Archive for category: Employment

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How the World Bank’s Financing Could Support Farmers in Congo

World Bank's Financing
In August 2026, the World Bank Group approved $60 million in financing for the poultry and aquaculture industries in the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville. The Poultry and Aquaculture Development Project aims to boost the competitiveness and resilience of these value chains. The World Bank’s financing is expected to boost local food production, create jobs and strengthen climate resilience.

Why is This Financing Needed?

In Congo-Brazzaville, a major poultry supply shortfall exists. Poultry imports were worth approximately $222 million in 2024, and domestic producers compete with imports from the United States, Brazil, Turkey and Poland. According to International Aquafeed’s reporting on World Bank project documents, imported poultry meat can reach the market at under $1,000 per metric ton, while local production costs can exceed $2,000 per metric ton.

Farmers Review Africa, citing the World Bank, reports that local poultry meat production meets only 0.4% of annual domestic demand.

Aquaculture also has room to develop. FAO data recorded 207 metric tons of aquaculture production in 2017. This is a historical figure, rather than a measure of production today.

In October 2026, Africanews reported that overfishing and pollution contributed to fish shortages in the Republic of Congo. It described giant catfish costing more than 7,000 CFA francs, compared with a minimum wage of 50,000 CFA francs, putting them beyond the reach of many low-income households. The report, citing FAO, put average fish consumption at about 25 kilograms per person each year and described aquaculture as a possible way to improve access.

The World Bank’s financing is expected to help domestic producers compete with imports by addressing obstacles such as limited access to finance, inadequate inputs, weak infrastructure and insufficient technical skills.

How is the $60 Million Set to Be Distributed?

International Aquafeed reports the following planned allocations: $23 million for competitively priced maize and soybeans for feed and commercial feed processing; $3 million for quality fingerlings and day-old chicks; and $2 million for technical skills, alongside upgrades to four agricultural stations as technology and innovation centers.

Farmers Review Africa also reports $12 million for productive, climate-resilient infrastructure in eight Protected Agricultural Zones, including power, solar energy, cold chains and digital connectivity; $9 million for policy and regulation; and $5 million for finance, agricultural insurance and digital services.

The project is also expected to provide grants for feed-production investments and help small and medium-sized feed manufacturers improve business planning and financial management. These measures could improve farmers’ resilience, but insurance and infrastructure cannot eliminate business or climate risks.

What Could This Money Provide?

The World Bank expects the project to generate more and better jobs for farmers, entrepreneurs, processors, traders and service providers, with particular attention to women and young people.

This focus matters for the Republic of Congo’s young population. A U.N. population projection puts the country’s median age at 18.7 years in 2026. World Bank data, using modeled ILO estimates, put youth unemployment at 40.5% in 2025. This measures unemployed people as a share of the labor force ages 15–24, rather than all young people. Creating opportunities in agribusiness could help more young people earn an income.

Looking Ahead

The World Bank’s financing aims to support a more diversified and resilient economy through stronger local food production. If it helps farmers become more competitive and expands opportunities to earn an income, it could contribute to poverty reduction. Its impact will depend on how effectively the planned investments are delivered and sustained.

– Malachi Thompson

Malachi is based in Birmingham, West Midlands, England and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Ways to Protect Factory Workers in China from Exploitation

Factory workers in China assembling electronics at a production line in a factory.
Documented labor violations in parts of China’s manufacturing sector include excessive overtime and the misuse of dispatch workers hired through temporary labor agencies. In a September 2025 investigation of Foxconn’s Zhengzhou factory, China Labor Watch reported that most workers worked 60 to 75 hours per week and that dispatch workers exceeded half the workforce. These findings pertain to a particular factory, rather than describing all factory workers in China.

Social Insurance

China’s social insurance system includes pension, medical, unemployment, work-related injury and maternity insurance. Mandatory schemes do not ensure every worker is enrolled or receives every benefit. Pension insurance provides retirement benefits, medical insurance covers part of eligible health care costs and unemployment insurance supports eligible workers who lose their jobs. Employers fund work-related injury insurance for workplace injuries. Maternity insurance has merged with medical insurance in many cities.

Access to Legal Aid

The Legal Aid Law of the People’s Republic of China provides a route to legal advice and assistance for workers. Legal aid institutions offer advice through service windows, hotlines and the internet. The law took effect Jan. 1, 2022, and allows representation in labor-dispute mediation and arbitration. People facing financial hardship may apply for assistance with labor-remuneration claims, confirmation of employment relationships, social-insurance claims and compensation for occupational injuries or diseases, subject to the law’s requirements.

Worker Representation and Legal Standards

Representation operates through the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) system. A 2011 working paper published by the International Labour Organization described the ACFTU as China’s sole legal trade union organization and examined its ties to the party-state. This analysis highlights the distinction between formal representation and independent worker organization.

China’s Labor Law sets out rights to remuneration, rest, occupational safety and social insurance. Article 36 describes an eight-hour day and an average maximum of 44 hours a week; separate standard-working-hour rules use a 40-hour week. Overtime is regulated separately, with a general monthly limit of 36 hours and specified exceptions. These are legal protections, rather than proof that all workers receive the pay, hours and safety measures they are entitled to.

Supply-Chain Measures

The Fair Labor Association has documented forced-labor risks in supply chains connected to Xinjiang. The U.S. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act establishes a rebuttable presumption against importing goods made wholly or partly in Xinjiang or by listed entities, unless the applicable requirements for an exception are met. The EU has also adopted a regulation prohibiting products made with forced labor from its market; those rules apply from Dec. 14, 2027.

Protecting Household Security

Unpaid wages, unsafe conditions, lack of social-insurance enrollment and difficulty enforcing labor rights can threaten household income and economic security. Legal aid can help eligible low-income individuals access remedies, while social insurance is designed to protect against risks such as sickness, injury and job loss. These mechanisms offer ways to protect factory workers in China, but their value depends on access and enforcement.

– Stephanie Ou

Stephanie is based in San Jose, California/Santa Clara County, United States and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Solar-Powered Mini-Grids Are Expanding Opportunity in Nigeria’s Oke-Oyi Community

People gathered around a solar-powered mini grid installation in Oke-Oyi, Nigeria.
Located on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is home to diverse people and cultures. Nigeria’s population was estimated at 237.5 million in 2025, according to UNFPA. A country supporting a population this large, and covering more than 350,000 square miles, needs the ability to continuously expand infrastructure, agriculture and promote positive civilian life. There are numerous technological advancements that can help address many different barriers linked to poverty in Africa’s most populous nation. Here is information on how solar-powered mini-grids are expanding opportunity in Nigeria’s Oke-Oyi community.

What Are Solar-Powered Mini-Grids?

In 2024, nearly 40% of Nigeria’s population lacked access to electricity. According to the World Bank Group, the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) has been working on this issue. It supported the preparation and implementation of the Nigeria Electrification Project from 2018 to 2024. Investment in Nigeria’s solar hybrid mini-grids also increased. From 2018 to 2024, this project supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of over a million solar home systems. More than 5.5 million Nigerians gained access to electricity. The African Development Bank-backed Nigeria Electrification Project aims to provide electricity to households, small and medium-sized enterprises and public institutions in a timely, cost-effective manner. Its planned completion date is Dec. 31, 2026. It also targets increased opportunities for women.

The Oke-Oyi Community’s Solar-Powered Mini-Grid Project

According to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the federal government has commissioned an interconnected solar mini-grid project in Oke-Oyi Community of the Kwara State in Nigeria. With support from the European Union, the project has installed 1,336 solar panels and 84 batteries to support the electrical distribution network. This intervention is already supporting economic activity in Oke-Oyi, with new businesses like welding, pure water companies and grain mills. Minister of Power Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe praised the project, “The purpose of electrification is ultimately to improve lives and create opportunities. What we are commissioning today in Oke-Oyi is an investment in the productive capacity of the community. When electricity enables a welder to expand his business, a grain miller to operate more efficiently or a new enterprise to emerge, we are seeing the direct connection between energy access and economic development.”

The Oke-Oyi community not only benefits economically, but the construction phase of the solar-powered mini-grid project also provided jobs for community members. Welders, bricklayers, iron benders, tilers, plumbers, borehole diggers and excavation laborers were engaged in this project. Tegbe explained how expanding electricity access directly translates into improved livelihood and economic opportunity.

The Oke-Oyi community expressed its deep gratitude to the REA, the federal government and development partners. A community leader said at the commissioning, “Today is a day of joy for the people of Oke-Oyi. We have longed for reliable electricity to improve our lives and economic activities, and we are already seeing new businesses emerge in our community. On behalf of our people, we assure all stakeholders of our full cooperation in protecting this project and ensuring that it continues to serve our community.”

Legacy and Impact

Projects like this will aid Nigeria’s effort to support sustainable energy for all. The REA and federal government serve as examples for the rest of the country. The Oke-Oyi interconnected solar mini-grid project is certainly a start. Its goal is to allow access to sustainable energy, create new jobs and foster stronger relationships between the federal government and local communities. This is not the only example. This is just the beginning of Nigeria’s journey for efficient, environmentally friendly and accessible energy for all.

– Joe Laino

Joe is based in Providence, RI and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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French Language Programs Help Refugees Find Jobs in France

Adults in a classroom setting, engaging in a French language program.
A Ukrainian journalist who once worked in television news took a job in a French warehouse. A former business owner who fled her country with her husband and three children found work as a cleaner. Both are refugees in France. A French language instructor who taught them told The Borgen Project that their experiences point to a barrier refugees can face: without strong French, professional experience gained abroad can be difficult to put to use. French language programs, from workplace classes to national training schemes, aim to help refugees overcome that barrier.

Refugees are part of a broader group of migrants who face employment barriers. Among non-EU citizens ages 20-64 living in the European Union, unemployment fell from 20% in 2015 to 12.3% in 2025, according to Eurostat, yet it still remains nearly two and a half times the 5.2% rate recorded for nationals.

In France, 36% of refugees who received their first residence permit in 2009 had a low level of French proficiency when surveyed in 2010, according to a 2018 study by DARES, the research and statistics department of the Ministry of Labor.

Outcomes also differ by group. Refugee women are more likely than refugee men to be unemployed in France, and many refugees who were employed in their countries of origin end up accepting lower-skilled jobs once they arrive, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency.

Inside a Workplace French Language Program

Workplace French language programs are one way companies support the refugees they hire. The instructor, who taught workplace classes for refugees employed by a private company in France, requested anonymity to protect the identities of the refugee employees and the company involved. The program combined language lessons with administrative support, including help with residence permits, transportation and employment contracts, the instructor said.

Each class centered on a practical theme, such as grocery shopping, paired with listening exercises, grammar games, short role-playing scenes and simple writing tasks tied to daily life. The company also organized “French déj,” or French lunches, where only French was spoken regardless of participants’ level, giving refugee workers a chance to hear everyday conversation and break the ice with colleagues they did not work with directly. The instructor said participants’ confidence grew day by day.

Employment Rises Over Time

One year after obtaining refugee status in France, 42% of refugees are employed, while 22% remain unemployed and 19% are inactive and not in education, according to a 2022 study that UNHCR cited. Another study published in 2024, which followed people granted protection in 2018, indicates that 63% were employed four years after obtaining status.

Isolation Compounds the Challenge

Beyond language, the instructor said navigating French bureaucracy, adjusting to a new culture and being separated from family create ongoing strain for refugees, who often seek out others from their home regions to combat loneliness.

Refugees face compounded disadvantages because of displacement experiences and legal uncertainties, on top of the language barriers, skill downgrading and legal obstacles that hinder migrants generally, according to a 2024 European Parliament policy study.

A National Program Expands Language Access

The HOPE program, launched in 2017 by AFPA, France’s national agency for adult vocational training, combines 400 hours of French instruction and an introduction to a trade with 450 hours of trade training. Training is delivered through a work-study or temporary-work contract, in fields where employers have unfilled positions. Participants also receive housing, meals and administrative, social and medical support throughout the program.

The program grew out of a May 2017 pilot project for 200 migrants from Calais, the site of the camp known as “the Jungle,” and expanded into a national initiative with an initial target of training 1,000 refugees. According to AFPA, two experiments that year in the Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France regions produced strong early results: 71% of participants earned a certification and 62% were employed by the end of training.

By October 2021, the program had trained more than 3,000 refugees across France, according to the Pays de la Loire regional prefecture. In that region, the prefecture reported a 93% job-placement rate, a regional result rather than a national one.

Both the workplace initiative and the HOPE program combine French language programs with practical support, ranging from administrative assistance to housing and meals in HOPE’s case. Without the language, the instructor said, refugees become invisible and lose recognition of their social standing. Even small acts of help can mean an enormous amount to people who often carry painful life stories, the instructor added.

– Naveeshaa Rengasamy

Naveeshaa is based in Lille, France and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Innovations in Poverty Reduction in Latvia Show Progress

Poverty Reduction in Latvia
Latvia has made progress in reducing some forms of deprivation, but poverty continues to affect a significant portion of the population. In 2024, approximately 404,000 people, or 22% of Latvia’s population, were at risk of poverty. For a person living alone, this meant having a monthly disposable income below €699. Poverty also varies greatly depending on where people live. In the Latgale region, 35.8% of residents were at risk of poverty, compared with 15.6% in the Riga region.

Alongside innovations in poverty reduction in Latvia, material living conditions have improved. In 2024, 10.9% of the population experienced material and social deprivation, down 2.6 percentage points from 2023. Severe material and social deprivation also fell to 5.3%, the lowest level recorded by Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau.

Current Status

Despite recent improvements in material deprivation, income inequality and poverty remain challenges in Latvia. In 2024, the average monthly disposable income per household member was €950. However, people in the poorest 20% of households had an average monthly disposable income of only €317 per household member, compared with €2,084 among the wealthiest 20%.

Certain regions and groups also experience poverty at different rates. Latgale, located in eastern Latvia, had the country’s highest regional at-risk-of-poverty rate at 35.8% in 2024. Meanwhile, Latvia’s national at-risk-of-poverty rate was 22%.

Children are another important group when examining poverty. According to Latvia’s Central Statistical Bureau, 17.9% of children ages 17 and younger were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the 2024 survey, which refers to 2023 income. This was substantially lower than the 30.7% recorded in the 2015 survey, which refers to 2014 income, demonstrating measurable long-term progress while also showing that child poverty has not disappeared.

Addressing Minimum Wage

One of the innovations in poverty reduction in Latvia is changing how its minimum-income system works. Previously, minimum-income thresholds were set at fixed amounts and reviewed only once every three years. Under a reform introduced in 2023, Latvia established a minimum-income floor connected to the country’s median income and introduced annual indexation. This allows minimum-income support to be adjusted more regularly as incomes and economic conditions change. In 2025, the guaranteed minimum income threshold was increased from 20% to 22% of median income.

The Social Climate Plan

Another approach combines poverty reduction with improvements to housing and transportation. In July 2026, the European Commission endorsed Latvia’s €617 million Social Climate Plan. Running through 2032, the plan is designed to support low- and lower-middle-income households that are particularly affected by energy and transportation costs.

One major part of the plan focuses on energy poverty. Vulnerable households will be able to receive support of up to €15,000 for energy-efficiency improvements to apartments and up to €20,000 for houses. Municipalities will also be able to improve the energy efficiency of social housing. Latvia’s plan identifies approximately 351,000 households as vulnerable to or already experiencing energy poverty.

The program also takes an innovative approach to transportation poverty, particularly in rural areas where public transportation can be limited. Plans include transportation-on-demand services in rural and remote communities, five new battery-electric trains and free bicycle-sharing programs at 97 schools. By 2032, the plan aims to move nearly 10,000 vulnerable households out of energy poverty and close to 83,000 vulnerable transportation users out of transportation poverty.

European Social Fund Plus

Latvia is also using European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) funding to address poverty through employment, education and social services. The European Union is investing €721 million in ESF+ funding in Latvia. The funding supports affordable social services, health care, community-based long-term care, education and training. It also supports programs for job seekers and people at risk of unemployment.

The program specifically includes efforts to integrate people at risk of poverty and provide food and basic necessities to vulnerable populations. These investments are intended to contribute to Latvia’s goal of reducing the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion by nearly 95,000 by 2030.

Conclusion

Recent statistics show measurable improvements in some aspects of poverty in Latvia. Material and social deprivation fell to 10.9% in 2024, its lowest recorded level, while the share of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion declined from 30.7% in the 2015 survey to 17.9% in the 2024 survey. However, 22% of Latvia’s overall population remained at risk of poverty in 2024, and substantial regional differences remain.

