Information and stories about technology news.

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Schools Advance Tsunami Readiness in the Asia-Pacific

Tsunami Readiness in the Asia-PacificCountries in the Asia-Pacific are among the most vulnerable to tsunami hazards. The region accounts for a significant portion of the Ring of Fire, a string of coastal countries along the Pacific Ocean where nearly 80% of all tsunamis occur. Asian-Pacific nations also have a significant number of coastal communities, including some of the world’s largest megacities. This high level of coastal residence puts millions at risk, evident in the fact that the region accounts for 99% of global tsunami deaths. To reduce fatalities and enhance tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific, many affected countries are taking unified action. Central to this effort is increasing the resilience of school communities to these threats.

The Regional Tsunami Project

Responding to a widespread need, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan created a joint initiative to help countries across the Asia-Pacific enhance their tsunami preparation. The Regional Tsunami Project works with governments, schools and communities to develop locally adapted plans of action to address tsunami risk. More than 800 schools across 24 Asia-Pacific countries are involved, integrating tsunami education and evacuation drills into their curricula.

Evacuation drills give community members the knowledge and tools they need to take quick action in the face of danger. It is especially important for schools to participate in regular drills, as children remain highly vulnerable to disasters. The project’s guidebook, Regional Guide for Schools to Prepare for Tsunamis, provides actionable steps for administrators and educators to enhance planning and implement safety curricula. Widely adopted practices include educating students on how to identify tsunami hazards, using the phrase “Feel. See. Hear. Run.” as a guiding technique. During evacuation drills, students learn where their nearest safe zones are and practice moving from classrooms to these areas.

The Use of Digital Tools

Technology is changing the way communities advance tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific. In fact, within school administration and disaster planning, digital tools have become essential. One tool developed by the Regional Tsunami Project is STEP-A (Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness Assessment), an online platform used in Indonesian schools.

STEP-A helps schools determine their tsunami preparedness through self-assessment, engaging students, educators and administrators. Once preparedness levels are identified, the application provides recommended steps for improvement. School readiness information across Indonesia is then integrated into InaRISK, the national disaster-monitoring tool, which provides real-time information on community hazards.

Schools are also adopting other innovative digital tools. In Samoa, students use virtual reality headsets that simulate what their surroundings may look like during a tsunami. This technology helps younger students, many of whom have never experienced a natural disaster, visualize evacuation routes and understand flood scenarios.  Research shows that immersive exercises improve knowledge retention and help students feel more confident in their ability to respond quickly during an emergency.

A Safer Future for the Asia-Pacific

The Regional Tsunami Project has laid a strong foundation for natural disaster resilience and tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific, especially in schools where preparation is essential to keeping younger generations safe. Digital tools will continue to play an important role, strengthening cooperation and enhancing preparedness among communities. Tsunamis will remain a serious threat in the region; however, by building the capacity to respond effectively, the Asia-Pacific can move toward a safer and more resilient future.

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The IRC’s Use of AI in Crisis Zones

AI in Crisis ZonesArtificial intelligence (AI) is creating new solutions for communities living through instability and displacement. From Bangladesh’s ongoing political turmoil to Nigeria’s Boko Haram–related violence and Afghanistan’s post-2021 upheaval, millions continue to face barriers to basic services. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is applying AI in crisis zones to broaden access to education, trusted information and social support. This article explores how three IRC-supported innovations, aprendIA, Signpost and ALMA (AI for Life Mapping and Assistance), show the impact of AI in crisis zones on people rebuilding their lives.

How Crisis Disrupts Education

Education offers critical skills that support children’s safety, development and long-term well-being. For those living through conflict or disaster, the loss of stable schooling can limit future opportunities. Education Cannot Wait reports that by the end of 2024, an estimated 234 million school-aged children in crisis settings required urgent assistance to access quality learning. This figure represents an increase of about 35 million in three years. Of this total, 85 million children, around 37%, were not attending school at all. Ten countries with the largest crisis-affected student populations, including Nigeria, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, account for more than 60% of these children.

How Crisis Drives Displacement

Crisis often forces people to leave their homes, whether through internal displacement or by crossing borders as refugees, asylum seekers or migrants. Displacement brings loss of housing and community as well as reduced access to essential services such as food assistance, health care and social support. Language barriers and legal restrictions can further limit services for those who have fled.

According to the United Nations (U.N.) Refugee Agency, around 123.2 million people were forcibly displaced by the end of 2024 due to persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations. This represents one in every 67 people across the globe. Furthermore, the global figure rose by 7 million in one year. The conflict in Sudan created the largest displacement crisis, with 14.3 million people displaced. Syria and Afghanistan followed with 13.5 million and 10.3 million displaced people, respectively.

IRC Solutions in Action

The IRC began in 1933 as the International Relief Association, formed at the request of Albert Einstein to support people fleeing persecution. Today, the IRC assists communities affected by humanitarian crises. In recent years, the organization has expanded its efforts by integrating artificial intelligence tools such as aprendIA, Signpost and the newly launched ALMA. These innovations aim to strengthen access to information. Additionally, they improve service delivery and support people in crisis zones with faster and more reliable assistance.

  • AprendIA. AprendIA is an AI-supported chatbot platform that delivers learning content through mobile messaging apps, allowing children to access education at any time and on any device. The IRC aims for the tool to reach more than 1 million learners by the end of 2026. The IRC has adapted aprendIA to support learning facilitators in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in northeast Nigeria. In Bangladesh, where students face severe disruption from natural disasters, aprendIA provides lesson plans, activities, community tools and quizzes to help schools continue learning during climate-related emergencies.
  • Signpost. Signpost, launched in 2015, is a digital information platform that provides people affected by a crisis with reliable, localized guidance. The project uses service mapping, community-led content and two-way communication that allows users to ask questions and receive answers in less than 24 hours. Signpost now reaches communities in 20 countries and operates in 25 language. The long-term goal is to support half of the world’s displaced population. According to the IRC, Signpost played a vital role for Maryam, who fled Afghanistan with her family and arrived in Italy in 2021. Through Italy’s Signpost platform, she accessed timely information that helped her family navigate essential services.
  • ALMA. On Nov. 10, 2025, the IRC introduced ALMA. The multilingual virtual assistant is designed to support refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders and other newcomers in the United States. ALMA operates through WhatsApp and provides round-the-clock guidance on social services, employment, financial literacy, local resources and information about rights and responsibilities in the U.S. Furthermore, the tool currently offers support in Dari/Farsi, English, Spanish and Swahili.

Toward Safer Futures

The IRC’s use of AI in crisis zones shows how technology can strengthen humanitarian responses. Indeed, tools like aprendIA, Signpost and ALMA help crisis-affected communities access education, information and essential services more quickly and reliably. With continued collaboration and refinement, AI in crisis zones can play an even greater role in supporting people working toward safer and more stable futures.

– Sammi Li

Sammi is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Turning Trash into Treasure: The 3D-Printed Houses in Mexico

3D-Printed Houses in MexicoMexico faces a severe housing crisis, with approximately 9 million homes requiring construction or major improvements to provide adequate shelter for its population. In Tabasco, an innovative project, through 3D-printed houses, is offering hope to families in Mexico who previously lived in makeshift shacks vulnerable to flooding and extreme weather.

Affordable 3D-Printed Houses in Mexico

ICON, partnering with the nonprofit New Story and Mexican social enterprise ÉCHALE, built 50 3D-printed homes in Nacajuca, Tabasco. These homes cost approximately $10,000 each for 500 square feet of living space. Traditional construction in Mexico costs between $50 and $100 per square foot for economic to medium-range homes, which would mean $25,000 to $50,000 for a 500-square-foot home.

This represents savings of 50% to 80% compared to traditional Mexican construction methods. Families pay just 400 Mexican pesos monthly—approximately $20—on zero-interest mortgages over seven years. This totals only $1,680 over the entire mortgage period. For the 50 families selected, who earn average monthly incomes of just $76.50, these payments represent about 26% of household income yet provide permanent, high-quality housing far superior to their previous conditions.

Pedro García Hernández, a 48-year-old carpenter earning 2,500 pesos monthly ($125), previously lived in a home with dirt floors where dust from his work coated everything. His daughter Yareli, studying to become a nurse, will inherit the home without financial burden.

Understanding Mexico’s Housing Emergency

Mexico faces a severe housing crisis with a qualitative housing deficit of more than 14 million homes. More than half of the population lives below the poverty line, limiting the ability of families to meet housing needs. Around one dwelling out of four has poor construction material for roofs, walls or floors, is overcrowded or lacks basic facilities. Approximately 17.8% of the population is considered vulnerable due to a lack of access to basic housing services, including water, drainage and electricity.

Regional disparities reveal stark inequalities. In 2022, Guerrero had the highest share of residents considered vulnerable due to inadequate housing, with more than 26% living in poor conditions or without enough space. In 2024, 48.6% of Chiapas residents lacked access to at least one basic service in their homes, compared with 47.4% in Guerrero and 46.7% in Oaxaca. Northern industrial centers like Nuevo León had the lowest rate at 3.2%.

The National Housing Commission (CONAVI) projects the deficit will reach 7.2 million to 10.5 million homes by 2050, requiring 700,000 new homes annually to meet demand. Current formal production delivers only 300,000 homes yearly, creating a widening gap. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a National Housing Program in October 2024 targeting 1 million new homes through 2030, backed by 600 billion pesos ($32.4 billion) in federal spending.

Revolutionary Construction Speed and Strength

The Vulcan II printer completes wall printing in 24 hours of active print time, with local workers adding roofs, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical systems. Total construction takes one to two weeks versus six to 12 months for traditional methods. The first two homes were unveiled in December 2019, and by November 2021, 65 families had moved in.

Each home measures approximately 500 square feet and features two bedrooms, a kitchen and a bathroom, plus indoor plumbing—something many residents did not previously have. Each 3D-printed home has curved walls and lattices to improve airflow and a reinforced foundation to help withstand earthquakes. Nacajuca was hit with a magnitude 7.4 earthquake after the houses were built, and the homes remained standing without damage.

The homes were designed to withstand seismic activity and prevent flooding. Each home can withstand hurricanes and is approved for seismic activity—essential for Tabasco, where low-income residents often live in shacks that flood during the rainy season. The materials are more rugged than standard construction in the area and better able to withstand disasters. The concrete construction provides insulation that keeps homes cooler indoors, helping lower utility costs.

Community Investment and Future Growth

The local Tabasco government donated land for the project and committed to providing the required infrastructure, including electricity and roads. The project also includes plans for roads, a school, a soccer field, a market and a library. The homes were granted to families living in extreme poverty and unsafe shelter. Property titles were signed to women in households to help protect family stability. The partnership selected families by surveying more than 500 households with local officials, prioritizing Indigenous populations historically left out of government programs.

Looking Ahead

The 3D-printed houses in Tabasco, Mexico, demonstrate that cutting-edge technology can serve those most in need. The partnership with ICON and the use of 3D-printing technology allows New Story to reach more families faster while improving quality and design flexibility. The hope is that this catalytic research and development project will influence the sector as a whole, offering a scalable solution to provide families with safe, affordable and dignified housing.

– Jawad Noori

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Grassroot Innovations Changing Poverty Politics in Madagascar

Poverty Politics in MadagascarPoverty politics in Madagascar is often told as a story of failure, corruption, and unrest. But beneath the surface, citizens are crafting their own solutions. From solar cooperatives powering rural clinics and schools to tech platforms promoting transparency, grassroot innovations in Madagascar are quietly reshaping the country’s poverty dynamic.

Madagascar At Glance

Madagascar is famous for its large biodiversity as well as diverse cultural influence. The nation is rich in natural resources such as coal, chromite, salt quartz, hydropower, semiprecious stones, shellfish etc.

Madagascar’s economy is heavily dependent on its agricultural exports. For instance, sugar, coffee and vanilla to name a few. These exports have contributed to more than 25% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

However, approximately 75% of the population is currently living below international poverty lines. Natural disasters have contributed to Magadascar’s state of poverty due to uncertainty in agricultural productions. Given that agricultural infrastructures make up 80% of the nation’s employment, many rural workers feel the impacts of fluctuations in production.

Politics and Instability

Civil conflict has also played a significant role in poverty politics in Madagascar. A 2009 coup takeover placed former president Rajoelina in power; however, there are little reported developments with only about a 22% increase in GDP during his reign.

Fed up with electricity and water outages, Gen-Z protests in the capital Antananarivo, in late September 2025, provoked yet another government takeover. Frustrated with the nation’s immense corruption, weak institutions and  lack of accountability from the government, many Malagasy’s lack job opportunities and are left to fend for themselves.

On the other hand, grassroots innovations such as Solar United Madagascar (SUM), Jirogasy and SAYNA have given hope to many Malagasy citizens.

Solar United Madagascar

Solar United Madagascar utilizes an environmentally friendly approach in providing electricity to rural areas in Madagascar by mobilizing their light libraries throughout communities. The company installs solar panels on school buildings and ultimately allows families to lend power banks. This provides light to schools and homes after dark by non-toxic light instead of kerosene and candles, which can be hazardous. It has also been beneficial to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Recent developments include a total of 243 solar panels, 80 school buildings benefiting and servicing more than 7,000 customers in Madagascar.

Jirogasy

Founded by Yann Kasy, Jirogasy is a Malagasy startup that provides solar kits and solar computers to consumers. A team of engineers designed it for e-health and e-education in areas where electricity is scarce. The solar computers have provided an affordable alternative for hundreds of students in Madagascar, providing access to digital education and have been a vital resource for hospitals.

Sayna

Founded by Franco-Malagasy entrepreneur Martina Razafimachefa, SAYNA provides a digital gamified platform where users can improve their computer literacy with micro tasks that also allow them to earn income. Tasks focus on missions that involve quizzes, videos and games. Orange Venture, Malagasy Investment Club and Launch Africa Ventures provided $600,000 in equity funding to support this initiative, which addresses both the education and employment crisis in Madagascar.

From the Bottom Up

These initiatives reveal a different story about Madagascar than the narratives that are perceived. They define a population that is actively engineering its own future. Whether it is through solar-powered classrooms, off-grid computers or digital platforms that transform skills to work, grassroots innovations are reshaping poverty politics in Madagascar. In a country defined by instability, these innovations show that sustainable development is not only possible but currently taking place.

– Gloria Bwenge

Gloria is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Development in Mongolia

Digital Development in MongoliaMost of Mongolia’s population resides in the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, which serves as a large urban area; the Asian country can be categorized into two different areas: urban and rural. In fact, one of the things Mongolia is most known for is its population of grazing livestock, due to the fact that about three-fourths of the country is made up of pastureland. As of 2025, the country has over 3.5 million citizens, spanning over three topographical zones.

Background

As late as 2018, 90% of the population in Mongolia had access to the internet, along with widespread 3G and 4G. In fact, in the last 10 years, the use of technology, particularly among younger citizens, has only increased. This statistic includes Mongolia’s more nomadic communities, who are a part of more rural, isolated areas, where civilians may not get the same speedy internet connection as soon as the more urban communities have.

While it is evident that Mongolia is not as technologically advanced as other countries are in this day and age, such as China or the U.S., the country is working to change that, especially when it comes to its more remote communities.

e-Mongolia

Teamed up with the e-Mongolia Initiative, a platform in Mongolia that works to deliver public services to every single area of the East-Asian country, the Government’s Digital Nation Strategy is working to increase the overall digital literacy in Mongolia. As the e-Mongolia Initiative works to serve the most remote and nomadic areas of the country, the Mongolian government plans to help increase digital literacy within those specific communities.

In addition to the government’s plans with the country-wide internet services, the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), with UNDP and UNICEF are all partnering with the government for this project. With this collaboration, the UNDP, RCO, and UNICEF are hoping to help the specific areas of DarkhanUul, Khentii, Dornod, and Ulaanbattar in expanding their digital literacy.

Digital Literacy

While the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG) never states that Mongolia needs more digital literacy, it points out the positives that come with a more technologically advanced society.

The Head of the Government E-Services Department in the Darkhan-Uul Province, Soyolmma Namkhajav, stated, “We are happy to collaborate on this project to deliver faster and more accessible online public services to citizens.”

These partnerships work to improve digital literacy within the country, in order to improve the public online services that are already available throughout the country, particularly in nomadic areas. In addition to improving already available services, the government hopes to improve education with technology.

The UNSDG held information training session for 60 teachers across thirty schools in Mongolia for a year in 2024. Citing one of the teachers who participated in the session, in addition to helping schools integrate technology into their students’ learning, education leaders are learning how to teach their students how to be safe when browsing the internet.  In addition to serving schools, the government is hoping to make training and other valuable resources more accessible online for public servants and local communities.

The Future

Recently, the RCO has been mobilizing resources with the United Nations to help support the digital future in Mongolia, including the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia, which is persistent in making sure that this program that focuses on national priorities and government ownership. Relevant governmental ministries are hoping to train at least 3,000 citizens, 1,500 women in particular, apart of three different regions, including Uaanbattar, to learn these important digital skills.

– Megan Akers

Megan is based inFredericktown, OH, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Kenya is Using Satellite Data to Settle Land Rights

satellite data to settle land rightsIn Kenya’s informal settlements, where more than half of urban residents live without formal land titles, a quiet shift is transforming how land rights are established. Through partnerships between the government and international organizations, Kenya is using satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to map and formalize land ownership, unlocking economic opportunities for millions of residents who have lived for decades without legal proof of ownership.

Mapping the Unmapped

Kenya’s use of satellite data to settle land rights begins with remote sensing technologies tested in regions like Kajiado County. Researchers developed smart sketch mapping systems combined with UAV technology to capture high-resolution images of informal settlements. According to a study published in the journal Remote Sensing in January 2020, these methods achieved ground sample distances of about six centimeters, offering unprecedented detail for land boundary mapping.

A fit-for-purpose approach used in Makueni County in 2017 showed that field data collection could be quick and affordable. As reported by GIM International, two surveyors collected data for about 40 parcels in six hours using handheld devices displaying satellite imagery on mobile screens. Villagers walked the perimeters of their land while GPS antennas recorded boundary points, creating a participatory process that directly links people to polygons on digital maps.

The KISIP Initiative

The Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP) is the most comprehensive effort to formalize land tenure in urban areas. Launched in 2011 through a partnership between the Government of Kenya, the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the Agence Française de Développement, KISIP has benefited more than 1.4 million residents.

According to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, KISIP operates in about 40 counties and focuses on land tenure regularization through planning, surveying and issuing ownership documents.

The project’s second phase, which began in March 2021, targets informal settlements located on uncontested public land. As People Daily reported in July 2025, KISIP2 has prepared more than 1,470 titles in Nyeri County alone, with 540 already issued.

Economic Transformation

The economic impact of secure land tenure goes far beyond property ownership. Title deeds can be used as collateral for bank loans, enabling residents to invest in permanent housing and small businesses. A 2019 Capital Blog article noted that residents of Nyalenda in Kisumu County used their new titles to access bank loans after receiving secure tenure through KISIP.

In November 2024, the Cabinet waived Sh12.3 billion in interest on land settlement loans, demonstrating the government’s commitment to unlocking land-based economic potential. According to Capital FM, the waiver will benefit thousands of settlers in 520 settlement schemes across 26 counties, helping them obtain title deeds and use them as collateral for investment.

Peter Kagai, an 80-year-old farmer from Kamuiri colonial village in Nyeri County, told People Daily that owning a title deed improved his life significantly, allowing him to secure loans to educate his children and invest in his farm.

Technology Meets Community

U.N.-Habitat’s Social Tenure Domain Model tool has proven effective in participatory mapping. In the Kwa Bulo settlement in Mombasa County, more than 1,000 Certificates of Occupancy were issued through participatory enumerations and mapping approaches. According to U.N.-Habitat, perceived tenure security led to increased economic activities, including new retail businesses and construction projects that created employment opportunities for youth.

Looking Forward

Kenya’s use of satellite data to settle land rights represents a model for other developing nations addressing informal land tenure. The combination of affordable satellite imagery, UAV technology and community-led mapping offers a scalable solution that respects local knowledge while providing legally recognized documentation.

As Flying Labs Kenya reported in October 2024, organizations continue expanding drone applications across humanitarian and development sectors, including land tenure mapping in counties like Kajiado.

With its ability to collect data quickly and cost-effectively, the technology is well-suited for large-scale land formalization programs. The success of these initiatives shows that technology-driven solutions, combined with partnerships and community participation, can address historical land injustices and create pathways to economic opportunity. For millions of Kenyans in informal settlements, satellite data and digital mapping tools are becoming essential to securing their future.

– Jawad Noori

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

Photo: Pexels

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Digital Pharmacy Platforms Make Medicine in Nigeria Affordable

Medicine in NigeriaIn Nigeria, the struggle to access affordable health care remains one of the most pressing challenges in the fight against poverty. Millions of Nigerians, especially those in rural areas, face unaffordable health care and counterfeit medications that threaten their lives and drain their resources. However, recent technological advancements are beginning to change this situation.

The rise in digital pharmacies introduces a clearer path to affordable and quality health care. Through the intervention of companies such as DrugStoc, Drug-IT Solutions and Pharmagateway, technology now authenticates supply chains, reduces the presence of counterfeit drugs and lowers costs for patients. These platforms not only improve health care access but also stimulate the economy by creating digital jobs and supporting local pharmaceutical businesses.

Background and Challenges

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a country located in West Africa with a population of more than 230 million people, the largest in Africa. Known for its ethnic diversity, large entertainment industry and major oil and gas production, Nigeria holds an important position in Africa. However, the country continues to face several challenges, including poverty, insecurity, corruption and lack of access to affordable health care.

Among these issues, the state of the health care system remains one of the most urgent ones. Health care in Nigeria suffers from inadequate funding, with leaders allocating only about 4.27% of the nation’s GDP to this sector. Other factors that affect Nigeria’s health system include poor infrastructure, a high disease burden and limited access to vaccines and other essential medications, which further weaken the system.

A particularly concerning issue involves the widespread prescription of counterfeit and substandard drugs, often sold through poorly trained “street chemists.” Many innocent civilians fall sick or require hospitalization because these “chemists” sell fake drugs. According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, around 70% of the drugs circulating in Nigeria are fake.

Poverty fuels this crisis. Many people in rural Nigeria cannot afford basic health care, so they turn to these street pharmacies as a source of cheaper medicine. This urgent need for change creates an opportunity for online technologies, particularly digital pharmacy platforms, to alleviate the financial and health burdens associated with poverty.

The Rise of Digital Pharmacies

Digital pharmacy platforms in Nigeria have emerged as a transformative solution to this challenge by combining traditional pharmacy systems with modern digital tools to improve the ordering, verification and delivery of quality medications. In Nigeria, several notable health-tech platforms, including DrugStoc, Pharmagateway and Drug-IT Solutions, have made significant progress in addressing the issue of counterfeit medication distribution.

  • DrugStoc: Launched in 2017, DrugStoc is a cloud-based platform that helps health care providers easily access affordable, high-quality pharmaceuticals and medical products. It ranks among Africa’s top health-technology innovators. DrugStoc provides authenticated medications to hospitals and clinics through thorough quality checks and real-time supply analytics. This way, it ensures the reliability and transparency of the medications it distributes.
  • Pharmagateway: This is another digital pharmacy platform in Nigeria that works to ensure that quality medication reaches consumers. Founded in 2020, Pharmagateway developed a system for pharmaceutical professionals to manage and pay industry-related dues while ensuring compliance with professional standards. The platform also provides access to job opportunities within the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Drug-IT Solutions: This is another Nigerian technology-powered pharmaceutical distribution company that offers a digital platform that helps health facilities safely and efficiently restock medical supplies, while also providing consumers with a convenient prescription refill service. The company aims to transform Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain using innovative technology. By improving distribution processes, reducing waste, combating the spread of counterfeit drugs, lowering costs and increasing access to medicines, Drug-IT enhances health care access for people nationwide.

By utilizing the specialized Matrix-36 software, Drug-IT Solutions connects manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers, thereby creating a fully integrated pharmaceutical supply chain.

The rise of digital pharmacies in Nigeria improves access to safe and affordable medicine by using technology to strengthen the drug supply chain.

Looking Ahead

Digital pharmacy platforms in Nigeria provide access to safe and affordable medicine, offering a promising path toward stronger health care and reduced poverty. Companies like DrugStoc and Drug-IT improve medication quality and accessibility. However, these platforms still face challenges, including limited internet access in rural areas, inconsistent regulatory enforcement and low digital literacy among certain communities.

With continued innovation, stronger government support and sustained investment in technology and public education, Nigeria can overcome these obstacles. Moving forward, digital pharmacies have the potential to support a more reliable, affordable and accessible health care system for all Nigerians.

– Emmanuel Fagbemide

Emmanuel is based in Winnipeg, Canada and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Digital Inclusion in the Philippines

Digital Inclusion in the PhilippinesThe Philippines has high social media usage and an expanding tech sector. However, millions in rural, low-income areas lack access to digital services. With only 28% of households having fixed internet in 2023, the country lags behind Vietnam (79%), Thailand (55%) and Malaysia (54%). This raises the question of whether bridging the digital divide can help alleviate poverty.

Digital Poverty: When Connectivity Becomes a Necessity

Digital poverty refers to the inability of individuals to fully engage with the online world due to insufficient access to devices, reliable internet, digital skills or financial means. This inability affects opportunities in education, employment and social interactions, as well as access to government programs, job listings, online marketplaces and distance learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted digital exclusion, as many students in lockdown faced online access issues, leading to dropouts and academic setbacks. This situation exemplifies how digital poverty exacerbates economic poverty, with more than 2.3 million people in the Philippines falling into poverty from 2018 to 2021 due to the pandemic’s economic impact.

Rural Impact: Digital Tools for Smallholder Farmers

Applications and SMS platforms, such as FarmHelp, e-Kadiwa and Rice Crop Manager, empower farmers by providing access to market prices, weather updates and direct buyers. These tools enhance farm management, improve connectivity and provide financial and technical support, resulting in higher earnings and reduced risks. The Philippine agriculture sector plays a crucial role in the economy, with predictions that by 2025, more than 70% of rural farmers will use mobile phones for essential agricultural and forestry management.

The Role of Mobile Money and Digital Banking

According to Global Market Magazine, about 66% of the Philippine population remains unbanked. The term “unbanked” refers to individuals who lack access to a bank or a similar financial institution. E-wallets like GCash and Maya are essential for savings, remittances and emergency funds in the Philippines.

These digital wallet providers are enhancing cybersecurity, interoperability and fund access while expanding their services to include investment products and global options for overseas workers. As digital wallets evolve, they are expected to drive further growth in the country’s digital economy. In 2024, the Philippines faced significant challenges regarding financial literacy, despite the growing adoption of e-wallets.

Current statistics reveal that only about 25% of Filipinos have a grasp of fundamental financial concepts, indicating prevalent deficiencies in skills such as budgeting, saving and debt management. While there have been some advancements in financial education, the overall progress remains slow. This underscores the urgent need for initiatives that make financial education more accessible and equitable.

The Gender and Youth Angle

Women in low-income households are less likely to own mobile devices or possess digital literacy, thereby widening the inequality gap. Youth digital entrepreneurs, including TikTok sellers and online freelancers, have significant potential for generating inclusive income with improved connectivity. Digital entrepreneurship involves entrepreneurs establishing businesses by utilizing online platforms, enabling them to reach a wider audience and leverage various internet resources and strategies.

The Philippines’ digital transactions in 2021 totaled 1.87 trillion pesos (about $598 billion), equivalent to 9.6% of the country’s GDP, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The digital economy, where products and services are sold online, is also directly influenced as the nation becomes more knowledgeable about the nuances of digital entrepreneurship.

Kimberly Yao is a notable digital entrepreneur and co-founder of CloudEats. This cloud kitchen serves approximately two million people in the Philippines and Vietnam, featuring 55 food and beverage brands. Before this, she gained experience in the traditional food and beverage sector and launched Boozy, a nationwide beverage delivery service.

Connection to Poverty

Digital tools in the Philippines can both alleviate and worsen poverty. High costs, weak infrastructure and limited digital skills block access for people experiencing poverty, leaving them unable to tap into opportunities in online work, education and financial inclusion. According to the 2024 Internet Poverty Index by the World Data Lab, the Philippines ranks 56th out of 169 nations in terms of internet poverty.

More than 18.33 million Filipinos (15.9% of the population) are unable to afford the third-highest internet plan, which is one gigabyte per month.

Barriers That Keep People With Low-Income Offline

Despite some progress on digital inclusion in the Philippines, key challenges remain. Infrastructure gaps, such as unreliable electricity and weak signal, hinder internet access for impoverished Filipino households. Additionally, high costs of data and devices relative to income pose a significant barrier.

Digital literacy remains another issue, as many struggle to leverage digital opportunities despite having access to them. Furthermore, there is a lack of coordination between ICT initiatives and poverty-alleviation programs.

Policy and NGO Solutions

Programs such as Free Wi-Fi for All, Tech4ED Centers and NGO initiatives teaching e-commerce skills aim to enhance digital access and alleviate poverty in the Philippines. The Free Wi-Fi for All program, managed by the Department of Information and Technology (DICT), offers free Wi-Fi hotspots across various municipalities, with approximately 11,475 facilities operational as of 2021.

USAID’s five-year Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) project, launched in 2021, aims to improve digital connectivity in the Philippines. It supports community networks in delivering affordable internet to underserved areas. It also helps the government automate and digitize services to narrow the digital divide.

Digital inclusion in the Philippines is essential for providing opportunities rather than being viewed as a separate goal. Access to the internet, devices and digital skills is critical in combating poverty, with significant impacts on education and employment.

Bridging the Gap

The next frontier in the fight against poverty in the Philippines will not be waged solely in fields or classrooms, but also in the digital realm. With 97.5 million Filipinos, 83.8% of the population, already online at the start of 2025, the potential to harness technology for inclusive growth has never been greater. Yet, actual progress demands more than connectivity; it requires stronger investments in digital infrastructure, literacy and equitable access to ensure that no one is left behind.

By advancing digital inclusion in the Philippines, the nation can empower every Filipino to “log in” to opportunity. Digital inclusion in the Philippines helps bridge divides, fuel innovation and move toward a future where technology plays a central role in reducing poverty.

– Katelyn Leano

Katelyn is based in Plainfield, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Seismograph Technology Solutions for Typhoon Bualoi

Seismograph TechnologyAccording to data measurements from the Nay Pyi Taw Seismological Observatory in the Philippines, the tropical storm typhoon Bualoi, which occurred in the West Pacific Ocean during September 2025, measured a strong 6.9 on the Richter scale. Typhoon Bualoi brought heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides that caused extensive damage to roads, buildings and bridges, along with power outages and numerous casualties in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. In Vietnam, 30,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm. Poverty rates remain high across Southeast Asia, where these three countries are located.

Tropical storms, such as Typhoon Bualoi, form over warm tropical oceans. When they intensify, they are classified as hurricanes, cyclones or typhoons, depending on the region in which they occur.

Typhoon Bualoi’s Impact on Vietnam’s Poverty and Infrastructure

According to Sky News reports, Typhoon Bualoi caused extensive flooding and landslides in Vietnam. Consequently, the town infrastructure of Vietnam became disarrayed, leading to the disconnection of roads and regional areas in the northern mountains of Son La and Lao Cai provinces, as well as central Nghe. Excessively high levels of water rose in the Thao River of Yei Bai to emergency levels, causing floods to overflow into residents’ houses.

Other news report stations have revealed that more than 200,000 homes, cities and farmland were destroyed by the typhoon, amounting to an approximate maximum of $600 million in damages. Tropical storms heighten and accelerate poverty due to the extensive cost of infrastructural repairs and disruption of town services. Poverty markers from the charity Oxfam indicate that 13 million people in Vietnam live in poverty.

Typhoon Bualoi also disrupted several transport networks: Vietnam’s Noi Bai International Airport had to suspend operations to ensure safety during the storm and Vietnam Railways Corporation canceled most services between Hanoi and the business hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Climate instability may have further worsened the storm’s impact, as rising global temperatures melt ice caps, raise sea levels and increase the likelihood of natural disasters.

Seismograph Technology Solutions 

The seismograph at the Filipino Nay Pyi Taw Seismological Observatory records ground oscillations caused by seismic waves from earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and certain microseisms from storms at sea. Seismographs are built with electromagnetic sensor components that convert ground movement into electrical signals, which are recorded and processed by digital or analog circuitry. They can be calibrated to measure earthquake magnitude quantitatively, using scales such as the Richter scale.

Tropical storms, such as Typhoon Bualoi, leave detectable signatures in seismic data, as ocean waves generated by strong winds produce signals known as seismic fingerprints. Seismograph technology helps evaluate and assess these microseisms from typhoons, enabling authorities to implement effective evacuation plans and relief efforts according to the storm’s severity. More effective evacuation plans and a durable disaster risk management strategy, especially during the monsoon season, are crucial in reducing the widespread poverty caused by tropical storms.

Seismograph technology proved instrumental during Typhoon Bualoi, supporting the execution of evacuation protocols and the delivery of charitable aid to affected regions.

Innovative Seismograph Technology

Innovative seismograph technology has been developed for the enhanced detection of smaller, lighter and more types of seismic waves. The innovative technology employed mathematical research techniques in the field of polarization analysis, which involved studying the motion of particles in three dimensions to detect a wide range of polarized seismic waveforms. Such research has been pivotal in evaluating seismic waves from underground locations with minimal observation points.

The novel seismograph technology enhances the detection of earthquake seismic waves, facilitating the construction of more effective natural disaster risk assessments, as well as short-term and long-term preparedness for tropical storms. Building natural disaster shelters, implementing evacuation strategies and preparing for domestic flights, as well as irrigation dams and inland water transport, are all aspects of tropical storm preparedness.

Charity Response to Typhoon Bualoi

The charity ShelterBox supports relief efforts in regions affected by Bualoi through emergency shelters, solar lights, mosquito nets and blankets. The Samaritan’s Purse charity also provided aid to support the effects of the typhoon by distributing relief kits. It included food kits, cooking pots, mosquito nets, blankets and personal hygiene kits containing towels, soap and dental products, which were distributed to hundreds of families in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam.

Seismograph technology has been an instrumental solution, alongside other charitable outreach efforts, in alleviating poverty caused by tropical storms. By evaluating seismic waves, it facilitates more effective evacuation protocols and disaster preparedness.

– Deborah Asante

Deborah is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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SM Sehgal Foundation: Modern Technology and India’s Agriculture

SM Sehgal FoundationAccording to the International Trade Administration, as of mid-2024, there are almost a million combined internet and smartphone users in India. With the widespread adoption of technology in such a populous country, the internet has become an integral part of India’s economy, driving digital payments, e-commerce and even investments in artificial intelligence. In addition to this, 4G has made its way into the country and 5G is gradually expanding to larger parts of the South Asian nation.

While these major advancements in technology are impressive, they aren’t just beneficial to larger, more populated areas of India, such as cities; the usage of modern technology also impacts rural India.

Agriculture’s Role in India’s Economy

A small portion of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) comes from agriculture, at just 18%. However, 44% of the country’s workforce consists of employees in agriculture, despite the decline in the overall percentage of agricultural employment in India since the ’90s. With such a dense portion of the population relying on agricultural jobs, the implementation of ever-evolving technology impacts these jobs.

Technology in agriculture affects multiple aspects of the field. The impacts of technology and agriculture apply to, but are not limited to, aspects such as pesticides and seed technology. In 2017, with the help of the Gram Uttan Project, Raju Kumar Chaudhry, a farmer from Bihar, was able to purchase a subsidized potato planter, which enabled him to reduce labor costs while increasing his crop yield, resulting in savings of around $40 per acre.

Technological Innovations in Indian Agriculture

With the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday technology, it is perhaps unsurprising that it has also been applied to the agricultural sector. The SM Sehgal Foundation reports that AI supports farmers by simplifying their decision-making processes. For example, AI-driven climate predictions enable farmers to make informed decisions about their crops, while AI-powered data collection facilitates precision farming practices.

In addition to AI, other technological advancements have supported India’s agriculture. Capacity-building programs allow small farmers to access modern equipment without worrying about affordability. IoT technologies, including drones, satellites and remote sensors, help farmers make informed decisions around the clock, keeping them updated on current weather patterns in their area. Livestock monitoring, using chips and body sensors to track animals’ vitals, helps prevent the spread of infections.

This is particularly important for farmers with large herds, where an outbreak could have devastating consequences.

What’s To Come?

While technological advances aren’t uncommon in India, the country is struggling to roll out the use of AI, especially in the agricultural sector. This is partly due to issues with marginalized farming and fragmented land ownership. However, the SM Sehgal Foundation continues to partner with both organizations and India’s farmers in an attempt to make technology more accessible to India’s agricultural sector, aiming to create a comprehensive food-secure future in India.

– Megan Akers

Megan is based in Fredericktown, OH, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr