Archive for category: Innovations

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From Voice to Value: Data of TracFM Produces Change in Uganda

TracFMIn the hills and towns of Uganda, a quiet revolution is taking place over the airwaves. Across Africa, interactive radio shows have long allowed citizens to voice their concerns, but in Uganda, a tech-for-good organization called TracFM is taking it further. It’s pioneering a program that keeps the conversation going, turning public feedback into real action.

The nonprofit’s key innovation is not the radio show itself. It has software that transforms thousands of scattered opinions from SMS messages into clear, structured data, offering policymakers undeniable evidence of citizens’ needs.

By systematically collecting and analyzing this citizen-generated data, TracFM is amplifying voices to reduce poverty in a way that is measurable, targeted and impossible to ignore. This data-driven approach is creating a new, more responsive relationship between the Ugandan people and their leaders.

Quantifying Invisibility: Data on Identity

One of the most profound barriers to escaping poverty is invisibility. This lack of legal recognition has tangible consequences, barring individuals from enrolling in school, accessing government health programs or even securing a formal job. Recognizing this, TracFM’s VOICES Campaign tackled the issue by engaging citizens on the importance of civil registration.

The campaign did more than talk; its polls generated quantifiable data, revealing concrete problems like limited knowledge about civil registration and its benefits. This data produces change at a subregional level, allowing local governments to deploy registration units with greater precision, shifting the issue from a collection of anecdotes to an evidence-based policy challenge.

This new civil registration data will undoubtedly support African leaders and the World Bank Group in their goal of ensuring every citizen has a digital identity by 2030. They believe proper identification enables “financial inclusion, improved governance and the empowerment of women and girls.” It also unlocks a wide range of additional benefits.

From Identity to an Individual’s Rights

Another campaign of TracFM targets the complex issue of governance and human rights. Without a clear understanding of their fundamental rights, citizens may be afraid to speak up or assemble. TracFM’s Human Rights Awareness campaign, known as the Sauti Stream, directly confronted this by educating people on their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

The data from the SMS polls created a vital feedback loop, essentially a report on the state of civic literacy, “with 64% of respondents either unaware of their rights or lacking access to information.” Additional data from the reports offer educators and civil society groups insight into which rights are least understood, helping them to tailor their outreach programs accordingly.

This process is a grassroots application of the principles championed by the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) “Human Rights-Based Approach to Development.” The approach argues that development is most effective when people are empowered agents of change. The data of TracFM produces change by providing the concrete evidence needed for that empowerment to translate into responsive public engagement, ensuring resources for civic education can be directed where they are needed most.

A Look at Land Ownership

Armed with an identity and knowledge of their rights, citizens can tackle core economic issues like land. Insecure land rights are a primary driver of poverty and conflict, particularly for women and farmers. TracFM’s Land Rights in Uganda campaign addressed this by polling citizens on their knowledge of land laws and their experiences with local land management.

These polls developed data that highlighted where legal literacy was lowest and where citizens felt most powerless. Surprisingly, only 18% of respondents said they had registered their land, stating that the process is “too expensive or complicated.” About 68% of respondents believed that their registration would only benefit the elite and they were not misled in their assumptions.

Given their reduced access to legal counsel and information, the average citizen is vulnerable to land fraud and corruption. Such issues point toward a clear need for greater transparency and more responsible collection of information. The concept of citizen-generated data to improve economic stability is at the forefront of global development. The World Bank’s 2021 report, “Data for Better Lives,” details how such data can help design more effective public services, including land registration programs that secure property rights for people experiencing poverty. This data-driven model also aligns with global trends in governance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, TracFM’s power lies in its process: it captures the human voice, translates it into the language of data and presents it as clear evidence. It proves that data produces change and that citizen-driven information is most effective when voices are not just heard, but counted and given weight.

– Levi Ravnsborg

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

Photo: Flickr

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Building 3D-Printed Shelters for a Nation Ravaged by War

Building 3D-Printed SheltersSyria is enduring among the most complex crises of the 21st century. After 14 years of violence and destruction, innovative 3D-printing technologies are now emerging in the effort to rehome more than 13 million displaced Syrians.

A Nation in Ruins

In the wake of Assad’s brutal regime, Syrians have suffered untold trauma, death and the leveling of homes and public infrastructure during a devastating civil war. With an economy in ruin, around two-thirds of Syria’s 24 million civilians currently depend on humanitarian aid to survive.

Following more than a decade of conflict, nearly half of all Syrians are currently displaced or otherwise fragmented. About 6.8 million of them remain within Syrian borders and around the same amount are settling in neighboring countries like Turkey and Jordan or seeking refuge across Europe.

As Syria’s public services struggle to cope with the ongoing tensions, a rapidly changing climate is compounding food shortages due to drought-like weather conditions. As a result, nearly all Syrians live below the poverty line, making it extremely difficult for communities to rebuild their broken lives.

The Spectre of Assad’s Housing Crisis

In the process of destroying Syrian public infrastructure, Assad’s forces systematically targeted homes, schools, family businesses and hospitals within rebel-controlled areas. This process incurred a significant housing crisis that impacts many of the struggles the population faces daily.

A 2019 United Nations (U.N.) assessment mapped the true scale of the destruction through satellite imagery, finding that 140,000 buildings were destroyed or severely impacted by the attacks. Highly populated cities like Aleppo, Damascus and Homs have emerged as the most affected. With estimated damages totaling between $250 to $400 billion, it has become clear that the road to Syria’s long-term rehabilitation requires immediate and cost-effective solutions due to the damages left in the shadows of war.

As a result, Syria now faces the risk of entering a new era marked by property-based retaliation and social fragmentation. Without a well-coordinated housing policy to protect the population, this critical moment in the nation’s pursuit of long-term peace and security could be lost.

3D-Printed Shelters

In light of these growing challenges, 3D concrete printing is emerging as a promising solution for building more durable shelters in refugee camps. These structures offer longer lifespans and greater resilience against the harsh desert climate. By producing “layer-by-layer complex geometries” using cement with impressive speed and precision, building 3D-printed concrete shelters provides better safety from damage than previous structures. It enhances long-term stability and efficiency and improves thermal insulation and privacy for those most in need.

For instance, around 80,000 Syrian refugees are based in Zaatari and Azraq in neighboring Jordan. The current shelters can often cause serious health problems for occupants due to water leakage and air penetration and only have a two to four-year lifespan. With the introduction of 3D concrete printing techniques, these technologies are not only emerging as safer and more cost-effective, but the use of contour crafting is enabling the construction of larger-scale shelters that can last up to 30 years with far less waste.

Conclusion

At a time of great change, building 3D-printed shelters provides innovative ways of supporting Syrians displaced due to the conflict. With an economy ravaged by war and the mismanagement of public resources, these technologies could play a significant role in rebuilding Syrian infrastructure.

– Gabriel John Gunn

Gabriel is based in Paisley, Scotland and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Two New Mobile Medical Apps in Cameroon

Medical Apps in CameroonThe leading cause of death in Cameroon is Malaria, with the second being childbirth. Currently, innovative technology in Africa, specifically in Cameroon,  helps to prevent mortality rates in children, pregnant women and many more marginalized groups of people. It also allows easy and affordable prenatal and nonprenatal care for expectant parents and patients. 

Bornfyne App

An effective way technology has improved medical care in Cameroon is through mobile phone apps. The BornFyne app, an app created in 2018 by Miriam Nkangu (Founder), Donald Weledji (Co-founder) and Sanni Yaya (Co-founder) in Cameroon. The objective of the Bornfyne app is to help pregnant women with prenatal and postnatal care. Besides pre- and postnatal care, the app also provides appointments for emergencies, medical advice via offline forums and family planning.  In westernized countries, apps like Bornfyne are readily available, but in countries like Cameroon, receiving medical care can be difficult due to the expenses and many people live far away from hospitals that offer adequate care. The app also allows health care providers to have follow-up appointments and other forms of communication. 

Waspito App

Another innovative app that has improved the health of the people in Cameroon is the Waspito app. Founded in 2020 by CEO Jean Lobe Lobe, the Waspito app is similar to the BornFyne app, except its sole focus is not on parental care. Like the BornFyne app, it allows online communication, consultations and medical advice. The app also connects patients with doctors based on their location, address and affordability.

The unique feature that the Wasptio app has is that it allows at-home labs. Meaning that doctors enter a patient’s home to do labs. These mobile labs enable people to access care without leaving their homes. Since 10.5% of the population in Cameroon is disabled, the app enables disabled people to get adequate care without leaving their own homes. In addition to being inclusive, the app connects users to more than 850 doctors across Cameroon who specialize in various fields. This makes visiting doctors easier, as patients can actively research and choose their doctors.

Looking Ahead

Mobile medical apps like Bornfyne and Waspitomake make health care in Cameroon much more accessible, improving the health care system in new ways. Their accessibility also decreases the maternal and infant mortality in Cameroon. In addition, these apps are important for pregnant women, as Cameroon has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates, with 438 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.

– Erin Lee

Erin is based in Queens, NY, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Dual-Insecticide Nets Strengthen Malaria Control in Africa

How Dual-Insecticide Nets Strengthen Malaria Control in Africa Malaria, a disease that comes from a mosquito bite, is one of Africa’s major health issues. Africa holds an estimated 94% of global malaria cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria killed 569,000 Africans in 2023. To fight this disease, researchers developed insecticide-treated nets through research and experiments. These are mosquito nets with insecticides on them to repel mosquitoes. For the past two decades, these insecticide-treated nets have strengthened malaria control, but in recent years, mosquitoes have started developing resistance. This shift led researchers to spend years testing the idea of dual-insecticide nets, which eventually resulted in the creation of the Interceptor G2.

Dual-Insecticide Nets

Dual-insecticide nets are treated with additional chemicals that better target resistant mosquitoes. They combine standard insecticide with another compound that boosts the effects. The Interceptor G2 is the most advanced bed net developed through modern research. According to the WHO, clinical trials found that these new nets improved malaria control by 20–50%. Within three years, researchers estimate that the Interceptor G2 saved 35,000 lives. In addition to saving lives, the nets also helped prevent 13 million malaria cases, further strengthening malaria control.

Corine Ngurfor

Dr. Corine Ngufor is one of the many doctors who made a huge impact on the testing of dual-nets. Ngufor herself contracted malaria many times throughout her childhood and knows the struggles and impact this disease has on people firsthand. After earning her PhD, Ngufor started developing testing methods to reflect real-life conditions for the nets. These methods included ensuring the nets could withstand heavy rain, remain safe for children and stay lethal to mosquitoes. Researchers spent six years field-testing numerous prototypes before identifying the best option: the Interceptor G2. Her findings showed that dual-insecticide nets strengthen malaria control substantially more than previous nets.

Looking Ahead

The Interceptor G2 has made life-changing improvements for malaria prevention in Africa, but even so, researchers are preparing for future resistance. Ngufor is one of those doctors who are already at work trying to stay ahead of resistance. Research shows that dual-insecticide nets significantly strengthen malaria control. Ongoing studies on mosquito resistance and insecticide effectiveness aim to ensure these nets remain a reliable tool. With support from the WHO and other global partners, efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate malaria continue to advance. With help from WHO and other organizations in the fight to eradicate malaria, Ngufor believes there is an end in sight for malaria cases.

– Emily Herlehy

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

Photo: Flickr

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2025 Budget: Reducing the Digital Divide in India

Reducing the Digital Divide in IndiaIndia continues to make progress toward widespread access to technology. Still, there are significant gaps that disproportionately affect its population. According to a National Family Health survey, 72.5% of males and 51.8% of females in urban areas have internet access. Comparatively, only 48.7% of males and 24.6% of females have access to the internet in rural areas. These numbers expose the fact that a large number of individuals across the country are unable to use the internet. 

Digital Gaps and the Risk of Poverty

Lack of connectivity leads to hindered education opportunities, unemployment and reduced digital literacy. For example, without access to technology, it is more challenging to enroll in online courses and use tools like Zoom and this makes education less accessible. Digital literacy is increasingly a requirement for many jobs. Online communication and media navigation are important for most positions, putting those without internet access at a significant disadvantage. Overall, people without reliable access to technology are less likely to seek further education, get a job and face a greater risk of living in poverty. 

The 2025 Budget and How It Helps

The 2025 budget is making four notable efforts toward reducing the digital divide in India. 

  • Expanding Reach to Digital Education. The new allocation of funds for the postal network is making this goal possible. This well-established system in the country is using additional funding to deliver educational resources to remote areas in need. This is effectively reducing the digital divide in India by providing necessary learning material, creating more equitable opportunities for education.
  • Atal Tinkering Labs and Technology Fellowships. Programs are also reducing the digital divide in India by fostering skill development, creating jobs and sparking long-term innovation. The goal, as established by India’s 2025 budget, is to create 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs. The plan is to set up these labs in government schools across the nation to promote a future in science. Additionally, the budget provides the funds to create 10,000 fellowships to train youth in tech. Overall, creating these jobs means opening up opportunities for innovation and greater digital access.  
  • Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme. This scheme is reducing the digital divide in India by bringing educational content to populations that speak regional languages. These populations are at greater risk of living in poverty because their native language provides limitations. However, the 2025 Budget aims to implement long-term educational empowerment. The plan is to do so by providing educational content and making key resources accessible in the native languages. This initiative uses these resources to teach necessary skills. Ultimately, this grants beneficiaries a greater chance of joining the workforce. 
  • Investing in AI and Innovation. The 2025 Budget is also reducing the digital divide in India by investing in research and technology. In 2025, there is an increase in funding for AI research and implementation, which creates the potential for new jobs. Also, the increased funding allows the possibility of using digital solutions. AI can potentially create development and improve the standard of living in the country.

From Access to Opportunity

At first glance, efforts to reduce the digital divide in India may seem modest. However, digital inclusion is more than a tech initiative — it is a pathway to poverty reduction. By bringing tech-based educational resources to more people, ongoing efforts create better job opportunities. By creating programs rooted in job creation, unemployment rates drop and regional income increases. Improving the availability of technology promises better access to digital banking, health care and government services.

Granting more people access to the internet could result in long-term economic development, especially among women and in rural regions. India’s 2025 Budget marks a significant step toward inclusive digital growth. Continued funding for such programs could help reshape the country’s digital landscape, create jobs and improve financial security for the estimated 75 million people living in extreme poverty.

– Caroline May

Caroline is based in Denver, CO, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Innovations in Poverty Eradication in Panama

Poverty Eradication in PanamaPanama is one of the most prosperous trade hubs in the world’s economy. The Panama Canal drew in 210.3 million tons of cargo in 2024 and is an important part of the United States of America’s trade operations. Panama has also faced significant problems with poverty in the region. The UNICEF annual report 2020 reported that the poverty rate is 41.4% in rural areas, while it is 11% in urban areas. This level of poverty hits children the hardest, as 32.8% of children grow up multidimensionally poor. 

Programs in poverty eradication in Panama have grown over the past few decades, thanks to the Panamanian government, creating innovative approaches to improve the lives of its citizens, such as increasing jobs for the nation and social programs such as the Universal Educational Social Assistance Program (PASE-U) and the Panamá Solidario emergency program. Despite these advancements, the region faces challenges, particularly in addressing income inequality.

Job Creation and Economic Prosperity 

Panama’s rapid economic growth has been a cornerstone of its poverty reduction efforts. Between 1990 and 2019, the country’s economy grew at an average rate of 5.8% annually, thanks to the usage of the Panama Canal. This pace significantly outpaced the regional average of 2.6%. This growth has translated into improved labor conditions for the people of Panama, with mean hourly real wages increasing by 60%, the employment rate rising from 48% to 63% and women’s labor force participation increasing from 34.1% to 55.5%. This increase in jobs has decreased the number of people living in poverty in Panama, plummeting from 50.2% in 1989 to 12.9% in 2021.

This is just one step in poverty eradication in Panama, as giving people jobs and positive economic growth in a country can hopefully help all classes of people in Panama, not just the wealthy business owners.

Social Protection Programs

Innovative social protection programs have been a crucial strategy to poverty eradication in Panama. The Universal Educational Social Assistance Program (PASE-U) and the Panamá Solidario emergency program are notable examples. Starting in 2020, the PASE-U objectives are to prevent school dropout, raise enrollment and school attendance rates and motivate to strengthen academic improvement. This is done by a government allowance to students who continue to pursue education, with the benefits of 270 PAB for primary school students, 360 PAB for presecondary school students and 450 PAB for secondary school students (PASE-U).

Panamá Solidario’s emergency program prioritized the purchase of local production from both agribusinesses and producers, for the manufacture of bags and delivery of products of agricultural and livestock origin. This program aimed to continue economic production in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the program were widely successful, as the nation delivered more than 6 million bags of meals until January 2021. About 2.1 million physical bonds and 4.7 million digital vouchers were credited to continue economic growth. The Panamá Solidario would support more than 1.6 million Panamanians during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining economic growth.

Addressing Inequality

Despite these achievements in addressing poverty reduction, Panama continues to grapple with significant income inequality. The country ranks third in South America and Central America for income disparity, with the poorest 20% earning just 1.2% of the total labor income, while the wealthiest 20% claim 32.7%. Geographic disparities are also pronounced, with poverty rates being higher in the rural areas of the region, compared to urban areas. Indigenous communities face even greater challenges, with 69.4% living in poverty and limited access to basic services such as education and health services.

Future Directions

Progress is still occurring, as the World Bank Group’s Poverty and Equity Assessment of Panama suggests that Panama must prioritize policies that expand access to basic services, improve job quality, enhance human capital and promote household resilience in the long run. Addressing the structural challenges that perpetuate inequality for the people of Panama will be essential for achieving shared prosperity.

Panama’s strides towards poverty eradication are a testament to the power of innovative approaches and sustained economic growth. While challenges remain, the country’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens offers a long-term goal for a more equitable and prosperous future for the people of Panama.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Entrepreneurship in Kenya: Fueling Innovation Growth

Entrepreneurship in KenyaEntrepreneurship in Kenya is driving a wave of innovation, from mobile money and agritech to clean energy, that’s reshaping livelihoods and combating poverty. In this overview of Entrepreneurship in Kenya, discover the key accelerators, standout success stories, sectoral trends and the real-world impact fueling economic growth.

The Hubs and Accelerators Powering New Ventures

Kenya’s startup ecosystem is underpinned by a network of accelerators and coworking hubs that support founders. Facilities like iHub have nurtured more than 450 alum ventures and connected more than 40,000 collaborators through mentorship programs, hackathons and investor showcases. Similarly, Nairobi Garage offers flexible workspaces, regular pitch events and introductions to local and international investors. These institutions foster collaboration, facilitate access to early-stage capital and help entrepreneurs refine their business models before scaling.

Success Stories: Kenyan Startups Changing the Game

Twiga Foods, founded in 2014, exemplifies rapid growth from a local startup to a regional powerhouse. The company links 13,000 smallholder farmers to more than 5,000 urban retailers by integrating a mobile ordering platform with M-Pesa payments. After securing a $10 million Series A round in 2017 and $30 million in 2019, Twiga closed a $50 million Series C in 2021, making it a leading player in Africa’s agri-tech ecosystem.

In contrast, Chpter, established in 2022, illustrates the promise of early-stage ventures. Its AI-powered conversational commerce chatbot is deployed on WhatsApp and Instagram. In September 2024, it secured $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to expand across Kenya and South Africa. These examples highlight the spectrum of success, from large-scale impact to nascent innovation.

The Real Challenges Kenyan Founders Face

Despite notable achievements, Kenyan entrepreneurs encounter persistent challenges. Early-stage funding remains scarce, with only about 5% of seed-funded startups advancing to a Series A round. Regulatory shifts, ranging from changes in company registration requirements to fluctuating tax policies, can delay product launches and inflate compliance costs. Moreover, infrastructural gaps, particularly in rural regions, hinder reliable logistics and market access, forcing many ventures to develop costly workarounds or partner with third-party distributors.

Sector Spotlight: Where Kenya’s Startups Are Betting Big

The sectoral landscape of Kenyan startups has diversified significantly. Historically, Fintech is the largest recipient of venture capital and accounts for roughly 13% of total funding, with mobile payment solutions and digital credit platforms driving initial growth. Cleantech has soared to represent 46% of equity investments, propelled by solar-irrigation firms such as SunCulture ($27.5 million raised) and electric mobility operators. Additionally, agritech continues to attract attention, making up 15% of funding; supply-chain management and crop monitoring innovations respond directly to agriculture’s role as the backbone of Kenya’s economy.

Beyond Borders: How Kenyan Startups Go Global

Kenyan startups are increasingly eyeing regional and global markets. Twiga Foods has extended its distribution model to neighboring countries, leveraging digital infrastructure and cross-border partnerships to scale rapidly. Similarly, fintech companies often integrate with payment networks across East Africa to serve the diaspora and streamline remittances. Programs like the World Bank–supported Startup Savanna initiative connect local entrepreneurs to international mentors and investors, facilitating market entry and regulatory navigation beyond Kenya’s borders.

Turning Innovation Into Impact: Startups Fighting Poverty

Entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s fight against extreme poverty. The Youth Enterprise Development Fund provides affordable loans, training and market linkages to entrepreneurs aged 18–34, underpinned by Kenya Vision 2030. In parallel, a forthcoming Startup Act promises tax incentives and streamlined business registration to lower barriers to new ventures. By generating employment, fostering financial inclusion through digital platforms and improving agricultural livelihoods, startups contribute directly to poverty alleviation and community resilience. Furthermore, the combination of public-sector support and private-sector innovation underscores how homegrown enterprises drive sustainable socioeconomic change across Kenya.

Industry’s Proven Path vs. Startup Spark

Industrialization has been a cornerstone of poverty reduction and job creation in Kenya for decades. Manufacturing contributed 7.6% of GDP and generated more than 350,000 direct jobs in 2022. This underscores how factories and export‐oriented clusters have lifted communities from poverty through reliable employment. Under Vision 2030 and its “Big Four” agenda, the government aims to raise manufacturing’s share to 20% by 2030, bolstered by new industrial parks and streamlined tax incentives.

While industrial parks offer mass employment and proven supply chains, start-ups shine in agility and innovation. However, the real challenge and opportunity is blending these models. By channeling the entrepreneurial energy of small ventures into scalable manufacturing and service hubs, entrepreneurship in Kenya could honor the time-tested path of industrialization and unlock new frontiers in sustainable poverty alleviation.

– Alexander Broermann

Alexander is based in Frankfurt, Germany and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Frugal Health Care Innovation Is Reimagining Accessibility

Frugal Health CareReports assessing the relationship between extreme poverty and health care accessibility have and continue to prove a cyclical relationship in which each exacerbates the other. Though the availability of health care across the world increases, out-of-pocket costs often force families and individuals below the poverty line. Meanwhile, populations suffering from untreated illness are unable to participate effectively in the workforce.

In short, being sick keeps people from financial earnings, while treatment costs account for most of their spending. Either path hampers the ability to participate in the local economy. In response, frugal health care initiatives have risen in popularity, combating the personal financial aspect of health care accessibility.

How Does Frugal Health Care Work?

Frugal health care works by using low-cost, low-tech solutions that are adapted to local needs. Many solutions arise by repurposing everyday tools or simplifying existing techniques. One early example is the stethoscope, originally made from a rolled piece of paper to preserve a patient’s modesty. Today, frugal innovations include using hardware drills instead of expensive medical ones and placing premature babies in plastic bags to prevent hypothermia.

These practical, outcome-based solutions stand apart from the prevailing model of Western, research-driven progress due to their deep contextualization. While vaccines serve as a universal preventive measure for those with access, innovations like the “Jaipur Foot” address specific local needs. Designed for barefoot amputees, the Jaipur Foot is affordable and effective thanks to partnerships with local artisans and readily available materials. Its success, however, is closely tied to local production capacity, making it a powerful but regionally limited solution.

The Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program

Western University has incorporated research into frugal health care innovation in Canada via its Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program (FBIP). A branch of the Engineering Health Equity (EHE) training program, the institute has partnership sites in Northern Canada, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal and Uganda. The FBIP is hands-on and follows a conceptualize-create-deploy model. This ensures that abstract ideas become a physical reality and are implemented in the low-resource communities where they are needed.

Partnering Universities also lead projects at home with the aid of the Frugal Biomedical Innovations Catalyst Grant program. One example is 3D-printed hands and feet developed by Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Ethiopia. Another is a low-cost teledentistry system from the University of Nairobi, designed to improve oral health care in rural Kenya. Prototypes are tested in the field with financial support from organizations such as Western University’s Africa Institute and program grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

A Good Enough Future

Hi-tech innovation in health care will and should continue to progress. However, the emerging focus on extending medical accessibility to areas lacking the financial and technological resources to implement it is ushering in a revolution of rural health care access.

The 2025 World Economic Forum identified the need for decentralized, equitable health care systems. Similarly, the 2024 report on Global Health Care Sector Outlook published by Deloitte University suggests multiagency collaboration and taking opportunities to digitalize care delivery.

Decentralization, equity and collaboration are pillars of frugal health care innovation. By prioritizing practical repurposing over novelty, an increasing number of communities will have access to the medical care necessary to facilitate economic growth.

– Emily Galán

Emily is based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Fire Prevention in South Africa: The Lumkani Lifesaving Innovation

LumkaniAcross the globe, 1 billion people live in informal settlements, spaces often marked by overcrowding, flammable materials and poor infrastructure. In South Africa, townships and informal communities regularly face the deadly risk of shack fires. In 2022, Cape Town alone reported 190 deaths due to these fires. These disasters destroy not only homes but also essential documents, medicines and educational materials, deepening the cycle of poverty for already vulnerable families. Lumkani, a social enterprise based in Cape Town, is rethinking fire prevention for low-income communities. By using heat-sensitive, networked early warning systems, the company equips families with the tools they need to survive fires and break the cycle of poverty they often leave behind.

The Overlooked Crisis of Shack Fires

Fires remain some of the most destructive yet neglected challenges in informal settlements. In places like Khayelitsha—one of Cape Town’s largest townships—shack fires commonly break out during colder months when residents use open flames, paraffin stoves or makeshift heaters to stay warm. Dust, steam and proximity to cooking areas often cause traditional smoke detectors to fail, resulting in frequent false alarms or abandonment. Limited space between dwellings and poor access to firefighting services allow a single fire to engulf entire neighborhoods within minutes. Beyond the immediate destruction, fires severely impact household economies. Fires wipe out everything from income sources to the legal IDs families need to access health care or education. For families living day-to-day, recovery becomes nearly impossible.

Lumkani’s Heat Sensor Network

Founded in 2014, Lumkani developed a low-cost, heat-based detector designed specifically for fire prevention in shack environments. Unlike traditional smoke detectors, Lumkani’s sensors are triggered by rapid increases in temperature, which is a more reliable fire indicator in informal housing. What makes Lumkani unique is its radio frequency network. When one device is triggered, it automatically alerts others within a 60-meter radius, giving entire communities critical seconds or minutes to evacuate or respond before the fire spreads. Lumkani devices also send SMS alerts to residents and designated community leaders through a central database. The fire prevention system is affordable and scalable, with devices costing around $10 and has been rolled out across parts of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

Results That Save Lives

According to Hollard, since rolling out Lumkani, the spread of 150 fires in South Africa has been limited. In collaboration with the International Red Cross, the Fire Sensors Initiative distributed 900 units. The results point to meaningful progress in saving lives and property. Lumkani also introduced micro-insurance for informal homes—one of the first of its kind in South Africa. For just $1.60, families can insure their homes against fire damage, enabling quicker recovery after disaster. This approach empowers low-income households not only to survive fires but to recover from them with dignity.

Why Fire Prevention Matters in the Fight Against Poverty

Poverty involves more than income; it includes constant exposure to risk. Shack fires in informal settlements are not random—they are predictable and preventable. When entire communities burn without warning, the long-term consequences trap families in poverty for generations. Lumkani offers a clear solution. By combining smart, locally tailored technology with community trust, this innovation saves lives and shields hard-earned progress from going up in flames. As global efforts to reduce poverty continue, solutions like Lumkani’s show that prevention may be just as powerful as direct aid. Sometimes, a $10 sensor could change everything.

– Rebecca Lee

Rebecca s based in Scotland and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Internet Access Is Driving Poverty Eradication in Georgia

Poverty Eradication in GeorgiaIn developed countries, it can be easy to forget how invaluable a tool the internet can be in improving the everyday lives of people. In Georgia, revolutionary online programs are changing the ways that many people learn, earn and live. Almost 40% of Georgians live in rural areas, of which 27.5% are estimated to be living below the poverty line. For many of these people, unreliable access to transport, unpredictable weather and distance from urban areas make access to many services near-impossible. Internet-based innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia are proving to be beneficial in many different ways.

Education

Digital tools provide access to education for many Georgians, including both school children and adults. In rural areas, the rate of children completing high school is around 50%, significantly lower than that of children in urban areas (74%). This education gap is even more significant between the wealthy and poor, with the completion rate for the richest being more than double that of the poorest.

Educare Georgia is an initiative which aims to provide free access to global educational resources for Georgians. By translating more than 4,000 lessons from Khan Academy – a free source for lessons in subjects such as mathematics and science – Educare Georgia has helped connect many Georgian children to a more expansive way of learning.

Giveinternet.org is another initiative that Educare Georgia started. This service aims to provide internet access and devices to children in underserved communities and settlements for Internally Displaced Persons. What began as a project to help Georgian children has expanded to help children in other poverty-ridden countries, such as Malawi and Uganda. At present, 2,899 children in remote and marginalized areas have been provided with reliable access to the internet, ensuring equal educational opportunities.

Real-Time Jobs for Youth is another online educational project in Georgia, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and UNICEF. It aims to provide young people from state care or marginalized backgrounds with free education on coding, digital marketing and design, as well as online freelance work. This has helped to greatly improve job opportunities for many young people. These programs are crucial innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, allowing children of all backgrounds to receive a proper education.

Health and Social Care

Internet connectivity has had a major impact on health care accessibility in Georgia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of Georgia’s rural population found themselves unable to access proper health care. Many people live in mountainous regions where reliable transport is scarce and the weather can be extremely unpredictable. The vast majority of doctors in Georgia are based in Tbilisi and other urban areas, while most urban regions are critically underserved. This is especially true when it comes to the distribution of specialists, such as obstetricians and pediatricians.

A huge telemedicine initiative sought to provide improved health care to these remote areas, and the project has continued expanding since the end of the pandemic. In Georgia, approximately 93% of deaths are the result of non-communicable diseases. By providing video consultations, remote diagnostics and improving the communication methods between local doctors and specialists, many people now have access to health care and expertise which was formerly out-of-reach. One example of this improved healthcare is the more than 3,000 women now registered for cervical, breast and thyroid cancer screenings, hopefully resulting in the prevention of many deaths.

GeorgiaUnify

This expansion in online services and tools has also expanded into social care. GeorgiaUnify, a social care integration platform, developed by the Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN), enables better communication between health care providers and social services. As stated above, much of Georgia’s rural population are unable to access or do not have transport in order to use many services. As a result, medical referrals for social care services do not always receive attention, and peoples’ situations do not improve. GeorgiaUnify notifies all parties involved of the referral, ensuring a better service. Data is also shared with local Community-Based Organizations, providing more information on housing stability, food security and transportation in order for people to access any services as easily as possible.

Agriculture

Agriculture employs around 38% of Georgia’s workforce, yet only makes up around 6-8% of Georgia’s GDP, demonstrating that many farms are underperforming or otherwise making little money. Platforms such as AgroMap, which Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture developed, offer satellite imaging, crop analysis and weather forecasting. This data helps farmers make more informed decisions, improving yields and reducing costs. AgroMap also helps farmers access other business contacts and other support services.

The agriculture extension is another digital platform for farmers, enabling them to access online training and an electronic library of information. Farmers are now able to educate themselves on up-to-date techniques and have a better understanding of the market.

Digital tools also help with land management, irrigation planning and pest control. As a result, agricultural productivity has increased in regions where internet access is reliable, helping with the food security and economic stability of many rural communities. These support systems and data platforms are examples of practical innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, granting a significant source of employment the chance to thrive.

Expanding Georgia’s Internet Access

The cornerstone of these advancements is the expansion of internet infrastructure. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) is a $1.3 billion grant to expand internet access to reach all regions of Georgia. The program prioritizes communities that are currently unserved or underserved, promoting economic growth, improved education and training and access to services such as the ones listed above.

The initiative to expand access to the internet in Georgia is about much more than simply getting a 4G signal – it expands the opportunities and helps to improve the health, wealth and education of many communities. Many of Georgia’s most poverty-stricken are now able to get the tools needed to build a brighter future for themselves.

– Reuben Avis-Anciano

Reuben is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash