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Hakainde Hichilema’s Push for Digital Inclusion in Zambia

Hakainde Hichilema’s Push for Digital Inclusion in Zambia At the start of 2024, roughly two-thirds of Zambia’s population lacked reliable access to the internet, highlighting a critical barrier to national development. In light of this issue, Hakainde Hichilema, the president of Zambia, has established ambitious goals to connect his nation to the internet and bring Zambia into the digital age. President Hichilema and his government aim for 80% digital inclusion in Zambia by 2026.

What is Digital Inclusion?

Digital inclusion encompasses more than just internet access. It integrates digital literacy training to navigate the internet, high-quality tech support and access to applications that maximize the utility of internet access. Digital inclusion also incorporates measures that combat poverty. For example, easier access to job opportunities that someone without internet access might not discover. President Hichilema has diligently worked to tackle poverty in Zambia by enhancing digital connectivity through a variety of measures.

Hakainde Hichilema and Key Government Initiatives

Hakainde Hichilema has been the leader of Zambia’s United Party for National Development since 2006. He grew up in a rural community in the Monze District of Zambia, a region that he is now helping gain widespread access to reliable internet. His presidency is committed to pioneering how Zambia’s government can fight poverty by improving digital connectivity.

While running for president, he focused on education, jobs and digital inclusion in Zambia. His plan to improve digital inclusion in Zambia includes tax incentives, improvements to digital infrastructure, partnerships with companies for access to satellites, foreign partnerships with wealthier nations and building a free wi-fi network that all Zambians, including the poor, can take advantage of.

The details of these initiatives are as follows:

  • Taxes. President Hichilema has instituted tax waivers on ICT equipment to spur private sector investment. This has yielded $54 million in investment. As companies invest capital in the country, it stimulates the economy. In the long term, it fosters a tax base that can subsequently fund various social programs that address poverty and assist those most in need.
  • Infrastructure. Zambia’s government plans to link itself to all eight of its neighboring countries via high-capacity optic fiber cables. This is in addition to the 379 communication towers Zambia plans to erect, primarily in rural areas. Zambia has also launched a 5G network through collaboration with MTN and Huawei. These measures will greatly improve Zambia’s Wi-Fi network infrastructure, linking every citizen nationwide to the internet and enabling them to obtain information that was once inaccessible.
  • Satellites. Zambia has collaborated with Starlink to deliver affordable internet services to underserved communities. Through this collaboration, many rural communities now access the internet at public libraries, schools and hospitals. Starlink’s satellites provide internet access to hospitals, empowering them to acquire up-to-date information regarding medications or new health guidelines. Doctors can communicate with patients via online communication platforms. This allows them to support their patients should any issues arise after visits. This system closely mirrors practices in the United States (U.S.), where a doctor remains accessible weeks after a visit if issues emerge.
  • National Free Wi-Fi. ZamFree is an initiative to extend free Wi-Fi to Zambians in key public spaces, including markets, schools, airports and hospitals. Liquid Telecom, another organization working to broaden Wi-Fi access in Zambia, champions Hichilema’s plan to link 1,291 secondary schools to the internet. Free Wi-Fi narrows the divide between the rich and the poor. Individuals experiencing poverty can leverage the internet to participate in job training programs or enroll in school. As their skillset grows, they can secure employment and address workforce gaps more easily.
  • International Partnerships. The African Development Bank has considered establishing its headquarters in Zambia. This would not only generate jobs but also transform Zambia into a major hub for expanding internet access across much of Africa. President Hichilema has also initiated collaboration with the Czech Republic. The aim is to establish scholarships for professionals specializing in IT, AI and cybersecurity. These partnerships strengthen Zambia’s relationship with countries worldwide, enhancing diplomacy.

Ending Poverty with the Use of Digital Tools

Improvements to internet infrastructure in Zambia carry the potential to fight poverty by improving digital connectivity and empowering more people to utilize the internet. Indeed, doctors in hospitals can leverage the internet to reach patients, extending health care access to those facing unreliable transportation or mobility issues. Teachers can engage students across all levels of education, from pre-K through college. Overall, these examples, among many others, highlight the potential to fight poverty through improved digital inclusion in Zambia.

– Jeff Mathwig

Jeff is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Technologies to Prevent Food Insecurity in Morocco

Technologies to Prevent Food Insecurity in Morocco In 2024, Morocco suffered a 50% decrease in its wheat harvests, compared to the previous year, leaving many farmers and rural labourers without work or income. Although Morocco has always battled droughts and water shortages, the effects have become more apparent in the past decade. According to ROPUR, 40% of the Moroccan workforce participates in agricultural activities, with 137,000 jobs lost to the drought in 2024.

The lack of rainfall and reservoirs affects not just the rural populations in the most barren parts of Morocco, but also urban centers such as Rabat, which came close to a total dry up in 2023. Despite the inevitable threat of a water shortage in the country, foreign investors have partnered with scientists from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to utilize technology in reducing the economic and health consequences associated with droughts and food insecurity.

Agritech and the Green Generation Strategy

A particular project that has worked effortlessly to solve food insecurity in Morocco is Agritech. The Green Generation Strategy (2020-2030), set out by King Mohammed VI, aims to modernise the Moroccan agricultural sector of the economy, not only to boost exports, but also to support the 73% of people living in rural Morocco who work in agriculture. 

As a product of this 10-year strategy, Agritech aims to provide precise and timely information to farmers through a mixture of satellite-based imagery, drones and artificial intelligence in order to help the sector better prepare for droughts. 

Al Moutmir: Irrigation and Job Creation

Agriculture in Morocco accounts for 14% of GDP, meaning slight shifts in the climate during growing seasons can have catastrophic consequences for locals. Among the frequent effects of climate shifts is a reduction in the rural labor force. However, through technological innovation, projects such as Al Moutmir have overcome some of these challenges.

Through its gravity-fed irrigation systems, some farmers have been able to reduce their field water losses from 40% to just 15%. In addition, the umbrella strategy that Al Moutmir forms a part of – Le Plan Maroc Vert –has created an additional 342,000 jobs since its inception in 2008. 

Sand to Green and Terraa

While organizations and partnerships in Morocco have taken direct action on combating food insecurity and water shortages, a hybrid of both physical and virtual uses of technology has benefited farmers. For example, Sand to Green uses technology to insert green spaces into previously arid lands or solar-powered desalination methods to increase the flow of appropriate water for agriculture.

Terraa, on the other hand, is a digital network that farmers use to distribute their products efficiently and cost-effectively so as to avoid waste in times of surplus. Through the combination of the two, farmers can work toward a more stable harvest, all the while selling their produce for a price that is fair for their work. As such, the Moroccan agricultural sector reinforces itself in the long term and expands its GDP. 

Looking Ahead

Although droughts are an inevitable reality in Morocco, state-of-the-art technology allows small and large-scale farmers to prepare for the worst. Although Morocco may seem like a distant country, 34% of Moroccan exports to the U.K. are fruits and vegetables, meaning a stable agricultural industry in Morocco leads to a consistent supply for British consumption. 

– Alfie Williams-Hughes

Alfie is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Internet Access in Peru: Bridging the Digital Divide

Internet Access in PeruPeru, home to 33 million people, faces a significant digital divide. About 80% of citizens lack consistent internet access and 74% have no access at all. Among those older than six, 53% do not use the internet, placing Peru among the lowest internet traffic rates in South America.

Barriers in Rural Areas

Rural communities, especially those in the Andes Mountains and around Cusco, face the greatest access challenges. Harsh terrain prevents signal transmission and complicates infrastructure development. Many residents also lack the financial means to afford laptops or data plans. As most internet infrastructure concentrates in urban centers, the rural-urban divide continues to widen. As of 2023, 38% of Peruvians lived below the poverty line, with an additional 5.7% at risk of falling into extreme poverty. Amid these economic challenges, internet access remains a privilege rather than a basic utility. However, several organizations are working to change that reality by expanding digital access nationwide.

Improving Access Through Education

art=”1580″ data-end=”2164″>Jangala, an NGO focused on digital access for underserved communities, partners with local organizations to bring internet connectivity to Peru. In Cusco—where 20% of children never finish primary school and 38% never complete secondary education due to financial hardship—Jangala teamed up with the Latin American Foundation of the Future (LAFF). Together, they provided laptops to students and introduced the Jangala Big Box to schools. This technology delivers instant internet access, enabling students to complete homework, collaborate with peers and access new learning tools.

Students in Cusco say that access to online resources through Jangala’s Big Box helps them complete their homework and stay enrolled despite financial challenges. This step forward has created new learning opportunities for students who might otherwise have been forced to drop out, reducing long-term risks of poverty.

A Broader Effort: Internet Para Todos

Beyond Cusco, the initiative Internet Para Todos (Internet for All) works to expand connectivity across Peru. This partnership—formed by Telefónica and Meta (formerly Facebook)—focuses on cost-effective solutions that target remote, rural areas. Since 2016, the group has connected 2.8 million Peruvians and established 1,900 4G sites in more than 15,000 towns. Rather than relying on heavy capital investment, the project uses shared infrastructure and open-access models. This strategy significantly lowers costs and extends services to hard-to-reach populations.

Building Digital Skills

To ensure people can fully benefit from connectivity, Peru launched the Digital Basic Basket program. This initiative supports digital literacy and aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate education, health care and job markets online. The program focuses on rural areas and supplies tablets to students, along with digital training for public sector workers such as teachers and police officers. These ongoing efforts coincide with Peru’s growing digital economy. In 2021, the country’s e-commerce sector reached $9.3 billion—a 35% jump from the previous year. Forecasts predict that by 2030, the market will grow to $15.3 billion.

Looking Ahead

Peru’s journey toward digital inclusion reveals that expanding access requires more than infrastructure—it also depends on digital skills, education and local engagement. Organizations like Jangala and Internet Para Todos play a key role in bridging this divide. By continuing to improve internet access in Peru by building low-cost networks, training communities and supporting long-term solutions, Peru could reduce poverty and unlock greater opportunity for all citizens.

– Felix Hughes

Felix is based in the UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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TikTok Is Addressing Stigma Around Mental Health in the Arab Gulf

Mental Health in the Arab GulfMental health awareness has become increasingly prevalent in the modern day. A study made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 found that worldwide, 970 million people suffer from mental health issues, predominantly anxiety and depression. Mental health has become a well-discussed issue for much of the Western world. The existence of schemes such as mental health days and mental health first-aiders in the workplace demonstrates many businesses’ commitment to improving their workers’ mental health.

In the Arab Gulf, mental health is often considered a taboo subject. Issues such as depression or trauma can be perceived as shameful and shouldn’t be discussed with others. However, TikTok is now being used as a medium to address this stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf states.

Perception of Digital Mental Health Campaigns in the Arab Gulf

A 2024 study analyzing responses to a digital mental health awareness campaign in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demonstrated that mental health remains an incredibly stigmatized topic. The study highlighted prevalently-held beliefs that mental illness does not exist and that such personal issues result from a lack of willpower, laziness or that it is a personal choice to be depressed or anxious.

Many in the survey also asserted beliefs that mental illness holds ties with religious and spiritual deficiencies, proclaiming that issues result from the influences of “Jinn” (evil spirits) or the “evil eye.” They often quoted practices of religious devotion, reciting the Qur’an or regularly praying as the solutions to these problems.

The widespread denial of mental illness throughout the GCC leads to a domino effect of issues, both socially and economically:

  1. Awareness and education around mental health is poor.
  2. Those suffering from issues of anxiety, depression or untreated trauma are unlikely to seek help from either professional services or to confer with others in their communities about their problems.
  3. Without seeking help or as a result of being criticized by others, these issues will likely exacerbate, potentially leading to emotional burnout, job loss, social exclusion or suicide.

Using TikTok To Breach the Stigma Around Mental Health

A few TikTok-based initiatives are currently being used to address the stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf. As a free and popular digital platform, TikTok is a powerful tool for reaching those without access to formal mental health services. It uses approachable, entertaining ways to promote understanding and communication. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are the top two countries where TikTok has the most reach, with virtually 138.2% of Saudi Arabia’s population using the platform.

In 2024, TikTok began the “Change-Makers Program.” This initiative promoted creators’ and NGOs’ endeavors using the platform to prompt beneficial community changes. At the program’s launch, TikTok announced a list of 50 of these “Change-Makers,” including the first Change-Maker of UAE, Dr. Jana Bou Reslan. A Lebanese educational psychologist and professor, Bou Reslan has been posting TikTok content since 2022 and has garnered more than 220k followers.

Bou Reslan’s content offers Arabic-language education on how to tackle mental health issues such as high-functioning anxiety and low self-esteem. She also encourages well-being practices and open discussion of mental health. “Good mental health is of utmost importance for thriving communities, influencing everything from education to workplace productivity. Social media has been playing a vital role in reaching out to different audiences and promoting positive and relatable topics within our community,” she said.

Furthermore, in February 2024, TikTok MENAT hosted a Youth Mental Health Awareness Summit in Dubai. The event featured discussions by mental health professionals and TikTok’s safety experts. It focused on how social media can better equip young people in GCC with critical-thinking skills, promote media literacy and strive to build supportive digital communities. These strategies aim to improve the mental well-being of young people while also encouraging the building of digital skills that will improve future job prospects.

Improving Mental Health Awareness Can Help Alleviate Poverty

On the face of it, addressing the stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf might not appear impactful when it comes to fighting poverty. However, the WHO notes that improving mental health care is inherently linked to reducing inequality and poverty across nations. One of the clearest ways this link manifests is through employment and income potential. Improving employment and income potential. Mental health can have a direct impact on individual employability and the economy as a whole.

According to the 2022 WHO World Mental Health Report, approximately 12 billion workdays a year are lost due to issues associated with anxiety and depression. By promoting open discussions about mental health, introducing workers to stress-reducing techniques and better equipping people for emotional regulation, people are less likely to burn out and hence not lose pay and/or their jobs. Unemployment can also be seen as shameful or indicative of personal failure in the Arab Gulf, especially for men and poor mental health also impacts the ability to find new work.

Another way mental health awareness can contribute to poverty alleviation is by supporting young people. It is estimated that worldwide, one out of seven adolescents exhibit symptoms of mental disorders. In the UAE, 17% to 22% of young people exhibit signs of depression and 28% show symptoms of anxiety. Better mental health awareness and support reduce school dropout rates. Also, by encouraging the diversification of skills in young people into digital literacy, generational poverty can be reduced through new fields of employment. Finally, improving skills in stress management can help with school and work pressures and improve coping skills in economically unstable households.

Final Remarks

In low-income countries, there is roughly one mental health professional per 100,000 persons. With such critically low access to services, free digital-based platforms such as TikTok provide easily accessible education on mental health and culturally appropriate content made in local languages.

They are a good entry point for NGOs looking to help communities. TikTok creators are busy addressing the stigma around mental health in the Arab Gulf to help people learn skills for personal empowerment, provide the means to form digital support networks and give access to advice where formal psychological services are unavailable.

– Reuben Avis-Anciano

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Fire Prevention in South Africa: The Lumkani Lifesaving Innovation

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

The Overlooked Crisis of Shack Fires

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

Lumkani’s Heat Sensor Network

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

Results That Save Lives

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

Why Fire Prevention Matters in the Fight Against Poverty

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

– Rebecca Lee

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

Photo: Flickr

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Reducing Poverty with Emerging Technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa

emerging technologies in sub-saharan africaSub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a discreet but profound digital revolution. The region has long been seen as being on the fringes of global innovation but is now experiencing rapid connectivity and technological development growth. Between 2005 and 2011, mobile phone subscriptions rose by 400% and internet access increased from 2.1% to 24.4% of the population between 2005 and 2018. Additionally, the 2022 Global Innovation Index ranks five countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Ghana and Senegal, among the world’s 100 most innovative countries. This dynamic is not just a question of infrastructure; it also reflects the rise in power of a local ecosystem of innovators, entrepreneurs and social startups that design solutions adapted to the realities on the ground. In this context, emerging technologies in sub-Saharan Africa, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming concrete levers for poverty reduction.

Blockchain: A Tool for Financial Inclusion

In a region where a large part of the population remains excluded from traditional banking systems, blockchain offers a secure, transparent and decentralized alternative. In East Africa, the startup AZA Finance (formerly BitPesa) enables companies and individuals to make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper than traditional banking services.

Blockchain technology is also used to track the distribution of humanitarian aid, reduce the diversion risk and digital identities to populations lacking official documents and denied access to basic services. Thanks to these identities, millions can now open a mobile account, access microcredit or sign up for a health program.

AI for Health, Agriculture and Education

AI offers new perspectives in key areas of poverty reduction. In health, AI-based programs analyze X-rays for diseases such as tuberculosis, filling the acute shortage of doctors in rural areas. In agriculture, tools like UjuziKilimo in Kenya use sensors and algorithms to recommend the most profitable crops for farmers based on soil composition and climate forecasts.

On the education side, the M-Shule platform combines artificial intelligence and SMS to offer personalized educational content to primary school students. Each lesson adapts to the pace and level of the student, which is particularly useful in educational systems where class overcrowding and teacher shortages hinder learning.

IoT: Connecting Isolated Areas

The Internet of Things (IoT) is also transforming critical infrastructure. In areas not served by the national electricity grid, smart mini-solar grids managed remotely through connected sensors allow populations access to reliable electricity. IoT devices also monitor tank water levels or alert when a pump fails.

According to 360 Mozambique, these technologies are profoundly changing access to essential services and foreshadowing a new way of thinking about development centered on autonomy and local resilience.

M-Pesa: A Kenyan Success Story

Among the most emblematic examples of technological innovation against poverty, M-Pesa is central. Launched in 2007 by the operator Safaricom in Kenya, this mobile payment system allows its users to send, receive and save money via a basic mobile phone without a bank account.

According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology study, M-Pesa helped lift some 194,000 Kenyan households out of extreme poverty between 2008 and 2014, including facilitating cash transfers, saving and access to microcredit. Many women, in particular, have used M-Pesa to create small businesses and gain economic autonomy.

The Case of Togo: When AI Helps to Target Emergency Aid

Beyond the private sector, African governments are also beginning to integrate emerging technologies into their social policies. The Novissi program, launched by the Togolese government in 2020, is a striking example. Using satellite data and artificial intelligence models, this program has automatically targeted the most vulnerable populations without requiring them to register manually.

Recipients received money transfers directly to their phones through the mobile money system. This device, deployed in a few weeks, helped more than 500,000 people affected by the COVID-19 crisis while limiting fraud and bureaucratic delays.

An Opportunity To Transform the Fight Against Poverty

The emergence of technology hubs, social incubators and public-private partnerships across Africa shows the potential. Organizations like the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and private foundations actively support this inclusive digital transition.

Emerging technologies alone cannot eradicate poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, but in a context where traditional solutions are reaching their limits, they represent a powerful lever to strengthen resilience, promote empowerment and improve access to basic services. In sub-Saharan Africa, they empower millions of marginalized people to build a more just, dignified and sustainable future.

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

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

Photo: Flickr

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Digital Poverty in the Least Developed Countries

Digital Poverty in the Least Developed CountriesMillions are being left behind in the digital age, as digital poverty in the least developed countries becomes ever more entrenched in global society. As the world sees its’ fourth industrial revolution, the United Nations’ list of the 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is seeing a growing digital divide. Just under a fifth of the world’s population lives in the least developed countries, and yet almost 70% of the collective LDC population still does not have access to the internet.

Background

Digital poverty in the least developed countries could deepen global socio-economic inequalities and exclude those living in LDCs from fully participating in the global economy. Digital poverty is also holding the growth of business back; in Senegal, 80% of people cannot use the internet for work, and in Rwanda this jumps to 99%. Elsewhere, in the LDCs of Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda, only 10% of businesses have a computer.

As new technologies develop at an exponential rate in more developed countries, LDCs are left outpaced. For example, 5G mobile networks are becoming commonplace in more developed countries, whilst LDCs are still only able to work with 2G and 3G networks, according to the U.N. This digital gap reinforces disparities in education, employment, and economic growth. However, efforts are underway to understand the facts that contribute to digital poverty in least developed countries and to bridge the digital divide.

About Digital Poverty

Digital poverty refers to restricted or no access to digital resources such as the internet, computers and mobile phones. It also encompasses digital illiteracy, where individuals lack the skills or education necessary to utilize online tools effectively. Digital poverty exists on a spectrum—while some individuals may have limited access, others do not have access to technological advancements at all.

Globally, 3.7 billion people lack access to or do not use the internet, with sub-Saharan Africa particularly affected. Digital poverty disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including women, the elderly, and those with lower education levels.

Key contributing factors to digital poverty include:

  • High Costs: Internet services and devices remain unaffordable for many in LDCs.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Unreliable electricity and insufficient ICT infrastructure hinder internet expansion.
  • Limited Education: Many individuals lack the skills to navigate digital technologies or do not recognize the benefits of being online, according to Telecommunications Policy.
  • Content Accessibility: Many LDCs lack sufficient digital content available in local languages.

The Impact

The impacts of digital poverty can limit other aspects of a person’s life, including their earning potential. More than 80% of jobs that are middle-skilled, and therefore higher earning, rely on individuals having skills in technology and access to digital platforms and technology, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Lower-skilled jobs, which do not have these requirements, tend to be lower paid. This results in a cycle of individuals in digital poverty taking on lower-income jobs, which further limits possible education, meaning that people cannot gain the digital skills they need to secure the higher-earning, digitally focused jobs.

In LDCs, this cycle could limit a nation’s economic progress, both in terms of its citizens’ economic opportunities and mobility, and in limiting an LDCs ability to partake as effectively in online trade, both nationally and globally.

Digital Poverty: Solutions

Amazon’s Project Kuiper is a low-cost satellite internet initiative that provides broadband access to underserved regions. Whilst precise costs are still not public, the project promises that its 3,232 satellite constellation will provide speeds comparable to 4G internet, addressing infrastructure limitations faced by LDCs.)

The UNDP commenced its Doha Program of Action (DPoA) in 2022, set to run through to 2031. The DPoA is a framework strategy which aims to accelerate digital accessibility in LDCs through five key steps, including early engagements with governments, tailoring digital solutions that “work for everyone,” creating result-driven roadmaps, improving technical capacities and sharing skills and expertise through archives and assemblies.

Whilst the DPoA is still in its’ formative years, initiatives like this, which focus on policy development, equitable digital solutions, and infrastructure expansion, in collaboration with governments, NGOs, academia, and private companies, have previously been successful.

Digital Literacy Workshops

In Bangladesh, the UNDP facilitated digital literacy workshops for female entrepreneurs, boosting their ability to generate income. Similarly, in Nepal, the UNDP collaborated with a local bank firm to equip women from rural areas with the knowledge of how to partake in online transactions.

UNDP reports on its website that an initiative in Afghanistan improved and expanded a digital payment system, which resulted in a growth in financial inclusion and the synchronization of financial services. These success stories demonstrate how global collaboration can boost access to the digital age and enhance local economies.

The Future

Bridging the digital divide extends beyond simple internet access—it directly impacts global poverty reduction. Improved internet access enables entrepreneurship and job creation while allowing individuals to access essential financial services. More than 25% of the global population lacks access to banking, restricting economic mobility, but with the right initiatives, this can change.

Expanding digital access could improve economies by enhancing trade, education and health care. Closing the digital divide could foster international economic growth, benefiting both developing and developed nations.

Closing the digital divide is not a challenge that any single country can solve alone—it requires global collaboration and, when used the right way, technology can even be a part of the solution. While recent technological initiatives provide hope, sustained investment in digital infrastructure, policy reform, and education will be necessary to ensure long-term success.

– Amber Lennox

Amber is based in Suffolk, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women Coders: Empowering Women in Ethiopia

SheCodes: Empowering Women in Ethiopia Through CodingIn 2025, women in Ethiopia continue to face steep barriers in escaping poverty. This reality spurred the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to adopt the National Policy on Women in 1993, aimed at addressing gender inequities in access to resources and social opportunities. Despite good intentions, this legislation fell short in eliminating the structural and cultural disadvantages that keep many women in poverty.

Fast forward to the global tech boom of the 2000s and Africa now represents the fastest-growing region for technology worldwide—an enormous opportunity for poverty alleviation through economic growth and increased market access. But as the tech sector grows, gender disparities also widen. In Ethiopia, the digital economy has magnified decades-old inequalities in income, leadership and opportunity.

The Feminization of Poverty

With a population nearing 127 million, Ethiopia ranks as Africa’s second most populous country and one of its fastest-growing economies. Yet, approximately 69% of the population—about 82 million people—live in multidimensional poverty. Additionally, 18.4% or more than 22 million Ethiopians remain vulnerable to poverty.  Women in Ethiopia are particularly affected, facing a unique phenomenon known as the feminization of poverty, a concept representing the disproportionate number of women facing debilitating barriers to personal development. The following statistics reflect systemic barriers:

  • Only 21.9% of girls complete lower secondary school.
  • Women face an 18.9-point adult literacy gap compared to men, higher than the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 12.4 points.
  • Vulnerable employment affects 87.4% of women.
  • The account ownership gap between men and women is 15.9 points.
  • Roughly 50% of women are not homeowners.
  • About 37% of women experience intimate partner violence, 10% above the global average.
  • Women trail 44% behind men in hourly wages.
  • Only 30% of women receive STEM training or work in tech.

These gaps cost the country an estimated $3.7 billion annually, underscoring the economic consequences of gender inequality.

Tech Training for a New Generation

In Ethiopia, where only half of all primary school girls reach fifth grade, forging a new path to sustainability and financial independence for future generations of women is critical. SheCodes, in partnership with the Delac Foundation, provides a tech-based solution to these ongoing challenges.

The initiative offers coding education to 5,000 Ethiopian women, delivering free online workshops in front-end development, product design and project management. Indeed, with every purchase at SheCodes, one Ethiopian woman receives free coding education through online workshops focusing on product development, design and management.

Founded in 2017 by Matt Delac, SheCodes initially started as an idea supporting only 10 female students. Almost a decade later, SheCodes has provided online training to more than 235,000 women, of whom 2,257 reside in Ethiopia and across 191 developing countries.

Closing the Gender Gap Through Technology

The program’s work includes growing the number of women coders seeking professional and career development by boosting female participation in technology. This increased involvement is pivotal in poverty reduction, driving economic growth and the continued ascent of women and their families.

Research from the World Bank demonstrated how helping women break into the male-dominated digital and tech sector improves income, raises employment and creates new opportunities for all. The Harvard University Center for  African Studies demonstrated how women-led tech firms experienced a 34% higher return on investment than those led solely by men. With one coding class at a time, SheCodes bridges the employment and wage gap, equipping aspiring women coders in Ethiopia with the skills to build a better future. 

Looking Ahead

Efforts to address gender-based poverty in Ethiopia increasingly intersect with opportunities in the digital economy. Initiatives empowering women coders like SheCodes demonstrate how targeted training and inclusive tech education can equip women with marketable skills and access to emerging job sectors. While challenges remain, expanding such programs may contribute to broader development goals. Additionally, this could lead to improved economic resilience and support more equitable growth in Ethiopia.

– Marcus Villagomez

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

Photo: Flickr

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How AI Upskilling Is Creating Jobs in Africa: The Case of Zindi

ZindiAccording to a report by Deloitte, African rural regions are currently experiencing a lack of digitalization essential for potential economic growth. Many African rural communities struggle with limited access to critical internet infrastructure, which is necessary for sustaining small businesses and education.

However, promising AI startups are rising to address these challenges through innovative solutions. Among them, Zindi stands out with its modern approach and rapid growth by upskilling the AI jobs market in Africa.

Digitalization in Sub-Saharan Africa

According to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges for development due to the lack of affordable digital infrastructure. Additionally, low engagement with community-owned digital access and difficulty using digital platforms hinder progress. This lack of access to digital technologies impacts not only educational and business systems but also prospects for job creation, employment and career growth for local populations.

As digitalization challenges persist, the world’s largest companies are investing heavily in solutions. Over the past 10 years, the World Bank has contributed approximately $731.8 million to 11 Digital Development Projects. It has also committed $2.8 billion across 24 active Digital Development projects in sub-Saharan Africa.

However, large corporations aren’t the only ones tackling Africa’s digital growth challenges. Startups like Zindi are taking a broader approach by focusing on both digital solutions and their impact on education and the economy. They offer rural communities accessible internet and AI innovations. They also drive employment through youth training, AI career development and digital upskilling initiatives, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

About Zindi

Zindi, one of Africa’s most impactful AI startups, began its mission to tackle the region’s digital challenges in 2018. Driven by the belief that data can tell stories, drive innovation and improve lives, Celina Lee founded Zindi (a platform where 70,000 data scientists develop AI-driven solutions to pressing challenges) in Cape Town, South Africa. Zindi is committed to bridging gaps in tech access, skills and employment across rural and urban communities.

Zindi Impacts

  • Data Farming. One of Zindi’s key initiatives is data farming, which applies AI and machine learning to agricultural challenges in rural Africa. Zindi deepens the use of data science to tackle agricultural challenges, particularly in precision agriculture, including crop yield prediction, pest detection and fertilizer optimization. This focus is critical, as agriculture remains a vital economic pillar for most rural communities across Africa. Additionally, Zindi enhances accessibility for local farmers and business owners through low-tech solutions, such as basic mobile apps, enabling seamless communication with workers whenever needed.
  • Health Care Systems. Zindi has also made a notable impact on health care systems. Using AI, the company tackles major health challenges like malaria and COVID-19. In 2024, Zindi hosted competitions to model malaria spread in Southern Africa, enabling data-driven resource allocation. That same year, it supported telemedicine by partnering with organizations like FruitPunch AI to develop SMS-based algorithms that connect rural patients to doctors, especially in areas with limited health care access.

Final Remarks

As Zindi AI expands across Africa, it prioritizes local talent through its employment and training initiatives. By offering free AI upskilling programs, such as hackathons, it provides underrepresented individuals with affordable, practical learning to solve local challenges and gain hands-on experience.

Despite its niche approach to digital solutions, Zindi’s focus on employment and rural digitalization centers on people and their stories. It empowers not only the technical side of digital transformation but also supports the individuals behind it.

– Liubov Linnyk

Liubov is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Atmospheric Generators Are Transforming Arid Communities 

How Atmospheric Generators Are Transforming Arid Communities In drought-stricken regions, access to clean water remains a critical challenge. The lack of water affects health, agriculture and everyday life. A technology is offering a new path forward: atmospheric water generators (AWGs). Companies such as Majik Water in Kenya are using this innovation to extract moisture from the air, creating a reliable water source where traditional systems fail. Here is how AWGs function, highlighting real-world success stories and examining their potential for reshaping water access in vulnerable regions.

Atmospheric Water Generators

AWGs are machines that produce water by extracting humidity from the air. The system draws in air and cools it to trigger condensation. After condensation, the water passes through multiple filters that purify it for safe human consumption. These machines come in different sizes. Some are designed for households or small communities. Others, particularly industrial-scale units, generate several thousand liters of water daily—enough to support entire villages or farming operations.

The Impact on Arid Communities

Atmospheric generators have a profound impact on communities living in arid areas. First, regular access to safe drinking water significantly improves public health by reducing water-related diseases, especially among children. The water produced can also be used to irrigate small local crops, allowing families to grow their fruits and vegetables, thus enhancing food security.

Economically, these generators create new jobs related to their maintenance, supervision and water distribution. This stimulates local economies, often constrained by scarce natural resources. By providing a water source independent of rainfall, the generators are strengthening the resilience of villages to changing weather patterns and prolonged droughts.

For example, in Kenya, Majik Water uses air generators to provide drinking water to drought-affected rural communities. This project has improved the living conditions of many families, proving that this technology can be a real lifeline in even the most hostile environments.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite their potential, AWGs present several challenges. The machines require an initial capital investment that is beyond the reach of many communities. In areas without reliable electricity, powering the machines can become a problem. In addition, their efficiency drops in environments with extremely low humidity, limiting water output in the driest areas. These obstacles highlight the need for supportive infrastructure and financing mechanisms. Solar-powered AWGs could offer one possible solution to the energy constraint. Government subsidies or nonprofit funding may also be necessary to make these systems accessible in low-income regions.

Looking Ahead

Atmospheric generators represent a promising innovation to address water scarcity in arid regions. By providing an independent and reliable source of drinking water, they improve the quality of life, support local agriculture and empower communities in the face of climate change. However, widespread adoption potentially depends on efforts to lower costs, increase energy efficiency and integrate AWGs into broader development policies. With the support of public policies and private initiatives, this technology could play a key role in the future of sustainable water management.

– Eléonore Bonnaterre

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

Photo: Flickr