Archive for category: Electricity and Power

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How Solar Power in China is Reducing Poverty

Solar Power in ChinaSince 1978, China has successfully lifted 750 million people out of poverty through a combination of strategies, including market reforms in agricultural goods, increased job opportunities and individualized plans for families living in poverty. One of these individualized plans involved the government providing funds to struggling households to install solar panels for personal electricity generation. This article will explore how solar power is helping reduce poverty in China.

Formation of the Strategy

Rural Tibetan areas of China, such as Qinghai, are actively contributing new innovations to help struggling villages out of poverty. Although China achieved Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 in 2020, the progress was long and complex. In 2014, the Chinese government and state energy regulators introduced a nationwide plan to help alleviate rural poverty using distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Solar Energy for Poverty Alleviation Programme aimed to add more than 10 gigawatts of capacity and benefit more than 2 million households across about 35,000 villages nationwide by 2020.

Initially, China focused on exporting solar PV panels to European countries such as Germany and Spain. However, due to reasons like the financial crisis in 2008, many Chinese PV manufacturing companies saw a large decline in exported PV panels. Therefore, the government turned its focus to distributing PV panels for domestic use. Apart from fulfilling domestic needs, the rest of the solar power in China is generated to be sold for a stable income.

The Strategy in Use

Qinghai was one of the first provinces in China to implement the strategy. The location was chosen for its large number of people suffering from poverty and suitable weather conditions. In 2017, there were 330,000 people in Tibetan areas who lived below the poverty line, making it a major area for the government to support. The area has, on average, 275 to 330 days with more than six hours of sunshine each year, making the location well-suited for building PV panels.

Separately, in the years before the 2014 program, an earlier initiative — the Renewable Energy Development Project, which ran from 2002 to 2007 — sold more than 400,000 solar home systems, helping an estimated 2 million individuals in northwestern China step out of poverty.

Challenges and Solutions

Although this plan has brought many successes and profits for many families, some families encounter challenges. Locations where the project takes place are large farmland areas with a generous amount of space. The large amount of space PV panels have taken threatens smallholder agriculture. This interferes with the local agricultural system and the daily lives of some residents.

Moreover, the geographical locations are a key factor in the project being successful. This creates an uneven regional outcome between different areas. For instance, Tibetan areas generally have higher altitudes; thus, PV panels built in these areas tend to produce more energy. On the contrary, Shandong province is benefiting less from the project. The project was initiated with the plan to have an “agrivoltaic” approach to combining agriculture and solar power in China. However, in 2020, many farmers stated that a copious amount of land is being used for PV panels, and that the agriculture aspect of the project is being neglected. There are numerous shacks used for PV panels, taking up space for crops.

Despite these challenges, the Chinese government actively seeks solutions. The government has focused on nature-based solutions and creating theoretical plans to minimize land used for PV panels. Further plans focused on considering food security as an important factor in developing new technology such as PV panels to help alleviate poverty. With a heavy focus on ensuring the business of locals can function as usual and supporting low-income families out of poverty, solar power in China can be an important method in helping suffering regions out of poverty.

– Jiayu Wang

Jiayu is based in Beijing, China and focuses on Good News, Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in West and Central Africa

Renewable Energy in West and Central AfricaWest and Central Africa is a culturally rich region and home to one of the world’s youngest populations. More than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. However, many young people have left rural communities for cities or abroad in search of employment opportunities.

The World Bank’s Renewable Energy Initiative

The World Bank Group aims to address some of these challenges through a new renewable energy initiative. On June 22, 2026, the World Bank approved a $200 million financing package to expand access to renewable energy in West and Central Africa. Benin, the Central African Republic, Liberia and Sierra Leone are included in the first phase of the Regional Program for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES). That program totals $853 million.

The Regional DARES project seeks to provide reliable, affordable and clean electricity in underserved rural and remote communities through small-scale renewable energy systems. Increased access to renewable energy has the potential to stimulate economic growth and create jobs across West and Central Africa. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities in the energy sector, including installation, maintenance and agricultural support services. As electricity access expands, new economic opportunities for women and young people are also anticipated.

The program aims to help communities improve their quality of life while supporting long-term economic growth and poverty reduction. By bringing multiple countries together under one program, the World Bank intends to attract private investment and expand electricity access in underserved communities throughout the region.

Impact on Health and Education

The project will provide electricity to households, businesses, schools and health care centers. Frequent power outages can limit economic growth and create serious risks for communities that depend on reliable electricity. Health care centers that lack access to electricity rely on generators. This causes problems for vaccine storage and safe deliveries. Distrust in health care systems may increase as providers operate under unsafe conditions. A project manager in Kano said consistent power is “the backbone of effective primary health care.” The solarization efforts underway in the region, they added, represent a strategic investment in keeping lifesaving services running.

Education is another area that may benefit from expanded renewable energy access. A systematic review found that the electrification of schools can support meal programs, improve learning conditions and encourage regular attendance. This ultimately enhances academic performance. With 32% of African school-aged children living near unelectrified schools, expanded energy access could help improve educational outcomes and support long-term economic development.

Contributing to Mission 300

Over time, the program is expected to contribute to Mission 300. That joint initiative by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. Renewable energy in West and Central Africa is on the rise to lower the electricity gap, supporting communities across the four countries. Through job creation, agricultural development, improved health care services and expanded educational opportunities, Regional DARES has the potential to improve quality of life and support long-term economic growth. As renewable energy in West and Central Africa continues to expand, it may help build a more prosperous future for millions of people across the region.

– Alexandra Pedroza

Alexandra is based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Growing Renewable Energy in Trinidad and Tobago

Renewable Energy in Trinidad and TobagoIn Trinidad and Tobago, there has historically been a large dependence on oil and natural gas usage and production. Traditionally, reliance on these nonrenewable energy sources drove the country’s economy, accounting for about 36% of its nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. In 2021, 99% of Trinidad and Tobago’s electricity was generated from natural gas. This highlights the country’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the growing need to diversify its energy sector. Renewable energy, however, offers an opportunity to strengthen energy security while supporting long-term economic sustainability. Government initiatives and growing investments in renewable energy aim to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels while expanding opportunities for cleaner energy production.

Through renewable energy initiatives, green hydrogen development and support from international organizations, Trinidad and Tobago is working to build a more diversified, resilient and sustainable energy future. Expanding renewable energy could also create new jobs, encourage economic growth and strengthen long-term opportunities for the communities most affected by changes in the traditional energy sector. This article will explore why the country is transitioning toward renewable energy, the organizations supporting these efforts and how renewable energy investments could strengthen the economy while improving long-term sustainability.

Why Trinidad and Tobago Is Diversifying Its Energy Sector

Oil and natural gas have been a significant part of Trinidad and Tobago, especially economically. For decades, the country has relied on oil and natural gas production, yet now the gas fields are mature, creating a decline in production. According to the International Monetary Fund, natural gas production fell by 17% between 2010 and 2019, while crude oil and condensate production declined by 40% during the same period. As production has decreased, exports of liquefied natural gas and petrochemicals have also declined.

The government has encouraged the development of new oil and gas fields; however, the projects are expected to be very timely. Additionally, the global transition toward renewable energy and the impacts of climate change are prompting Trinidad and Tobago to diversify its energy sector and invest in cleaner energy sources.

Because the country’s economy is so closely tied to the energy sector, fluctuations in oil and natural gas production can affect economic stability. The World Bank notes that efforts to expand renewable energy are part of the country’s broader transition toward a low-carbon economy. This can help build a more resilient economy that better supports communities over the long term. A stronger renewable energy sector could also create employment opportunities in construction, maintenance and clean energy industries while supporting more stable incomes for families.

Expanding Renewable Energy Opportunities

The International Monetary Fund explains that expanding renewable electricity generation could reduce the country’s reliance on oil and natural gas, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Trinidad and Tobago’s own authorities have set a target of generating 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Trinidad and Tobago is also investing in green hydrogen as part of its long-term energy strategy. The government has developed a plan for the next 35 years to create a green hydrogen sector based on renewable energy sources. That sector will be used to produce products like ammonia and methanol. The goal of this program is to decrease the country’s carbon footprint and allow it to export additional amounts of natural gas to meet increasing worldwide demand for cleaner energy.

Organizations are also supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy. The Inter-American Development Bank has partnered with the government through its Sustainable Energy Program by providing financing and technical assistance to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. The United Nations Development Programme supports renewable energy development through clean energy projects and policy assistance. Trinidad and Tobago also joined the International Renewable Energy Agency in 2014, giving it access to the agency’s technical expertise and policy guidance to help accelerate its transition to renewable energy.

Looking Toward a More Sustainable Future

Trinidad and Tobago’s warm climate and long dry season provide favorable conditions for expanding renewable energy, particularly solar power. Organizations such as Renewable Power Caribbean are helping support this transition by installing renewable energy systems, providing energy management services and educating communities about clean energy solutions. These efforts can lower energy costs over time and expand access to reliable electricity, creating more economic opportunities for local communities. The country is exploring opportunities to expand wind energy as well. According to the Caribbean Climate Network, a national roadmap identified nine potential onshore locations for future wind projects. That roadmap estimated Trinidad and Tobago has more than 2.5 gigawatts of onshore wind energy potential.

Conclusion

These initiatives could help diversify the economy beyond oil and natural gas while improving long-term energy security, as long as the country keeps investing in renewable energy. A more diversified energy sector may result in a more stable economy that can better support jobs, public services and sustainable development. It could also reduce the country’s susceptibility to changes in the production of fossil fuels and international energy markets. As renewable energy industries continue to grow, they also have the potential to create jobs and strengthen local economies. Continued investments in clean energy and economic diversification have the potential to improve community conditions and create a more resilient future for Trinidad and Tobago.

– India Hairston

India is based in Malvern, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Palau’s Renewable Energy

Palau's Renewable EnergyPalau has set ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming for 100% of energy to come from renewable sources by 2050. The nation has already established multiple solar farms and is exploring wind and other modalities.

Reducing Dependence on Imported Fuel

Palau is a small island chain of 340 islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers (745 to 942 miles) east of the Philippines, with a population of about 17,000 people.

The country is upgrading its energy production from imported fossil fuels to solar power and battery backup, among other methods. This shift is expected to free up millions of dollars for programs ranging from electric grid upgrades to socioeconomic stability.

Dependence on foreign oil is not a steady, reliable energy source. In 2024, Palau imported $36 million worth of refined petroleum. Instability in the Middle East could make oil imports more expensive and less reliable for Pacific nations, as most oil that transits the Strait of Hormuz is bound for Asia.

Palauans have recognized these risks and have engaged in discussions with various companies and countries for about 10 years. They are collaborating with different countries and entities to advance Palau’s renewable energy goals.

International Cooperation

The Palau Solar PV+BESS Project, developed by Solar Pacific Pristine Power Inc., a Philippine company, is the largest solar-plus-battery-storage project in the Western Pacific. Solar Pacific is the first utility-scale solar producer on the island, supplying about 20% of Palau’s power needs.

The Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy has pledged 16.4 million Australian dollars to fund a battery storage system, contributing to a 15-megawatt solar farm, one of the largest in the Pacific region. The funding comes from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

Poverty Challenges

About 25% of Palau’s population lives in poverty. Many rural areas lack easily accessible roads to markets or basic medical centers due to their location on small islands. The Southwest Islands of Sonsorol, Pulo Anna, Merir and Tobi Island have a population of 65 people. Many residents must travel long distances to larger cities and bring items back to rural areas.

Despite economic growth for most islands, inflation has diminished economic gains. Fuel costs have increased consumer prices by 200% and food prices by 300% over the last 10 years, especially since 2020. This imbalance has made daily life challenging, as the islands depend heavily on imports for necessities such as food and medicine.

Islands like Kayangel, Angaur and West Babeldaob, which are isolated from the major city of Koror, have the highest poverty rates. Many couples with children often leave for economic opportunities in Koror or other countries, leaving children with grandparents and the community.

The average income in Palau in 2026 is about $21,000 per year, according to the International Monetary Fund. Families are expected to save on electricity bills and fuel usage, making it easier to afford basic needs. These savings will create more local job opportunities in the energy sector.

Benefits for Palau

Locals are building solar arrays, microgrids and battery systems, creating skilled technical jobs. Savings on fuel supplies and tariffs will allow for future innovations in roads, energy infrastructure, schools and medical facilities, strengthening financial stability for families and the nation.

Former President Tommy Remengesau Jr. stated that Palau’s renewable energy goals offer fixed costs with no inflation for 30 years while remaining environmentally friendly, a benefit for Palauans.

Palau will become energy independent from fossil fuels, aiding the population, especially the impoverished, and setting an example for reliable energy solutions in low- and middle-income countries.

– Jonathan Snowiss

Jonathan is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How a Solar Project is Reducing Poverty in Cali, Colombia

poverty in CaliFor years, residents of Santiago de Cali have faced high electricity bills, carefully managing their appliance usage to avoid spikes in expenses.

In 2025, President Gustavo Petro’s government took action to lower their bills by implementing renewable energy as a cost-effective solution, and it is working. To address increasing household expenses in Colombia’s third-largest metropolitan area, Cali, the government collaborated with local utility program EMCALI to push the Hogares Energéticamente Sostenibles (Energy-Sustainable Homes) initiative, or Colombia Solar. The project’s goal extended beyond implementing sustainable energy infrastructure; it aimed to lift 2,000 low-income families in Cali out of poverty by reducing energy bills.

Simultaneously, it sought to lessen the government’s reliance on subsidization by reallocating money from energy subsidies to the solar initiative. This Cali-specific investment comprised COP 8.35 trillion (approximately US$2.22 billion).

Implementation and Impact

As of August 2025, Colombia Solar successfully installed photovoltaic systems in 1,860 low-income households in the Potrero Grande and Llano Verde neighborhoods, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Edwin Palma. In September of the same year, these programs urged the solar project to continue reducing poverty in Cali, aiming for their goal of 2,000 households.

The results have been significant. Increased solar energy usage has reduced most sustainable households’ electric bills by 40% to 60%, with some reporting no charges at all. “This program is a blessing. Before, I had to stop using the fan or blender because the energy consumption skyrocketed. We were paying up to 230,000 pesos a month; now the bill is down 100,000 pesos. It is a huge help for my family,” beneficiary Bellanira Guzmán said.

The Bigger Picture

Colombia Reports indicates that while extreme poverty has decreased in the last 10 years, urban poverty was still at 30% in 2022. Disparities have worsened in areas like food and housing deficiency in the last five years.

The city organizes its social classes in categories one through six, with six being the highest class and one the lowest. Neighborhoods are organized according to these metrics. This recent program, aimed at Cali’s three lowest social strata, relieved significant financial burdens on thousands of people dealing with these disparities.

Colombia Solar’s program has shown that measures of equity and renewability can have real, sustainable impacts on well-being. Aiming this initiative at Cali’s three lowest social strata has relieved significant financial burdens, allowing them to narrow the wealth gap with higher economic strata.

Beyond poverty reduction, Colombia Solar has impacted the country’s energy industry. From 2025 to 2026, Colombia’s solar energy market grew by 0.7%, showing its effect on larger markets as well as locally. The report estimates additional growth up to 8% by 2031.

This economic growth could potentially create 25,000 jobs in Colombia’s renewable energy industry nationwide as the broader Colombia Solar program, backed by a separate 8.35 trillion COP (about $2.2 billion) national investment, expands to more than 1 million low-income households between 2026 and 2030. The government already provides tax breaks and subsidies for businesses using renewable energy resources, covering installation costs.

While installations can be expensive, results clearly show that long-term savings on bills are worthwhile.

Why Cali’s Case Matters

The advantages of this solar project in Cali are abundant. It has brought prosperity to impoverished populations and positively impacted larger economic markets with job creation and the growth of renewable energy industries.

The use of renewable energy in Cali demonstrates that sustainability, poverty reduction and market prosperity can work together.

– Aren Lau

Aren is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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How Solar Energy in Malawi Is Creating Economic Opportunity

Solar Energy in MalawiReliable electricity can transform a community by creating new business opportunities and improving access to essential services. Across Malawi, government agencies and international organizations are using solar energy and expanded electricity access to help reduce poverty and strengthen local economies.

Expanding Electricity Access

Malawi has made significant progress in expanding electricity access, yet many rural communities still rely on traditional energy sources. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity remains essential for supporting economic development and reducing poverty across the country.

The Government of Malawi has prioritized universal energy access through national policies that encourage investment in renewable energy and off-grid solutions. The Ministry of Energy works with development partners and private companies to expand electricity access while promoting sustainable economic growth and greater resilience for rural communities.

Major Initiatives

One of the country’s largest initiatives, the Malawi Electricity Access Project (MEAP), brought together the Government of Malawi, the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM), and the World Bank to expand both national grid connections and solar home systems. The project exceeded its original goals, providing electricity access to nearly 2 million people and supporting the installation of nearly 257,000 solar home systems.

Solar energy has also created new economic opportunities through the Off-Grid Market Development fund, known locally as the Ngwee Ngwee Ngwee fund. The initiative has partnered with private solar companies to make renewable energy systems more affordable for low-income households and reached its initial goal of electrifying 200,000 households ahead of schedule. The program helps families and small businesses benefit from reliable electricity without waiting for national grid expansion.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Reliable electricity creates opportunities for entrepreneurship by allowing businesses to extend operating hours and adopt new technologies. Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) identifies decentralized renewable energy as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural communities where access to affordable electricity can support small enterprises and create new sources of income.

Women have also benefited from expanded energy access. According to the World Bank, female-headed households received 41% of the off-grid solar systems distributed through MEAP, exceeding the project’s original gender target. Access to electricity has enabled many women to establish phone-charging businesses and other small enterprises that generate additional household income.

Future Projects

Malawi continues to build on this progress through the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project. ESCOM and the Government of Malawi are implementing the initiative with World Bank support to increase national electricity access from 25.9% to 50% by 2030 while expanding clean and affordable energy solutions for households and businesses.

Solar energy is doing more than powering homes across Malawi. Investments from the Government of Malawi, the World Bank, ESCOM, SEforALL, and private-sector partners are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and helping improve quality of life. As renewable energy initiatives continue to expand, Malawi is building a more sustainable future where greater electricity access can help reduce poverty and support long-term economic growth.

– Archie Monton-Black

Archie is based in Bedford, UK and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Rawpixel

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4 Reasons Why Renewable Energy in Brunei Reduces Poverty

Renewable Energy in BruneiWith lush rainforests, a royal palace and an absolute monarchy, Brunei is Southeast Asia’s fourth-smallest country located on the north coast of Borneo. Known for its oil and gas reserves, accounting for around 90% of its exports, Brunei is turning to more renewable and sustainable energy to support its economy in the long term and build economic stability.

The Situation

Although Brunei is considered a high-income country, economic vulnerability still exists because its economy relies heavily on oil and gas. According to the World Bank, Brunei’s unemployment rate was approximately 5.3% in 2023. Brunei does not publish an official national poverty rate, and almost all households have access to electricity, thus there is no largely reported energy poverty rate. However, dependence on oil and gas leaves the country’s economy vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices, making economic diversification more and more important.

Although Brunei has one of the highest incomes in Southeast Asia, poverty and economic vulnerability still exist for some households due to the country’s heavy dependence on oil and gas. According to the World Bank, Brunei’s unemployment rate was about 4.9% in 2023, while fluctuations in global energy markets create long-term economic uncertainty. Expanding renewable energy in Brunei can help create a more diverse economy, improve employment opportunities and strengthen long-term economic stability.

Although renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy are mostly known for their environmental benefits, transitioning to renewable energy also helps alleviate poverty by diversifying economies, lowering energy costs and creating more job opportunities. The Energy Transition Division is advancing renewable energy in Brunei, which is leading the country’s shift toward cleaner energy.

Brunei’s renewable energy plans include solar energy projects, new national climate goals and renewable energy targets to support a more sustainable future. The government, through the Energy Transition Division, aims for 30% renewable electricity generation by 2035. One major initiative is the Temburong Smart City, launched as part of Brunei’s Smart Nation vision. The project combines solar power, smart grids and energy-efficient technology to improve sustainability while supporting economic development.

The Benefits

  • Creates New Jobs: Renewable energy efforts create jobs that provide stable incomes for workers in future industries. Some ways renewable energy in Brunei helps alleviate poverty are through creating jobs such as solar installers, engineers, construction workers, maintenance workers, technicians and other green industry careers, according to the United Nations. Brunei’s growing solar industry, including projects such as the Tenaga Suria Brunei solar power plant and new large-scale solar developments, requires engineers, technicians, maintenance workers and construction workers while supporting the country’s long-term energy transition.
  • Diversifies Brunei’s Economy: Increased use of renewable energy also helps alleviate poverty in Brunei by diversifying its economy. For decades, Brunei’s economy has relied heavily on oil and natural gas, making it vulnerable to changes in global energy prices. By investing in renewable energy, the country is creating new industries while encouraging investment in clean technology and innovation. A more diversified economy supports greater long-term employment and protects citizens from fluctuations in fossil fuel markets.
  • Lowers Energy Costs: The third way renewable energy decreases poverty in Brunei is by lowering the cost of energy over time. Although Brunei currently subsidizes electricity prices through its oil and gas revenues, renewable energy can reduce long-term electricity generation costs while helping the country rely less on fossil fuels.
  • Improves Rural Communities: The fourth and final way poverty is reduced in Brunei through renewable energy is by improving rural communities. One example is the Temburong Smart City initiative, which supports cleaner energy, smart infrastructure and sustainable development in one of Brunei’s most rural districts. The project aims to improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy and create better opportunities for businesses and residents while supporting long-term economic growth. Off-grid renewable energy also provides reliable electricity, improved education, better healthcare access and greater opportunities for small businesses according to ScienceDirect.

What Does This Mean for Brunei’s Future?

Although Brunei’s heavy reliance on oil and gas, along with renewable energy’s currently small share of electricity generation, presents challenges during the country’s energy transition, the benefits of expanding renewable energy and its growing number of successful projects outweigh these obstacles.

Brunei’s transition toward renewable energy in Brunei creates more than a greener future. It creates jobs, strengthens and diversifies the economy, provides long-term opportunities for rural communities and helps reduce poverty. As Brunei continues investing in clean energy, the country is building a stronger, more sustainable and more prosperous future.

– Kayla Moore

Kayla Moore is based in Lake Forest, Illinois, USA and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Solar Mamas Reduce Poverty in Zanzibar

Women assembling solar panels, showcasing Solar Mamas empowerment in Zanzibar. Poverty in ZanzibarAccess to electricity remains a challenge for many families in Zanzibar. According to Power Africa, only half of Zanzibar’s 1.6 million residents have access to electricity. Limited access to reliable energy affects education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities. Poverty also remains a significant challenge in Zanzibar. According to the World Bank, about 43% of the population in Tanzania lives below the international poverty line for lower-middle-income countries, making access to affordable energy and stable sources of income especially important. The Solar Mamas program is helping address these challenges by training women as solar engineers who bring renewable energy to underserved villages throughout the archipelago.

What Is the Solar Mamas Program?

The Solar Mamas initiative is part of Barefoot College International, an organization that trains women from rural communities as solar engineers regardless of their age or formal education. Participants complete several months of hands-on training before returning home with the skills needed to install, repair and maintain solar energy systems in their villages. The program focuses on women because they often play central roles in supporting their families and sharing knowledge throughout their communities.

Many rural communities in Zanzibar remain beyond the reach of reliable power infrastructure. Solar Mamas help close this gap by installing solar home systems that provide clean and dependable electricity. Access to electricity allows children to study after sunset, improves household safety and enables health care facilities to provide more reliable services.

The program also reduces families’ dependence on kerosene. Barefoot College reports that some rural households burn as much as 60 liters of kerosene each year for lighting. Replacing kerosene lamps with solar power lowers household energy costs while reducing indoor air pollution, creating both economic and health benefits for families.

Creating Economic Opportunities for Women

Beyond expanding access to electricity, the Solar Mamas program creates new economic opportunities for women. Graduates use their technical skills to install and maintain solar systems while earning an income and strengthening their financial independence. Many participants also train other community members, helping expand local expertise and creating additional employment opportunities.

Reliable electricity also supports local economic growth. Small businesses can stay open later, students have more time to complete schoolwork and health clinics can safely refrigerate medicines and vaccines. Together, these improvements strengthen communities and help create conditions that support long-term poverty reduction in Zanzibar.

Looking Ahead

Barefoot College Zanzibar has demonstrated measurable success since opening its regional training center in 2015. The organization has trained 65 women from Zanzibar as solar engineers. Those graduates have helped bring electricity to 1,858 households across 29 villages, expanding access to clean energy while creating new leadership and employment opportunities for women.

As Barefoot College continues to expand its programs across East Africa, the Solar Mamas initiative demonstrates how renewable energy can do more than provide electricity. By equipping women with technical skills and helping communities transition to sustainable energy, the program is improving education, supporting health care and creating lasting economic opportunities. Its success shows that investing in women and clean energy can play an important role in reducing poverty.

– Violette Bardouil

Violette is based in Paris, France and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Benefits of Expanding Solar Power in Nigeria

Solar power in NigeriaNigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa, yet millions of people still lack reliable access to electricity. According to the World Bank, approximately 129 million Nigerians, about 56% of the population, live below the national poverty line, making poverty one of the country’s greatest development challenges. Limited access to electricity exacerbates these challenges by restricting access to education, health care and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities. To address this issue, the Nigerian government and its partners have increasingly turned to solar energy as a practical solution. Through off-grid solar systems and mini-grids, renewable energy is expanding electricity access while supporting businesses, schools and health facilities across the country.

Bringing Electricity to Underserved Communities

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) leads many of the country’s renewable energy initiatives. Established to increase electricity access in underserved communities, the agency works with private companies to develop solar mini-grids, standalone solar home systems and other renewable energy projects. Rather than relying solely on expanding the national power grid, the REA focuses on decentralized energy systems that can provide reliable electricity to remote communities more quickly. The agency states that its mission is to improve quality of life and create economic opportunities by expanding access to affordable and sustainable electricity. Its work also encourages private-sector investment in renewable energy, helping to make projects financially sustainable.

The Nigeria Electrification Programme

One of Nigeria’s largest renewable energy initiatives is the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP). Launched in 2018 with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, the program seeks to increase electricity access for households, small businesses, schools and health facilities through renewable energy technologies. According to the program, it supports solar home systems, mini-grids and productive-use appliances while encouraging private-sector participation.

Since its launch, the NEP has provided electricity access to more than 7.8 million Nigerians, including 1.1 million households and approximately 470,000 female-headed households. The program has also supported more than 11,400 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and installed 94 megawatts of solar capacity. These projects help businesses remain open longer, reduce dependence on expensive diesel generators and improve access to essential services.

Supporting Education and Economic Growth

The use of solar power in Nigeria has benefits that extend beyond powering homes. Schools with dependable electricity can improve classroom learning through lighting, computers and internet access. Health clinics can refrigerate vaccines, operate medical equipment and provide care after sunset.

Solar energy also supports local economies. Small businesses can keep shops open later, power equipment and reduce operating costs associated with fuel-powered generators. According to the Rural Electrification Agency, many of its programs are designed specifically to improve productivity in sectors such as education, agriculture and small business development while creating an environment that encourages private investment.

Expanding Opportunities Through Partnerships

Public-private partnerships have played a major role in Nigeria’s solar expansion. Through the NEP, the government works with private developers to install solar home systems and mini-grids in communities that previously lacked reliable electricity. The REA also administers programs such as the Rural Electrification Fund and Solar Power Naija, which support companies that expand renewable energy access throughout the country.

Organizations such as Solar Sister have complemented these efforts by training women entrepreneurs to distribute clean energy products in underserved communities. These initiatives not only improve access to electricity but also create income-generating opportunities for local business owners.

Looking Ahead

Although challenges remain, including the need to expand electricity access to millions more Nigerians, solar power in Nigeria has become an increasingly important part of the country’s energy strategy. Government initiatives, international partnerships and private-sector investment continue to increase access to reliable electricity while supporting education, health care and economic development.

As Nigeria expands renewable energy infrastructure, solar technology is helping communities overcome longstanding barriers to electricity access. By powering homes, businesses, schools and health facilities, these investments demonstrate how renewable energy can contribute to poverty reduction and create new opportunities for long-term development.

– Camille Utter

Camille is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Notable USAID Programs in Mongolia

USAID Programs in MongoliaEven with its significant economic growth in recent decades, poverty remains a serious issue in Mongolia. According to the Asian Development Bank, 27.1% of the population—about 900,000 people—lived below the poverty line in 2022. The World Bank reports that while Mongolia’s economy grew by 6.9% in 2025, inflation also increased from 6.8% in 2024 to 8.6% in 2025. Higher food and energy costs have made everyday essentials more expensive, while global trade disruptions and the Third Gulf War could further slow economic growth.

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) recent launch of the five-year Mongolia Strategic Framework in 2023 aims to facilitate the country’s economic growth. As stated in a GoGo Mongolia article, the framework’s primary goals are to improve how democracy functions in Mongolia, strengthen its independence and expand its economy—goals that directly address the root causes of poverty in the country. Here are three specific USAID programs in Mongolia operating under this framework:

1. BEST

One of the key USAID programs in Mongolia is called the Business Excellence for Sustainability and Transparency (BEST) Program. USAID created this program in 2019 to help the country’s smaller businesses grow. The BEST program received $15 million in USAID funding to teach business owners how to handle their money, market their products and fill out loan paperwork. USAID especially wanted to reach two groups: businesswomen and business owners living in Mongolia’s countryside.

By December 2024, a news release from the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia stated that 5,397 small businesses acquired loans totaling $100.4 million through the program. These loans helped create more than 4,000 jobs. Women-led businesses received more than half of all loan funding, benefiting 3,005 female entrepreneurs. Another $500,000 went to 176 rural businesses, helping them buy new equipment and hire more workers.

By helping small businesses access financing and expand operations, the BEST program creates income opportunities for Mongolians. Its focus on women-led enterprises and rural businesses is particularly important because these groups often face greater barriers to economic opportunity and financial services. The creation of more than 4,000 jobs demonstrates how the program can help impoverished families improve their financial stability.

2. MEG

Another of the USAID programs in Mongolia focuses on the country’s struggling energy sector. Mongolia relies heavily on old coal plants that cannot keep up with demand, forcing the government to buy power from Russia and China. Though the nation has plenty of sun and wind for clean energy, the coal industry has blocked progress. This has contributed to the rising air pollution in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. In 2022, USAID launched the Mongolia Energy Governance (MEG) activity in collaboration with Abt Global to fix these issues.

The program works with the government and energy companies to make the power sector more secure by encouraging private investment, developing contingency plans and adopting clean energy technology. So far, MEG has shown real results. The Abt Global 2024 report says 1,727 people have received direct help from the program, 40% being women. With MEG’s help, Mongolia strives to make all of its own electricity by 2030 and sell clean power to neighboring countries by 2040.

Reliable and affordable electricity is integral to poverty reduction. When power shortages occur, households and businesses face higher costs and fewer economic opportunities. By advocating for cleaner, more reliable energy sources, the MEG activity strengthens access to dependable electricity, minimizing disruptions to the economy and reducing pollution that disproportionately affects lower-income communities.

3. CRC

A third USAID program in Mongolia is the Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) project, which helped Mongolians prepare for climate-related disasters through improved disaster planning and climate-smart agriculture. Funded by USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, the project operated in Ulaanbaatar and the provinces of Dornod, Dundgobi, Dornogobi, Gobi-Altai and Uvs before ending early in March 2025 due to a U.S. government Stop Work Order.

Despite the early shutdown, the project directly benefited 65,666 people and supported 29 community-led disaster preparedness projects involving 4,217 participants, according to World Vision Mongolia. The project also helped herders grow their own animal feed through soil-free planting methods. Four herder groups received training and $201,576 in equipment, harvesting more than 40 tons of livestock feed that helped animals survive harsh winter conditions.

Climate disasters can push vulnerable families deeper into poverty by killing livestock and reducing agricultural production. Because many rural Mongolians depend on herding and farming for income, improving disaster preparedness can help protect households from economic setbacks. The CRC project preserved an important source of income and food for rural families, ensuring that they won’t be susceptible to poverty-causing weather conditions.

Why It Matters

These three programs demonstrate the benefit of a long-term effort like the Mongolia Strategic Framework. For Mongolia, a country facing challenges in jobs, energy and climate, this support makes a real difference. That is why USAID programs in Mongolia matter. They help the country build a more resilient future that can benefit the U.S., opening new markets for American products and maintaining a stronger standing for democracy in Asia. With continued funding, Mongolia can thrive.

– Melody Ruiz

Melody Ruiz is based in the Bronx, NY and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

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