Innovations in poverty reduction in Latvia address several dimensions of poverty rather than focusing exclusively on income. Annual adjustments to minimum-income support can make social assistance more responsive to economic conditions, while new investments target energy-efficient housing, transportation access, employment, education and social services. The €617 million Social Climate Plan and €721 million in ESF+ funding represent two large-scale efforts aimed at vulnerable households and communities. Their long-term results will depend on implementation, but their specific targets provide measurable benchmarks for tracking Latvia’s progress in reducing poverty.

– Smira Chowdhary

Smira is based in Sammamish, WA, USA and focuses on Good News, and Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How a Dumpling Business is Supporting Rural Employment in Kyrgyzstan

Rural Employment in Kyrgyzstan
“Everyone should strive for their dream and do everything possible to achieve it.”

Maksat Kydyrzhan uulu, an emerging entrepreneur in rural Kyrgyzstan, is living these words every day.

From watching production workshops to starting a small pop-up cafe with his wife, Maksat became inspired to start a business of his own. After attending training sessions and receiving a small grant supported by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), his dreams became more achievable. These efforts eventually led to the creation of Min-Bulak village’s own small dumpling business.

Poverty in Rural Kyrgyzstan

Employment in rural Kyrgyzstan relies heavily on agriculture. According to World Bank data based on ILO estimates, agriculture accounted for 16% of total employment in 2024. Much of the country’s agricultural production comes from small household farms, and limited modernization has contributed to ongoing food insecurity, particularly in rural communities.

A large portion of the poorest households do not have access to enough food. This insufficiency can reduce people’s energy and ability to work. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan has relatively few major exports and has not fully developed resources such as coal and gold, limiting opportunities for economic growth.

Many people, particularly in rural communities, also have difficulty accessing bank loans, credit assessments and other financial services. These barriers make it much harder for entrepreneurs to start or expand businesses.

Although poverty has decreased in recent years, falling from 29.8% in 2023 to 25.7% in 2024, this economic growth has not benefited everyone equally. Lower-income households experienced less consumption growth than middle- and higher-income households.

Additionally, gender inequalities still persist in Kyrgyzstan. Boys and girls generally have similar access to services and developmental outcomes in early childhood, but gender norms become much more restrictive as children grow older.

About 12% of women aged 20-49 were married before age 18, with higher rates among marginalized communities. Social expectations also force women to take on more household responsibilities rather than encourage them to seek employment in other sectors.

Addressing the Challenges

Job creation is an important pathway out of poverty. The private sector is an important driver of job creation, particularly through small and medium-sized businesses. However, entrepreneurs in poorer countries often struggle to access the financing needed to start or expand businesses.

The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) supports efforts to reduce investment risks and broaden financing opportunities. An IDA-supported project in Kyrgyzstan has helped expand access to finance for more than 100,000 people and businesses.

These efforts are particularly important for small businesses, which can create jobs and income opportunities within their own communities and support rural employment in Kyrgyzstan.

Supporting entrepreneurs can also help women enter the workforce and become business owners, addressing many of the gender-related employment barriers.

Economic development can also benefit countries beyond Kyrgyzstan. As individuals earn more income and local economies grow, countries can become stronger trading partners and create new markets for goods and services.

Maksat’s Impact

Maksat’s small dumpling business created four local jobs, including three positions for women in Min-Bulak, giving them an opportunity to earn income while staying close to home and their families. His business is one example of how small-scale entrepreneurship can support rural employment in Kyrgyzstan.

By selling dumplings in Min-Bulak, nearby villages and Talas, Maksat not only provides a stable source of income for his family but also contributes to the local economy. He is also planning to expand his business beyond dumplings, introducing “meatballs, cutlets, and other semi-finished products,” which could create even more jobs.

Next Steps

Maksat’s story shows how a relatively small investment in one entrepreneur can create opportunities far beyond one person. His business has already created local jobs, provided women with employment and brought new economic activity to his community.

Continuing to support entrepreneurs like Maksat will be important for expanding these opportunities across rural Kyrgyzstan. The IDA Private Sector Window has global job-creation and lending targets, but these are not forecasts for Kyrgyzstan.

With continued access to financing, training, and resources, more entrepreneurs can turn small ideas into sustainable businesses. Maksat’s dumpling workshop is proof that when entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to dream, their success can help strengthen local economies and allow entire communities to grow.

– Diya Rajkumar

Diya is based in Redmond, Washington, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Move Toward Inclusive Employment in Belarus

Inclusive Employment in Belarus
Belarus, situated in Eastern Europe, is a post-Soviet country that borders Russia, Ukraine and EU countries. The overall rate of unemployment has improved over the last two decades, but inclusive employment in Belarus remains an issue. While the general rate of unemployment in the country was about 3.5% in 2025, for those with disabilities it was much higher at 16.5%. However, signs indicate that things are moving in the right direction. Multiple initiatives, funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), are making workplaces more accessible and opening up new opportunities to help unemployed disabled people into work. It provides useful models that show how greater inclusive employment opportunities are possible.

The Work of the UNDP in Belarus

The United Nations Development Program has operated in Belarus since 1992. The agreement was to support economic development and promote social progress and better standards of life. One way it accomplishes this is through funding programs that equip those with different kinds of disabilities with tools for the workplace. These programs aim to expand opportunities for skills development, employment and social inclusion.

Dobra Kava

Dobra Kava, translated as “Good Coffee” in Belarusian, is a coffee roasting company based in Chojniki, Gomel region. Wheelchair users created the business, and its workshops are fully accessible. Founded in 2022, EU and UNDP support has been important in bringing this idea to life. By expanding beyond this region, Dobra Kava joined an international e-commerce marketplace, Ozon, allowing its coffee to reach more people. The knowledge these entrepreneurs have gained is now reaching others interested in selling products on online marketplaces through a “roadmap” they have made publicly available. Dobra Kava is an example of a business paving the way for the expansion of inclusive employment in Belarus. Its experience shows how accessible workplaces and digital tools can create employment opportunities, although it does not demonstrate a national decline in unemployment.

3D Printing and Animation Programs

Based in Luninets in the Brest region, a 3D printing program provides disabled people with opportunities to gain new skills. The initiative aims to help participants develop skills applicable to self-employment. The program also provides access to a community where people can share similar experiences. Another program, based in Grodno, teaches young people with intellectual disabilities skills in animation. It provides a space to collaborate and work together while learning new skills. Both initiatives show that, moving forward, programs are in place to not just help disabled people into employment, but also to provide a sense of social inclusion and value as part of a community. This is particularly important in smaller villages, like Luninets, where opportunities are more limited for those with disabilities.

Moving Forward

From building accessible workplaces to creating programs that teach useful digital skills, inclusive employment in Belarus is becoming a more achievable goal. The funding and support from the UNDP continue to play an important role in encouraging this move. Although these programs remain relatively small-scale, entrepreneurs, such as those who created Dobra Kava, lead the way in showing how creating inclusive employment opportunities is not just an aspirational goal but truly achievable.

– Madeleine Davey

Madeleine is based in Sheffield, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions, and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Top 3 Winners of the Millennium: Tertiary Sector and Poverty Reduction

Tertiary Sector
The world entered the 2000s with hope; the 1900s had seen the largest conflicts in history and devastating pandemics. Nations and people have made efforts to improve the world. Rwanda, Bangladesh and Vietnam provide examples of substantial poverty reduction since the turn of the millennium.

Rather than ranking countries against each other, this article examines different routes toward improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.

In June 2025, the World Bank updated its international extreme-poverty line from $2.15 (2017 purchasing-power-parity dollars) to $3.00 (2021 purchasing-power-parity dollars), drawing on new price data and revised national poverty lines. Older data using the $2.15 measure should be identified separately rather than directly combined with newer estimates.

Rwanda

Rwanda faced one of the worst atrocities in history during the Rwandan Genocide. After gaining independence from Belgium and later separating from Burundi, Rwanda became a free republic in 1962. The rural share of Rwanda’s population remained around 97% from 1962 until the 1994 genocide. The genocide included looting, destruction and a lack of maintenance on critical infrastructure; this culminated in a steep drop in the economy of an already poor country.

Since the turn of the millennium Rwanda has reduced the proportion of its population living under the extreme poverty line from 82% to 38% in 2023. Part of the reduction is in the shift to the tertiary sector, which makes up more than half of the country’s total GDP since 2024.

The tertiary sector has a complex relationship with poverty reduction. While it requires workers to have education or skills, which alienates the most impoverished, with proper implementation it absorbs surplus labor in less heavily qualified sectors such as agriculture. In Rwanda’s case, investment in education has been associated with a net enrollment rate of 98% in primary education. This has broadened the availability of the tertiary sector and allowed lower-income families to enter the sector. Alongside this, the increased pay leads to increased taxation, providing the government with more funds to allocate to programs such as Vision 2020. The program aims to develop Rwanda into a knowledge-based economy.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh started as East Pakistan in 1947 after the partition of the British Raj, and after decades of ill treatment its people rebelled in 1971. The country survived a genocide, which most U.N. member states do not recognize, before forming Bangladesh as an independent nation. A history of oppression has contributed to Bangladeshi poverty, similar to Rwanda; however, Bangladesh faces even further struggles with overpopulation and climate crisis. Heavy flooding routinely strikes Bangladesh, which sits only 10 meters above sea level on average. These two issues would challenge a fully developed economy, let alone a still developing nation.

Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has made substantial progress against poverty. The World Bank estimated extreme poverty at 5% in 2022 using the former $2.15 international poverty line, while warning that revised survey methods limit direct comparison with older rounds.

Job creation affects the reduction, with the tertiary sector making up 51% of the GDP and employing 39% of Bangladesh’s workforce. In real numbers, industry added 9.4 million jobs, compared with 21.2 million in the service sector. This has received assistance from the Primary Education Stipend Project, which provides food to mothers with the stipulation that their children maintain an 85% school attendance rate. This provides an educated workforce for the country and offers a route out of poverty.

Vietnam

Vietnam has a troubled history, defeating three superpowers in the previous century to ensure independence. Occupation left Vietnam fractured, and the civil war divided it. Alongside these issues, Vietnam has also had to battle the elements, with the monsoon season and regular typhoons flooding the country. To this day Vietnam struggles with education, with a survey in 2021 finding that only 58% of students completed high school-level education.

Since 1986, Vietnam has continued the Đổi Mới program, which means “Restoration.” The program focuses on international trade and shifts Vietnam from socialist autarky toward a liberated private sector. This shift transformed Vietnam from a country that suffered food shortages into one of the world’s largest rice exporters. These changes reduced poverty from 43% in 2002 (there is no data for 2000) to just 1.6% in 2022. Vietnam’s consistent 6.5% economic growth from 1986 to 2009 ranks among the highest rates within developing countries. These reforms helped create conditions associated with substantial poverty reduction.

Conclusion

While Rwanda, Bangladesh and Vietnam continue to face challenges, their experiences show how sustained economic and social development can help reduce poverty. Rwanda and Bangladesh highlight the importance of investment in education and the expansion of the service sector, while Vietnam’s experience shows how economic reform and international trade can transform a country’s economic opportunities. Although these approaches differ, they share a common theme: reducing poverty requires more than economic growth; it also requires opportunities for people to participate in and benefit from that growth.

– Eoin Baxter Mackay

Eoin is based in Prestwick and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Boom of Freelancing in Pakistan

Freelancing in PakistanFreelancing in Pakistan has experienced one of the largest surges in recent years. Pakistani freelancers earned $557 million in foreign exchange during the first half of fiscal year 2025-26. Pakistan has 2.3 million active freelancers, ranking it among the top five freelancing countries in the world. The government has introduced several policies to support young freelancers, and the chief of the Pakistan Freelancers Association, Ibrahim Amin, states that this continual progress could lead to generating up to $3 billion in exports in a few years.

Freelancing provides citizens with opportunities to work remotely and earn dollar-denominated income, benefiting some unemployed young people. The rise in the gig economy emerged after the 2008 financial crisis, as people took on part-time jobs to meet basic needs. The online hiring system is less expensive and allows a greater range of applicants to apply for jobs, giving women and unemployed youth more opportunities while they stay at home.

Government Efforts and Poverty Reduction

The government has provided freelancers with a tax incentive to route payments through the country’s banking system. Freelancers registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) pay only a 0.25% tax on foreign gains. The government has focused on improving freelancing prospects due to the high 11.4% unemployment rate among youth by creating the 2023 Freelancing Policy. The PSEB has also invested in digital skills. Reports indicate that most freelancers earn around $200 to $800 a month. The Software Export Board teaches new skills ranging from creative design to SEO.

Freelancing offers an alternative source of income outside sectors such as agriculture, which can be vulnerable to weather and other natural conditions. It provides a more stable opportunity by teaching new skills so people can escape poverty. Pakistan Tech Destination has 600,000 IT professionals registered, and PNY training teaches skills like jewelry making to help locals earn their keep. Global markets also connect rural populations, increasing the number of laborers earning higher than the minimum wage.

A New Opportunity for Women

Researchers reported that women’s workforce participation was 24% in 2014. After COVID-19, a shift toward IT marketing and online work gained popularity. Freelancing provides new opportunities for women in Pakistan, where it is culturally challenging for them to work in offices. Freelancing allows for flexible shifts, enabling women to balance house chores and family responsibilities.

Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork and PeoplePerHour have emerged, offering courses with important skills for women to improve their earnings. Some research estimates that women make up 15-25% of Pakistan’s freelancers. Freelancing offers women greater flexibility and access to income, although participation and earnings vary. It provides household income security and gradually enhances economic security for the country.

Future Prospects

Freelancing could contribute to Pakistan’s economic opportunities and help broaden access to income beyond major urban job markets. It might lead to a reduction in poverty with an increase in training centers for local people and tax incentives for freelancers to acquire earnings through formal banking systems. The government could recognize the advantages of this developing sector and aim to provide opportunities to address the lack of jobs in Pakistan.

– Eshal Fatima

Eshal is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Business and New Markets, Good News, Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Creating Jobs for Rural Youth in the Dominican Republic

Rural Youth in the Dominican Republic
Rural youth in the Dominican Republic often have fewer job opportunities. According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), many young people in rural areas work in part-time and low-paid jobs. They also have limited access to job training, financial services and better employment opportunities. PRORURAL Joven is working to change this. The project aims to help 18,600 young people find jobs, become entrepreneurs or start small businesses. Officially known as the Productive Inclusion and Resilience of Poor Rural Youth Project, it aims to reduce poverty among young people living in rural areas and improve the quality of life for their families. The project focuses on helping young people find employment or become entrepreneurs while also helping families become more resilient to economic, social and climate-related challenges.

Training Young People for Jobs

One of the project’s main areas of work is its employment program. In July 2026, the Dominican government announced a new agreement that will provide technical and vocational training to more than 13,600 young people from rural communities over the next three years. The training is being developed through the country’s National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training, known as INFOTEP. The training focuses on skills that can help young people find real jobs. It also supports those who want to work for themselves or start a small business. This gives rural youth more ways to earn money and build a better future in their communities.

PRORURAL Joven also helps rural youth in the Dominican Republic who want to start their own businesses. The project provides training and support to help turn ideas into income-generating opportunities. It focuses on both finding a job and creating a job. This approach is especially useful in rural areas where work opportunities may be scarce. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, the project can help young people earn an income while staying in their communities. The project also aims to help young people develop business ideas and access financial services. This support can assist not only in starting a business but also in growing it over time. Entrepreneurship can become a way for young people living in rural areas to earn a more stable income.

Investing in Rural Youth

PRORURAL Joven is supported by the Dominican government and IFAD. IFAD lists the overall project cost at approximately $33.38 million, including $13.85 million in IFAD financing and additional funding from international and national partners. The project is part of an effort to increase the economic mobility of rural youth. IFAD says PRORURAL Joven is working to improve access to decent employment while helping young people strengthen their businesses. In 2026, the project has continued expanding its work. A national coordination effort announced in May included plans for 172 workshops designed to strengthen the project’s reach and connect vulnerable rural youth with services and opportunities.

A Path Through More Stable Incomes

PRORURAL Joven shows how job training and entrepreneurship can be used together to address rural poverty. For thousands of young people in the Dominican Republic, learning practical skills or receiving support to start a business could provide a path toward a more stable income. The planned training of more than 13,600 rural youth in the Dominican Republic gives the project a chance to reach more young people. By connecting training with jobs and entrepreneurship, PRORURAL Joven is helping young people create new opportunities for themselves while also supporting their families and communities. The project combines job training and entrepreneurship to assist young people in rural areas. Learning useful skills can help them find work, while support for small businesses can provide another way to earn money. For rural youth in the Dominican Republic, these opportunities can make it easier to build a more stable future.

Looking Ahead

There is still more work to be done, but projects like PRORURAL Joven demonstrate what is possible when young people receive the right support and opportunities. With more training and access to jobs, thousands of young people can improve their lives and build a better future without leaving their communities.

– Mert Sungur

Mert is based in Bursa/Turkey and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash