, while funds support forest conservation, habitat restoration and wildlife protection for long-term sustainability.
  • The South China Slopes Land Conversion Program (2002). Targets soil erosion on steep slopes in southern China by promoting the restoration of forests and grassland. Goals to reduce landslide risk, improve water retention, enhance ecosystem resilience and encourage sustainable land management for ecological stability.
  • The Ant-Forest Program (2011). Created by Ant Financial and the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), the app is connected to Alipay and rewards users with “green energy points” for eco-friendly actions. These points lead to the planting of virtual and real trees in degraded areas of China. The app encourages user engagement through tracking, competition and sharing, making environmental conservation interactive and rewarding.

Looking Ahead

The Green Wall of China shows how large-scale environmental projects can restore fragile ecosystems while improving livelihoods. By combining ecological restoration with poverty alleviation, China’s afforestation programs have created jobs, strengthened food security and offered long-term stability to millions. As these efforts expand, the Green Wall stands as a model of how investment in nature can build resilience against both environmental and economic challenges.

– Gabriella Luneau

Gabriella is based in Raleigh, NC, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How African Countries Combat Poverty by Banning Mineral Exports

Mineral ExportsRare minerals and metals are in high demand nowadays for several products; they are key to making rechargeable batteries in laptops, mobile phones and other devices. According to a report from Thomson Reuters, they’re also used for rechargeable batteries in electric cars, which could make up all new cars sold by the year 2040. According to Precedence Research, the rare earth metal market is worth about $3.75 billion and could rise to as high as $9.91 billion by 2034.

Africa’s Ban on Mineral Exports

These minerals have been growing in demand in recent years, according to the World Trade Organization:

  • Lithium
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel
  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Palladium

Many of these minerals are mined in Africa, though unfortunately, much of the populations in those countries live in poverty. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, supplies 57% of the world’s cobalt, 70% of the world’s coltan and 20% of the world’s diamonds. However, nearly 72% of the population lives in poverty.

African nations want to refine the rare minerals and metals they mine domestically to better capitalize on their natural resources and fight poverty. They hope refining these resources, which is primarily done overseas, can bring economic development. To accomplish this, many African nations ban mineral exports to pressure mining companies to build domestic mineral processing plants.

For those 54 countries, it could bring economic development and jobs to Africa. Zimbabwe’s mines ministry, for example, is pressuring foreign investors to increase spending from $70 million to $600 million; the Sinomine Resource Group, a Chinese mining company, is already investing $300 million in a lithium-processing plant there.

These policies in other countries have had similar success in banning mineral exports. In 2020, for example, Indonesia banned the exportation of unprocessed nickel. Now, after securing significant investments from China, it dominates nickel production.

African Nations Banning Mineral Exports

  • Guinea
  • Uganda
  • Namibia
  • Gabon

Potential Impacts

Currently, most jobs in Africa’s rare minerals and metals sector are in mining, a field known for its hazards. In Nigeria, lithium mines employ children as young as 6 years, where they are exposed to dangerous dust that can cause asthma. If rare mineral processing were to stay in the continent, African countries could use the revenues to ensure safe mining practices.

This increase in foreign investment can also strengthen the workforce of African countries. About 80% of young Africans aspire to have high-skilled jobs. However, only 8% can get them due to a lack of such jobs and training to prepare workers for these jobs.

Conclusion

If African nations secure foreign investment in mineral refinement, citizens can gain access to better-paying, skilled jobs. By capitalizing on their massive deposits of natural resources, which are becoming increasingly valuable with time, African countries can further reduce poverty for their citizens.

– Seth Pintar

Seth is based in La Jolla, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Debt Restructuring in Ghana Creates Room for Development

Debt Restructuring in GhanaGhana has dealt with a debt crisis since the early 2000s, originating from a long history of colonialism. Although it was one of the first African countries to gain independence in 1957, Ghana continues to depend on the export of raw materials such as gold, oil and cocoa. When global commodity prices declined in the ’80s and ’90s, countries in the Global South relied on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank’s advice to expand production to pay debts. As a result, the price of commodities remained low for 20 years.

The HIPC Initiative and Debt Relief Successes

In 2002, the Ghanaian government granted the central bank autonomy to use monetary policy as a tool to promote economic growth and deal with inflation. Falling from 30% to 10% by 2007, fiscal policy enacted under the joint IMF-World Bank debt relief program, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC), was key in taming the country’s economic problems.

After part of the country’s debt was cancelled during the program’s implementation, Ghana’s external debt fell by $4.3 billion between 2006 and 2003, from $6.6 billion to $2.3 billion. Debt relief proved to be a successful means of fighting poverty and increasing the potential for development. Improvements in health care and education followed, with money being invested in social services for Ghanaian citizens.

One of the most important features of the government’s budgetary operations under the HIPC Initiative was its positive impact on poverty reduction. The Ghana poverty reduction strategy document emphasized integrated rural development, economic growth, expanded employment opportunities and improved access to public services. To achieve these goals, the government would have to implement sound monetary and fiscal policies made possible through debt relief.

New Debt Restructuring Framework in Ghana

However, the country’s continued reliance on the export of commodities has led it into another debt crisis. When the price of raw materials rose in the 2010s, more countries became willing to lend to Ghana. However, after another fall in the cost of commodities in 2013, the African country became unable to repay loans and started accumulating debt. Debt now places a new, significant burden on Ghana’s economy and society, which could lead to stagnation and higher poverty rates.

Recently, Ghana’s parliament approved a $2.8 billion debt restructuring framework for 25 creditor countries. Although the deal is not yet final, debt relief would again allow the country to invest in social services instead of using its revenues to pay off lender countries. In the 2000s, debt restructuring was critical in restoring macroeconomic stability; by rescheduling debt payments due between 2022 and 2026 to 2039 – 2043, there is hope that the country can break its cycle of debt.

The newly created Agenda for Jobs II (2022–2025) aims to develop further Ghanaian life’s economic, social and environmental dimensions. It focuses on expanding education and health care initiatives. The agenda also seeks to broaden the coverage of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Program.

Conclusion

In collaboration with international partners, new debt restructuring efforts in Ghana have opened a new chapter in the country’s economic development. The potential ratification of these new agreements will free up significant public funds that can be invested in public sectors such as health care, education and infrastructure, contributing to the country’s fight against poverty. Debt restructuring allows for future economic growth, catalyzing social progress.

– Rafaela Paquet

Rafaela is based in Montreal, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Energy Storage and Flow Batteries in Africa

Flow Batteries in AfricaNations across the African continent are developing renewable energy projects at an impressive pace. With some of the world’s best solar exposure, the continent is harnessing the sun’s potential through large-scale solar farms. This paves the way for cleaner air, sustainable industrialization and new economic opportunities.

However, a fundamental challenge has long constrained this progress. Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. This limitation means power can be unreliable for a hospital, school or business. Such an inconsistency has traditionally tethered grids to expensive, polluting fossil fuels and hindered the ultimate goal of true energy independence.

To capture the full benefits of the sun, the continent has to invest in a crucial parallel technology: energy storage. Fortunately, in 2025, this is not a secret and several African countries have now pledged gigawatts of storage in the near term.

A Surge in Battery Deployment

According to the African Solar Industry Association, operational energy storage in Africa skyrocketed from 31 megawatt-hours in 2017 to an estimated 1,600 megawatt-hours in 2024. This growth is driven by falling battery costs and a clear understanding that storage is the key to unlocking the full value of renewables.

In 2024, South Africa brought one of the world’s largest solar-and-battery projects online. The Kenhardt hybrid complex in the Northern Cape combines 540 megawatts of solar with a 225-megawatt, 1,140-megawatt-hour battery system, delivering reliable clean energy to the grid and strengthening power supply for industries, including mining.

Energy Sovereignty as a Path to Development

The foundation of energy sovereignty is the ability to generate, store and deploy energy locally. More than just energy independence, sovereignty is the right and ability of a nation to define its energy policies, control its resources and ensure that its energy systems are designed to meet the specific needs of its people. Today, battery storage empowers nations to build resilient, decentralized systems that are owned and operated by Africans, for Africans. This shift is a direct pathway to systemic poverty reduction.

Consistent electricity creates tangible benefits across society. It allows children to study after dark, improving educational outcomes. It enables health clinics to refrigerate vaccines and power essential medical equipment, saving lives. It empowers small businesses to operate machinery, access digital markets and create local jobs.

Furthermore, countries can capture even more economic value by developing domestic supply chains for these technologies. An example is South Africa’s initiative to manufacture batteries locally using its vast vanadium reserves. This creates high-skill jobs in manufacturing and engineering instead of simply exporting raw materials, fostering sustainable and equitable development.

Using Flow Batteries in Africa

Technological breakthroughs are making the future of energy storage in Africa even more attainable. While lithium-ion batteries have led the charge, next-generation technologies suited for African climates are emerging. Vanadium redox flow batteries, for example, are gaining significant traction in Africa. Unlike solid-state batteries, these batteries use two tanks of a vanadium electrolyte solution to store and release charge. This design means they do not degrade over thousands of cycles. Additionally, they have an operational lifespan of more than 20 years and pose virtually no fire risk, making them exceptionally safe and durable.

Such characteristics make flow batteries ideal for many African renewable energy sites, often with hot and remote conditions. Alongside these systems, innovations in chemistries like sodium-ion promise to drive down costs even further by eliminating the need for expensive and environmentally complex minerals like cobalt and lithium. These are not advancements of the far future, either, only validated on paper. They are currently in production phases.

With this future coming fast, Africa is proving through strategic energy storage development that they are ready to generate and hold onto the benefits of a green future.

– Levi Ravnsborg

Levi is based in Summerland, BC, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The 1995 Global Summit Became a Blueprint for Ending Poverty

The World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) took place in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Many considered this event a catalyst for international cooperation in reducing global poverty. The 1995 Global Summit was, at its time, the largest convention of world leaders to ever meet; more than 14,000 people attended, including delegates from 186 countries, with heads of state or government representing 117 of them.

Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development

The Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development was the main political declaration that summit participants adopted in 1995. It outlines the global commitment to social development, focusing on reducing poverty.

The Copenhagen Declaration outlines ten key commitments. A summary of these commitments includes:

  1. Creating an environment to achieve social development.
  2. Eradicate poverty through national and international actions.
  3. Full employment, productive and freely chosen.
  4. Promoting social integration in society.
  5. Equality between men and women.
  6. Equitable access to quality education and health care, both physical and mental.
  7. Speeding up development in Africa and other developing countries.
  8. Strengthening civil society with structural adjustment programmes.
  9. Mobilizing resources allocated to social development.
  10. Strengthening framework for international, regional and subregional cooperation for social development.

Declaration and Program of Action

Many governments adopted a “Declaration and Program of Action” in conjunction with the Copenhagen Declaration. This meant that they agreed to put people at the center of development, to advance social development by improving 10 core areas mentioned in the Copenhagen declaration. In the declaration of action, member states made a practical implementation plan to improve and promote social development and accelerate development in Africa and other developing countries across the world.

Furthermore, this declaration aimed to achieve its goals by addressing several key issues. These included debt elimination, reorientation of agricultural policies and increased Official Development Assistance (ODA). It also addressed collective bargaining rights, poverty vulnerability indicators, traditional rights to resources and health care access for low-income families.

How Did It Become a Blueprint for Ending Poverty?

  1. Global unanimity on poverty being a political and moral priority. Additionally, poverty can be addressed through coordinated policies.
  2. It became a catalyst for national anti-poverty strategies, as the 1995 Global Summit encouraged countries to create their own poverty reduction plans.
  3. Acknowledgement of the importance of a civil society. This event gave a platform to charities, NGOs and marginalized communities.
  4. Transition toward people-centered development, rather than economic development being a priority. The 1995 Global Summit made clear the importance of poverty being a multidimensional issue, comprising access to health care, education and social participation.

30-Year Anniversary of the WSSD

In 2025, 30 years after the 1995 Global Summit, the United Nations (U.N.) will meet for the second WSSD, this time in Doha, Qatar, in November 2025. This summit will give global leaders the opportunity to rethink their position on social development and realign poverty as a political priority. The 2025 summit will also create an opening to discuss crucial issues that weren’t a priority 30 years ago, while also rebuilding trust between institutions and multilateralism.

– Emma Dornan

Emma is based in Fife, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr