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How Historical Resource Extraction in Africa Fuels Modern Poverty

historical resource extractionThe history of colonial exploitation has deeply shaped economic and social structures in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly through large-scale resource extraction. European powers profited extensively from Africa’s natural wealth while providing limited support to local economies and communities. The impact of colonial-era practices remains evident in the economic challenges facing many African countries today, such as dependency on raw exports and foreign corporations. This article explores how the colonial exploitation legacy influences modern poverty, focusing on Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It also examines current efforts to reduce dependence on foreign entities through sustainable development and resource sovereignty initiatives.

Historical Resource Extraction and Economic Dependency

During colonial rule, European powers extracted valuable resources from African nations without regard for long-term economic development. In the DRC, Belgium controlled vast resources, including rubber, copper and ivory, while failing to invest in essential infrastructure like roads, schools or health care. The Belgian administration’s primary attraction to the DRC was its natural resources that could be exploited for profit. This exploitation by Belgium ​​set the stage for decades of future conflict and violence leaving behind an unstable country unable to grow economically. Evident in how the majority of Congolese people have not benefited from the natural resources. The DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world with an estimated 73.5% of Congolese people living on less than $2.15 a day in 2024.

Similarly, Nigeria’s British colonial rulers focused on extracting oil, positioning Nigeria as one of Africa’s major oil producers. However, with approximately 40% of Nigerians living below the national poverty line, wealth distribution remains a significant issue.

Nigeria’s economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, faces the consequences of price fluctuations in global markets, which can destabilize the local economy and deepen poverty. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has documented the economic instability that accompanies raw material dependency, noting that countries lacking the infrastructure to process their resources into higher-value products struggle with poverty and limited economic diversification.

Long-Term Impacts

Historical resource extraction systems left African countries reliant on raw exports, which today are often controlled by foreign corporations. In Nigeria, international oil companies hold a significant stake in oil production. Their influence limits Nigeria’s ability to fully capitalize on its oil wealth for national growth, as foreign profits outstrip contributions to the local economy and infrastructure.

In the DRC, foreign corporations dominate cobalt mining, a resource crucial to technology production worldwide. Local communities receive minimal benefits from the cobalt industry, often facing poor working conditions, environmental damage, and limited economic opportunity. Artisanal miners, who produce over 20% of the DRC’s cobalt, frequently earn less than $2 per day despite grueling and dangerous conditions.

Furthermore, child labor remains a significant concern, with an estimated 40,000 children working in cobalt mines across the country, Wilson Center reports. According to the UNDP, economies heavily reliant on raw exports without diversified industry struggle with job scarcity and vulnerability to market fluctuations, hindering efforts to reduce poverty. The presence of foreign corporations in critical industries leaves these countries at the mercy of global market dynamics, which often prioritize profit over local development.

Sustainable Development and Economic Empowerment

Several African nations have launched initiatives to reduce reliance on raw exports and foreign corporations in response to colonial legacies. Nigeria, for instance, has started developing oil refineries to process crude oil locally, hoping to reduce its need for imports and increase job opportunities. By adding value within Nigeria, these efforts aim to boost economic resilience and retain a larger share of resource-generated wealth within the country.

The U.S. government-supported Public-Private Alliance for Responsible Minerals Trade (PPA) focuses on creating a sustainable and responsible minerals trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by promoting local ownership and ethical mineral sourcing. By creating conflict-free supply chains for resources like gold and cobalt, the PPA helps communities gain more control over their resources.

It also emphasizes empowering women in mining communities and improving working conditions. These efforts aim to create sustainable economic opportunities, reduce exploitation by foreign corporations, and build resilience in the DRC’s mining regions. Transparent supply chains and community-focused projects are critical steps toward self-sufficiency and long-term poverty alleviation.

Addressing Colonial Impacts to Alleviate Poverty

Historical resource extraction continues to affect African economies, leaving many reliant on raw exports and vulnerable to global market shifts. European powers took significant wealth from African nations without fostering sustainable local industries, creating economic structures that persist today. Sustainable development and resource sovereignty initiatives are helping African countries reclaim control over their resources and invest in local economic growth. Addressing these historical injustices remains crucial for building economies that empower African communities and reduce poverty by ensuring African wealth benefits the continent itself.

– Harriet Conway

Harriet is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Lobito Trading Corridor: Growing Africa’s Economy

Lobito Trading CorridorLobito is a municipality in Angola with a population of 484,000. It is known for its shipping port, constructed in 1903 to transport goods worldwide. Also at this time, building began on the Benguela Railway connecting the Port of Lobito to the resource-rich Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). During Angola’s civil war from 1975-2002, many of its transport systems were damaged, and goods could no longer reach the port for export. This heavily impacted the African economy. The Lobito Corridor initiative is the flagship project of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI). In 2022, the G7 formed the PGI, intending to invest $600 billion by 2027 to improve the infrastructure globally. Re-establishing its Lobito Trading Corridor could increase the efficiency of resource mobilization from the DRC to Angola’s port for trade with developed countries globally.

The Impact of The Lobito Trading Corridor on Africa

The Lobito Corridor is likely to improve international relationships. In August 2024, the first Lobito Corridor train carrying copper reached Lobito’s export port after its refurbishment. It took just six days to reach the port from the DRC, a journey that by road would usually take over 30 days, according to CNN. Before this, most of Africa’s resources went to Asia. Positive relationships between the U.S. and Africa hope to see increased trading efforts and economic growth for the developing country. Economic growth would allow continued building of Africa’s infrastructures and investment in humanitarian services.

Currently, 30% of Angola’s population lives below the poverty line. The country suffers from high and widespread unemployment, according to CNN. The Lobito Trading Corridor Initiative could bring many jobs to Angola and areas feeding the Lobito Corridor to keep the railway functioning. With more of its citizens in employment, poverty levels could decrease.

The Lobito Corridor could also provide transport assistance to support local businesses, such as agriculture. Businesses along the Lobito Corridor could use the railway to transport their crops and other services to regional communities or further afield. On a larger scale, the Angolan food production company, Carrinho Industry, also has the potential to benefit from this initiative. With initially poor road and communication infrastructure, transportation of food to supply Africa was difficult and expensive. However, with the more efficient Lobito Corridor, essential food supplies can reach those in need much faster, CNN reports.

The Future

Feasibility studies are currently taking place to assess the viability of extending the railway 800 kilometers to service Zambia, another mineral-rich African country. With more than 60% of its population living in poverty, the success of this phase could lead to economic growth and job security. Similarly, another future phase of the initiative is extending the railway to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania. This would allow an even more expansive trading opportunity for Africa.

– Millie Trussler

Millie is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Namibia’s Female Rangers: Protecting Wildlife

Namibia's Female RangersNamibia is home to diverse wildlife, including iconic species like black rhinos and desert elephants. However, poaching and habitat destruction pose ongoing threats to these animals. In response, Namibia’s female rangers are at the forefront of conservation efforts, tackling wildlife protection and rural poverty.

These women, often from marginalized backgrounds, safeguard endangered species while earning sustainable incomes and building anti-poaching and wildlife monitoring skills. Through community-based conservation programs, they ensure local involvement and channel the benefits of biodiversity protection back into their communities. By fostering gender equality and creating economic communities, Namibia’s female rangers showcase how conservation can be a powerful tool for social and economic development.

Poverty and Poaching

Namibia faces significant poverty challenges, with approximately 17.2% of the population living on less than $2.15 per day. Moreover, Namibia’s Gini coefficient of 59.1% ranks it as one of the world’s most unequal countries, highlighting significant disparities in wealth distribution, particularly between genders. Regarding this, 46% of female-headed households live in multidimensional poverty compared to 41% of male-headed households.

Multidimensional poverty affects 43.3% of the country’s population, with rural areas experiencing much higher rates of 59.3% compared to urban regions of 25.3%. This means that Namibian women in rural areas suffer the most from poverty. This disproportion highlights the intersection of gender and geographic location as key drivers of poverty in Namibia.

Additionally, poaching remains a critical issue in Namibia, significantly threatening the country’s wildlife. In 2015, poachers killed 97 rhinos and 101 elephants in 2016. These mark the deadliest years of poaching in Namibia’s history. Alka Bhatia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Namibia Resident Representative, identifies increased poaching as one of Namibia’s top three challenges, noting that it “strikes a blow to the tourist industry and the economy.”

As poaching undermines conservation efforts, it also undermines the country’s potential for sustainable economic growth, directly impacting poverty reduction initiatives and the well-being of marginalized communities.

The Role of NGOs and Female Rangers

Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Namibia are addressing the dual challenges of poverty alleviation and wildlife conservation by empowering women through employment. These female rangers are making significant strides not only in wildlife conservation but also in challenging gender stereotypes and supporting their families. The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has been a key player in employing female rangers to monitor and protect Namibia’s black rhinos.

This initiative helps preserve endangered species and provide economic opportunities to women in Namibia’s rural Kunene region. Although initially dominated by men, the program now includes six women employed on a salary. Female rangers employed by SRT are taught to recognize rhino footprints, monitor movement patterns and identify potential poaching threats. The ranger’s role is to contribute to conservation efforts and help alleviate poverty for the individual and their family. For Namibian women who are the primary breadwinners, this position enables them to support their dependents financially.

Ultimate Safaris, a leading Namibian tour operator, also works with Huab Under Canvas, a desert camp, to provide unique ecotourism experiences. Through a partnership with conservation programs like SRT, Ultimate Safaris employs female rangers to lead rhino-tracking tours for tourists. Female rangers in this program are paid to guide tourists on rhino-tracking expeditions, which supports both the conservation of rhinos and the sustainable development of the local economy.

Success Rates

Driven by NGOs’ support and women’s unwavering determination, Namibia witnessed a remarkable transformation in gender roles within communal conservancies. No longer limited to traditional roles, women are now stepping into leadership positions across various sectors. The 2018 State of Community Conservation report highlights this shift. The report reveals that women hold 17% of chairperson roles, 41% of treasurer positions, 33% of management committee memberships and 25% of staff roles within these conservancies.

By employing local women in such roles, wildlife conservancies provide them with stable incomes that can improve their economic status. Rural communities have seen substantial benefits, with more than 43.5% of Namibia’s land now managed by conservation. For instance, conservancies have helped communities increase income through wildlife-related ventures like tourism and sustainable game hunting, directly supporting families, including women.

Moreover, poaching figures in Namibia have seen a significant reduction in recent years, reflecting the effectiveness of strengthened conservation efforts. Between 2020 and 2023, rhino killings dropped by more than 50%. This decline is even more striking in the case of elephants, with only eight elephants poached in 2023, a sharp contrast to 101 killed in 2016. These improvements are a testament to the efforts of the Namibian government and conservation organizations being led by women.

Conclusion

Namibia’s female rangers are a beacon of hope, showcasing how conservation and poverty alleviation can go hand in hand. These women empower themselves by protecting wildlife, earning sustainable incomes and uplifting rural communities.

These initiatives combat systemic poverty, advance gender equity and support the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life on land (SDG 15) and gender equality (SDG 5). Ultimately, the efforts of Namibia’s female rangers are a powerful reminder that conservation can be a catalyst for global change.

– Nour Mostafa

Nour is based in Gloucester, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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UNICEF’s Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box

Oxygen Plant-in-a-BoxPneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease. Each year, more than 7 million children under 5 require oxygen as a means of treatment for this. In 2020, UNICEF launched its Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project. This cost-effective project supplies hospitals with life-saving gas, a means of preventing millions of deaths from pneumonia.

Before 2020 – The Situation

As of 2018, pneumonia was responsible for 16% of child deaths, with the majority amongst children below the age of 2. It killed more children than diarrhea and malaria combined. Almost all cases of pneumonia can be prevented through early diagnosis and access to antibiotics and oxygen treatment. The problem lay and continues to lie with access to this healthcare.

Pneumonia does not have a single cause, it is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs, developing from either viruses or bacteria in the air. Once infected lungs become inflamed which causes difficulty breathing. The most common symptoms are coughing, fever and difficulty breathing.

The Role of Oxygen

When pneumonia develops, inflammation of the lungs stops enough oxygen from entering the bloodstream and circulating through the body. Access to oxygen in these cases becomes lifesaving. However, it has previously been unavailable to those in countries without strong health systems, only available in higher-level facilities and hospitals.

As the leading cause of preventable child deaths, pneumonia is more deadly to children in 124 low to middle-income countries who have limited or no access to health care. It leaves around 4.2 million children under 5 with dangerously low oxygen levels. This group is more vulnerable due to exposure to polluted air and higher rates of malnutrition and diarrhea, which leaves immune systems weaker.

UNICEF’s Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF and partners have worked to improve basic oxygen access, coming up with their innovative Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project. The Oxygen-Plant in a box produces enough oxygen to treat up to 100 children with severe pneumonia. The package contains everything necessary to install and operate a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant which is fully functional within days of being implemented at a health facility.

By December 2021, over 16 countries had ordered this product and were on the path to developing stronger health care systems. That month patients at the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda were the first to receive life-saving oxygen from this project.

More about the Box

The package includes everything to produce large volumes of medical-grade oxygen for patients, with each plant holding the capacity to produce up to 720,000 litres of oxygen each day. These packages aim to support medium to large health facilities.

Kristoffer Gandrup-Marino, Chief of Product Innovation at UNICEF Supply Division, stated these plants could take up to six months to design and order, so they developed the pre-designed plants making the product cheaper and faster to manufacture and arrive, saving lives in the process.

Real Life Implementation

In Uganda, 6-month-old Constance suffered from a cough, fever and difficulty breathing. She went to her local hospital where they diagnosed her with pneumonia. Here, she was immediately provided with antibiotics and oxygen. UNICEF reports.

A few months prior this would not have been the case. Due to a deteriorating infrastructure, the Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital held very limited access to oxygen therefore constricting its ability to treat the increasing numbers of pneumonia cases in children. Now, with the Oxygen Pant-in-a-Box running, Constance is one of hundreds of children supplied with the proper medical care. The new plant covers an area of 2.8 million people, according to UNICEF.

Pneumonia is still the biggest infectious killer of children, with millions of children still contracting the infection. However, local and sustainable solutions will continue to be found to prevent more deaths from pneumonia. The Oxygen Plant-in-a-Box Project contributes to this goal, supplying oxygen to healthcare facilities and treatment to those who need it.

– Amelia Short

Amelia is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Zambia’s Energy Crisis

Zambia’s Energy CrisisZambia is a landlocked country in south-central Africa and it is home to the largest artificial dam in the world: The Kariba Dam. This dam provides hydro-power, giving power to 43% of the country. Unfortunately, there has been an extreme drought, causing the dam not to be able to generate enough power and the nation is experiencing major blackouts. The crisis has been ongoing since March 2024. Here are five facts about Zambia’s energy crisis.

Long Blackouts

These blackouts have lasted as long as three days, with some areas receiving only one or two hours of electricity daily. Zambia generates 84% of its electricity from water sources, 13% from coal and just 3% from “solar, diesel and heavy fuel” combined. Without sufficient hydroelectric power, the country struggles to meet its energy demands.

Many people visit restaurants not to eat or drink but to charge their phones and a growing business has emerged around charging phones for a fee. These blackouts have worsened matters considerably for a country that already struggles with energy distribution. “Less than half of Zambia’s 20 million people had access to electricity before Kariba’s problems.” Zambia’s energy crisis has only made matters worse.

Industries Impacted by the Blackouts

Health care facilities are under great strain. Hospitals in Zambia are in dire straits because their patients need electricity. “Fortunately, the government has installed huge generators in some markets, government offices and hospitals,” reports the BBC. Also, many small businesses cannot run during the day, putting immense pressure on owners to buy expensive diesel generators.

Mining, an important industry in Zambia, is struggling as well. In fact, two miners were recently saved after a power outage trapped them underground. Luckily, they were able to be rescued.

Political and Economic Ramifications

Zambia is “one of the most functional democracies on the continent,” says President Hakainde Hichilema. With no electricity, jobs or general well-being, Hichilema expresses fear about the future of that system. AP news reports that small businesses are “the backbone of the country,” and there is fear that an economic downturn will hurt the nation.

Economist Emmanuel Zulu notes that the energy crisis is weighing heavily on Zambia’s economy, contributing to rising unemployment. Meanwhile, Zambian economist Trevor Hambayi estimates that the crisis has cost the nation approximately $1.3 billion, around 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP).

Impact on Agriculture

Farmlands are also heavily impacted. The drought is not only creating an energy crisis, but it is also creating a historically dry farming season. Places that have been hit badly by the drought are producing “half” of the maize they usually make and “three-quarters” of Zambia’s livestock live in areas that have been hit particularly hard by the drought. Food and water have become increasingly scarce due to these developments, exacerbating food insecurity. This crisis has also contributed to a cholera outbreak, with 20,000 reported cases.

Solutions to Zambia’s Energy Crisis

The Zambian government is promoting a “solar explosion” as a solution to avoid relying on polluting energy sources such as coal and charcoal. Together with other organizations, the government is working to implement solar power to help alleviate Zambia’s energy challenges. The government has negotiated with China, India and Canada to bring in as much solar power as possible. In addition, it has made it easier for citizens to buy solar on their own by removing “imported duties and value-added taxes on solar equipment.”

Though the government is working to install major solar infrastructure in the future, this process may take some time. While that process continues, groups like SolarAid support businesses and people who need aid now. SolarAid is a charity that fights poverty, climate and energy crises by providing solar power to rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa.

SolarAid was founded in 2006 and since its start, the charity has distributed 2.3 million solar lights, provided 12.5 million people with light and saved many families $297.9 per year. SolarAid is working to make solar power available to as many Zambians as possible. Through its Zambian office, SunnyMoney, the organization has been working to create a thriving “solar market in Zambia.” Since its inception in Zambia in 2008, SolarAid has given out 413,000 solar lights. While Zambia’s energy crisis continues, the sales at SunnyMoney have gone up 540%.

Final Note on Zambia’s Energy Crisis

Zambia’s energy crisis is a massive problem for the nation. However, it may open the door for a brighter, more energy-resilient nation. Even more, Zambia’s energy crisis may lead the way for green energy, which could be an important example for the rest of the world.

– Michael Messina

Michael is based in Newburyport, MA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Fighting Poverty in Nigeria by Creating Jobs

Poverty in NigeriaNigeria is giving its young entrepreneurs a chance to create small businesses which, among other initiatives, could reduce the unemployment rate and help fight poverty in the country.

Poverty in Nigeria: A Youthful Outlook

To accomplish such a feat, the country has created a Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for the specific purpose of financing youth in the country, regarding their entrepreneurial endeavors. Nigerian leaders hope that the $100 million invested into such an establishment would make a positive impact in the reduction of Nigeria’s multidimensional poverty. Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is at 0.175, according to the 2024 Human Development Reports. While this index would indicate a better performance regarding multidimensional poverty, the impact still exists in the country.

The country’s African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President expresses his hope that the youth will help the country rise with the following statement: “Certainly, Nigeria, 64 years after independence, should not be a developing country. Nigeria should be a developed nation!”

Nestle: Empowering Nigeria’s Women

Through its “Rural Women Empowerment Program,” Nestle is providing various opportunities for women in Nigeria. According to Vanguard, the program provides training, mentoring and grants to young Nigerian women in rural areas looking to boost their businesses, sometimes providing up to three times the value of their existing businesses

Nestle is also hiring women into executive positions of leadership within the company. Women hold almost half of the company leadership positions, with 46.4% being the current number and slowly rising, with the initiation of the program that Nestle started in 2021. Since then, Nestle has empowered 332 women in the workforce in Nigeria, helping to generate financial independence and foster businesses for women for years to come.

Nigeria’s Increasing International Innovations

More recently, in November 2024, the Nigerian President attended a G20 Summit in Brazil, where he addressed the positive impacts of an alliance between Brazil and Nigeria. “By collaborating with international partners, Nigeria aims to leverage best practices, innovative solutions, and financial support to enhance its efforts to combat poverty and hunger,” he stated. The President also added that “Nigeria’s endorsement of the declaration of commitment to join the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to address hunger and poverty. The endorsement demonstrates our commitment to leveraging international cooperation and resources to bolster domestic strategies that will deliver inclusive growth and socio-economic development.”

In short, Nigeria is also utilizing its international relations with Europe and other African Nations to provide the economy with better sustainable development and long-term economic growth.

Fighting Poverty in Nigeria

Overall, Nigerian entrepreneurism and international relations would seem to be on the rise in Africa, and the reduction of poverty in the country could be the result. Between the investment bank being created, women holding leadership positions in conglomerate companies like Nestle, and alliances between Brazil and Nigeria growing stronger, the country could well be on its way to eradicating poverty within its borders. For Nigeria, an investment in the youth of today is a future for the youth of tomorrow.

– Sadie Treadwell

Sadie is based Grovetown, GA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Mothers2mothers is Improving Health Care

mothers2mothersPoor health rates paint a dull picture in sub-Saharan Africa, with 9% of its population living with HIV. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reports that in 2022, more than 2.5 million Africans had tuberculosis, an infectious disease that primarily targets the lungs. Furthermore, during the same year, 94% of malaria cases worldwide occurred in the area. These illnesses are holding sub-Saharan African regions from reaching their full economic potential. To counter their growing shadow of death and sickness, a non-profit known as mothers2mothers is actively playing a part.

Mothers2mothers: Improving Health Care in Africa

Dr Mitch Besser established Mothers2mothers in 2001 as a small local NGO in Cape Town. Little did its founder know that within 20 years the organization would bloom into one of Africa’s most prominent multi-national non-profits, functioning in 10 countries in the region including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa; receiving numerous certifications and partnerships from other firms equal to its calibre and importance such as USAID, The Johnson & Johnson Foundation and MULAGO.

Mothers2mothers works with women living with HIV and hires them as Mentor Mothers who go to households to provide health education and emotional support for those burdened with the illnesses they also are affected by. They also work with medical professionals to provide health care according to an individual’s needs.

So far, the NGO has created more than 12,000 jobs for women living with HIV. This strategy proves effective as HIV-positive clients are more comfortable opening up and seeking help from those in the same place as them.

Educational Programs

The target demographics for mothers2mothers are women, children, adolescents, male spouses of patients and sexual minorities. The firm runs educational programs in which they explain the causes and symptoms of diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and link potential patients to testing and treatment centers. In 2023, the organization tested 100% of the people referred for TB and all positive individuals received treatment, according to its website.

Moreover, in the same way, Mentor Mothers track infants and children who may be susceptible to HIV transmission and help provide testing facilities to them. They also work with the children’s parents and give guidance on how to raise them to be healthy and mentally active. According to mothers2mothers, 99% of children enrolled in these early childhood development programs achieved their full developmental milestones by their first birthday.

In an interview with Wowwire, Robin Smalley, a co-founder of the organization, shared the inspiration behind mothers2mothers, “When the (HIV) test would come back there would be no one to tell the mother-to-be that she had options. This young woman would be terrified, convinced she and her baby were going to die. These young women were continually falling through the cracks in the medical system. Realizing that the greatest resource we have in Africa is the women themselves, Mitch (Besser) came up with the idea for mothers2mothers.”

Mothers’ Ball

In addition to working through Mentor Mothers, mothers2mothers also runs fundraisers and awareness activities. On November 20, 2024, the organization hosted its second “Mothers’ Ball” in London to spread the word on what they do and raise funds to finance their activities further. Over 300 people attended this event.

Mother2mothers has reached 16 million people who did not know their health issues beforehand or have any idea of how to get help. In 2023 alone it treated 774,307 clients. The Mentor Mother system has been so successful that it became an official South African government policy in 2012.

This system benefits not only the client but the Mentor Mother herself. A mother working for the firm Irene Nkosi stated in Make Mothers Matter, “My job at mothers2mothers has given me peace of mind. Being part of their family brought back my self-esteem and confidence. Sharing what I have learned there about HIV with my family has played a massive role in removing the stigma they had placed on me.”

– Mustafa Tareen

Mustafa is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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KujaEcoPads: Sustainable Solution to Period Poverty in Cameroon

Period Poverty in CameroonIn Cameroon, 70% of women and girls lack access to sanitary products, illustrating the prevalence of period poverty across the country. This is largely driven by affordability, exacerbated by the rising costs of menstrual products across Africa. In Cameroon, a pack of disposable sanitary pads costs around 600 Central African Francs ($0.99), a prohibitive price for the 52% of Cameroonian women who live below the poverty line at $2.15 a day.

This forces many women and girls no choice but to rely on “rags, newspaper and leaves” to manage their periods. These methods compromise women’s health and dignity. Marie Claire addresses this crisis by creating Cameroon’s first biodegradable and affordable sanitary pad through her social enterprise KujaEcopads. The sanitary pads are not only sustainably manufactured and produced but also free from harmful substances for girls and the environment.

Period Poverty in Cameroon

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for menstrual health to be globally recognized as a matter of human rights rather than solely a hygiene issue. Inadequate access to sanitary products not only affects women’s health but also exacerbates existing gender inequalities, acting as a barrier to education, economic opportunities and dignity for many women and girls.

In Cameroon, period poverty has a severe impact on educational outcomes: 70% of women and girls in Cameroon are illiterate, often due to missing school while on their period. According to menstrual rights activist and founder of KujaEcopads, Claire, “girls skip three to five days of school a month” because of their period. Eventually, they “drop out, which perpetuates a cycle of early forced marriages, early pregnancies, prostitution, illiteracy, poverty and shame.”

Refugee Camps in Cameroon

Period poverty in Cameroon is intensified by its ongoing humanitarian challenges. Currently, nine out of 10 regions in Cameroon face complex and separate refugee crises. There is an influx of Central African refugees in the East and internally displaced people in the North due to climate-related conflict. According to the United Nations High Commission For Refugees (UNHCR), Cameroon hosts two million internally displaced people and refugees.

As a result, period poverty is particularly prevalent among refugees in Cameroon. According to a study by U.N. Women, these women face unique barriers when menstruating due to insufficient water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in Cameroonian camps. Not only is it more difficult to manage menstruation in refugee camps, it can also be dangerous. The study highlighted how many toilets in the camps were not separated by sex and did not have adequate locks or lighting at night. This left 99% of women in these camps feeling unsafe while using sanitation facilities, making them more vulnerable to sexual assault.

KujaEcopads: Reducing Period Poverty One Pad at a Time

KujaEcopads provides Cameroon’s first biodegradable sanitary pad, costing half the price of a typical sanitary pad. The pads are produced from fibers of banana stems, which are cheap, natural and abundant resources in Cameroon. This innovation directly addresses the unique challenges faced by refugee women in Cameroon.

In camps with inadequate washing and sanitation facilities, two-thirds of used pads are disposed of in rivers, causing environmental harm. Refugee women also struggle to use reusable pads, often donated by charities, because they cannot wash and sterilize them safely. Consequently, KujaEcopads solves these issues by creating disposable and biodegradable pads, ensuring safe and ecofriendly disposal.

Social Entrepreneurship and Period Poverty in Cameroon

Crucially, KujaEcoPads operates as a sustainable social enterprise. The organization ensures women have affordable access to sanitary products rather than relying on charity donations. “I knew if we could get people to buy our pads and continue to buy our pads, we could sustain the giving and that will solve the problem of period poverty in Cameroon,” explains Claire. This makes the enterprise self-sustaining, with 100 low-income women manufacturing and producing the pads locally in Cameroon, creating jobs and empowering communities.

Conclusion

KujaEcopads currently provides its biodegradable pads to one million girls across Cameroon. By combining innovation, sustainability and community empowerment, KujaEcoPads significantly alleviates period poverty in Cameroon.

– Georgia Wells

Georgia Wells is based in London and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Tunisia: A Pathway to Poverty Alleviation

Renewable Energy in Tunisia
Tunisia, a country with immense solar and wind potential, stands at a pivotal point in its energy sector. Renewable energy in Tunisia can address not only its energy poverty but also broader economic and social issues, creating a sustainable path for development. However, the push for renewable energy raises significant questions about equity, local benefits and just transitions. Recent initiatives in Tunisia demonstrate how transitioning to renewable energy sources could bring affordable power to communities and reduce poverty. However, these efforts also highlight the complexities and competing interests surrounding this transition.

Renewable Energy in Tunisia: The Goals

Tunisia has committed to generating 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, increasing from the current level of about 3% of its energy mix. By 2050, the Tunisian government aims to cover all its electricity needs through renewable energy, according to the World Bank.

This shift aligns with SDG 7 which calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” by 2030. Achieving SDG 7 is particularly critical for Tunisia as it addresses energy poverty and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly natural gas. In 2022, natural gas accounted for nearly half of Tunisia’s energy consumption, according to the World Bank. By reducing its reliance on imports, Tunisia can mitigate the risks that international strikes and unstable exchange rates pose to its economy.

However, questions persist about who ultimately benefits from scaling up renewable energy in Tunisia. Critics argue that while infrastructure expansion continues, the benefits often bypass local communities and favor foreign investors and urban centers.

The Challenge of a Just Transition

Arab Reform Initiative requires Tunisia to rethink how it plans and executes renewable energy projects. Experts define this approach as creating “thriving economies that provide dignified, productive and ecologically sustainable livelihoods; democratic governance and ecological resilience.”

The solar plants in Tozeur, near the Saharan desert, reveal the challenges of such transitions. These facilities represented a significant increase in Tunisia’s renewable energy capacity, but they failed to create meaningful employment for local communities, according to the Arab Reform Initiative.

Moreover, the plants export much of the energy they generate, offering limited benefits to the impoverished southern regions where they are located. These dynamics intensify regional inequalities and fuel resentment.

In 2021, poverty rates in Tunisia’s southern governorates exceeded 33%, far above national averages. These regions also receive the least public investment in sharp contrast to urban coastal areas that attract most of Tunisia’s development spending, according to the Carnegie Endowment. Achieving SDG 7 in these areas requires policies that prioritize equitable energy access and inclusive economic benefits.

Alleviating Energy Poverty

Energy poverty—the lack of adequate, affordable and reliable energy access—continues to impact rural Tunisia. Access to sustainable energy, as emphasized by SDG 7, provides a foundation for improving education, health care and economic development, according to the Sustainable Energy for All.

Movements like the El Kamour protests in 2017 show how marginalized communities have resisted exclusion from the benefits of natural resource exploitation. These protests, which originated in southern Tunisia, saw the government increase local investment and job creation using revenues from the region’s oil and gas sector, according to the Arab Reform Initiative. Their success reflects a broader demand for a more inclusive and equitable approach to development, which is essential for realizing SDG 7.

Benefits of Renewable Energy for Economic Stability

Renewable energy offers Tunisia an opportunity to stabilize its economy. By reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels, Tunisia can protect itself from the energy import costs that strain national finances. For instance, in 2022, Tunisia imported approximately 48% of its energy needs, primarily through natural gas, according to the World Bank. By producing more solar and wind energy domestically, Tunisia can stabilize electricity costs and shield consumers from the fluctuations and price shocks of global energy markets. This shift would also improve Tunisia’s trade balance and create a more resilient economy.

The Tunisian Platform for Alternatives and other grassroots organizations advocate for a “resistance to accumulation” approach. They call for renewable energy strategies that prioritize investments in local communities, create jobs and ensure that the benefits of the energy generated are distributed equitably, according to the Arab Reform Initiative. These strategies align with the universal principles of SDG 7 by focusing on affordable and reliable energy access for underserved populations.

Resistance movements, such as El Kamour and recent campaigns for a just energy transition, highlight the power of grassroots advocacy in shaping Tunisia’s energy future. These movements underscore the importance of prioritizing local empowerment and ensuring fair distribution of renewable energy benefits.

Addressing Climate and Social Inequality

Renewable energy projects in Tunisia bring significant social implications, particularly for women, who often face the most severe impacts of energy poverty and climate-related challenges. In the first quarter of 2019, 12.4% of men were unemployed compared to 22.6% of women.

The Kairouan Solar Project, Tunisia’s first large-scale solar initiative, significantly boosts the country’s renewable energy capacity by providing 100 MW of solar power to the national grid. This initiative, part of Tunisia’s broader goal to generate 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, directly supports the transition to clean energy. Beyond electricity production, the project revitalizes agriculture in Kairouan, a region with some of Tunisia’s highest poverty rates. By improving irrigation for wheat and olive farms, enhancing water access and sustaining agricultural production, the project strengthens local communities, offering greater stability and food security. Its dual focus on energy generation and community impact exemplifies how solar initiatives can address both national energy needs and regional development.

Beyond this, the Project emphasizes gender equality by providing targeted opportunities for women in training and employment. This is especially significant in a country where rural women face acute economic and social challenges. Seventy percent of women employed in rural areas work informally, over half of which do not receive wages. Those who are paid earn wages that are less than half of the Tunisian minimum wage, with little to no access to social security or health insurance, according to Assafir Al-Arabi.

Imen Tahri is one of the 20,000 farmers that has benefitted from this project. Before the project, she was left with little income to sustain her and her family due to drought. Now, thanks to “solar-powered pumping systems” introduced by the project, her olive harvest has improved seven-fold, generating enough income to support her family.

This inclusion aligns with SDG 7, which calls for universal access to modern energy while ensuring equitable benefits for all, particularly marginalized groups.

Building a Brighter Future

As Tunisia accelerates its renewable energy transition, it must balance economic, social and environmental priorities. By integrating the principles of a just transition—ensuring local communities benefit, fostering inclusive governance and prioritizing equity—Tunisia can fully unlock its green energy potential while uplifting its most vulnerable citizens.

Achieving SDG 7 in Tunisia requires a collaborative approach that aligns global investments with local needs. With continued international support and grassroots momentum, Tunisia can lead by example in sustainable equitable energy development.

– Sarah Maunsell

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

Photo: Flickr

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Marburg Virus Outbreak in Rwanda: The Progress

Marburg Virus Outbreak in RwandaRwanda is fighting its first outbreak of the Marburg virus and experiencing its third-largest outbreak. As of October 2024, there were 63 cases, with 15 cases resulting in death. The Marburg virus is very contagious but only contracted through bodily fluids and scientists believe the Rwanda outbreak began with contact with contaminated animals.

Animal Contagion

The Marburg outbreak in Rwanda was announced on September 27, 2024, according to Nature. Surrounding countries reported their outbreaks years before, with Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea having their outbreak just last year. At first, the virus’s origins were uncertain; researchers thought it came from an animal but had no proof. Rwanda started contract tracing and an epidemiological investigation to identify the first patients and to determine how they contracted the virus.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the animal of contact was possibly a Rousettus bat, a fruit bat found in mines or caves, because they carry the Marburg virus. “Initially, human Marburg virus infection results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies,” said eMedicine Health.

Progress of the Marburg vaccine

The Marburg virus is a relative of the Ebola virus, both being part of the Filoviridae family. Both viruses have similar symptoms and transmission. According to eMedicineHealth, the Ebola virus has a higher fatality rate of 25%-90% compared to the Marburg virus fatality rate of 24%-88%. Ebola is more virulent but has two licensed vaccines, while the Marburg virus has none.

As of October 2024, the only vaccine for the Marburg virus is experimental. The scientists had the first trial of the experimental vaccine to fight the Marburg virus outbreak in early October. The Sabin Vaccine Institute sent out 700 vaccine doses to health care workers because they are the most at risk. The vaccine is currently in Phase 2, which means it is still undergoing testing. The Sabin Vaccine Institute still monitors people with previous outbreaks in surrounding countries.

“Interim results are expected next year, and Sabin also plans to launch a similar Phase 2 trial in the U.S. next year,” said the Sabin Vaccine Institute.

Outside Help

The people of Rwanda are not combating the Marburg virus outbreak alone. They have the support of many, some of which are WHO, Africa CDC and the United States, using a “governmental approach.” The CDC and WHO worked with Rwanda to begin a response to the outbreak and identify the public health needs. Rwanda’s supporters also sent scientists and researchers to help with the epidemiologic investigation and distribution of the vaccine.

The Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has reached level two for travelling which states “Practice Enhanced Precautions.” The WHO and the CDC have released statements about the outbreak and the risks people take if they travel to Rwanda. The supporters of Rwanda during the outbreak have helped create a response plan/program to assist in the public health of the people in Rwanda.

Conclusion

Since the announcement of the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda, the country has worked effortlessly to stop the virus. Many have come to Rwanda’s aid in their time of need. Their supporters have provided vaccines and plans to help support the public and the health officials/workers. Coming to Rwanda’s aid has allowed the progress of attaining an official and approved vaccine for the Marburg Virus that could prevent any more severe outbreaks in the future.

– Ashley Diaz

Ashley is based in Homestead, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr