Archive for category: Technology

Information and stories about technology news.

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Solar-Powered Desalination: Turning Sunlight Into Safe Water

Solar-Powered DesalinationIn coastal regions of East Africa and East Asia, the sea offers abundance, but not in drinking water. As droughts intensify and saltwater seeps into freshwater reserves, millions of people face a daily struggle to find clean water. For many, the ocean itself is both a symbol of hope and hardship.

Solar-powered desalination systems, machines that turn seawater into safe, drinkable water using solar energy, are emerging as a lifeline for communities long left behind by traditional infrastructure. Affordable, sustainable and independent from fossil fuels, these technologies are redefining what survival looks like in a changing climate.

When the Ocean Becomes a Barrier

According to the U.N., more than 2 billion people worldwide live in areas under high water stress. In regions like coastal Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines, climate instability is pushing freshwater scarcity to new extremes. Prolonged droughts have dried up rivers and wells, while rising sea levels contaminate groundwater with salt.

In some villages in Kenya’s Lamu County, women walk up to 10 kilometers daily to collect brackish water, risking illness and exhaustion. In Bangladesh’s coastal belt, more than 20 million people live in areas where water is too saline to drink. The combination of poverty, geography and environmental collapse has made clean water a privilege, not a right.

For decades, desalination was viewed as a solution only accessible to wealthy nations like Saudi Arabia and Singapore because it is costly, energy-intensive and highly complex. However, solar-powered innovations are changing that equation.

Turning Sunlight Into Water

Solar-powered desalination works by harnessing sunlight to evaporate seawater and condense it into fresh water or by powering reverse-osmosis pumps that filter salt out. The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity: it doesn’t require fossil fuels or expensive electrical grids. One of the most successful examples opened up on the coasts of Kiunga, Kenya, where a pilot project led by the GivePower organization now provides more than 75,000 liters of clean water daily. Panels capture sunlight, feeding power to compact desalination units that can run continuously, even during grid outages.

In the Philippines, a local project supported by Nexus for Development and OREEi installed a small-scale solar-powered desalination plant on Malalison Island. It is designed to serve about 200 households with clean drinking water and reduce reliance on plastic-bottled imports. While the exact daily yield wasn’t publicly specified, this model shows how solar desalination is making inroads even in remote coastal fishing communities.

These systems not only supply clean water but also improve public health. In rural Tanzania, a community-based study found that improved drinking-water storage, separation of water sources and waste management practices were significantly associated with a lower risk of diarrhea among children under 5. While the study did not focus exclusively on solar desalination, it highlights the health benefits that can be achieved when safe water access improves in water-stressed rural areas.

The Human Cost of Water Scarcity

Water scarcity does not just affect hydration; it shapes education, health and opportunity. In many rural households, children (especially girls) spend hours each day fetching water instead of attending school. Farmers abandon fields when irrigation fails and hospitals struggle to sanitize equipment. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 500,000 deaths annually are linked to unsafe drinking water.

When desalination becomes local and sustainable, it doesn’t just quench thirst; it restores human potential. Yet, despite these benefits, progress is uneven. Installation costs, though lower than traditional plants, still challenge poor villages. Maintenance requires training and spare parts that rural communities often lack. Some systems fall into disrepair after just a few years, highlighting the need for long-term investment rather than short-term charity.

A New Model for Climate Resilience

International organizations are beginning to take notice. The UNDP, UNICEF and the World Bank have all cited solar desalination as a promising tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all.

Zanzibar has deployed solar-powered desalination, most visibly at Mnazi Moja Hospital on Unguja and in the Uzi Island communities, reducing its reliance on diesel power and bottled water. Meanwhile, in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, where saltwater intrusion poses a threat to rice farmers, small-scale solar filters are being adapted to serve both household and agricultural needs.

Still, the global response remains slow compared to the urgency on the ground. Climate finance often flows toward mitigation, reducing emissions, rather than adaptation, which helps people survive its effects. For families who can’t drink, cook or farm, adaptation is survival itself.

What Needs To Change

To make solar desalination accessible and lasting, several steps are crucial:

  • Expand local manufacturing: Building systems domestically lowers costs and creates jobs.
  • Train community operators: Sustainability depends on local ownership and technical knowledge.
  • Integrate with public policy: National water strategies must include renewable desalination, not treat it as a niche solution.
  • Prioritize rural investment: Villages most affected by climate instability must be first in line for clean water innovation.

A Future Powered by the Sun

The sun shines abundantly over the very regions most desperate for water. Harnessing it is not just an environmental choice, it’s an act of justice. Solar-powered desalination offers a glimpse of a future where technology and equity align, where no child misses school to fetch water and where no family drinks from a contaminated well. The ocean may separate nations, but for millions along its shores, it could soon unite them in hope, resilience and the simple right to clean water.

– Marina Martin

Marina is based in Rapid City, SD, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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WHO’s EIOS 2.0 Brings AI to Early Outbreak Detection

EIOSThe World Health Organization (WHO) launched an upgrade to its Epidemic Intelligence from Open Sources (EIOS) in October 2025. Smarter and more inclusive, WHO’s EIOS 2.0 is expected to considerably amplify the early warning system’s capabilities. The goal is to prevent or reduce the number and degree of public health emergencies.

Like its predecessor, EIOS 2.0 is a sophisticated web-based interface that sifts through readily available information from various sources, including media, social platforms, official government websites, news sites and other sources. It analyzes the data obtained to identify clues that point toward the possible spread of contagious diseases or public health threats. According to a press release, as of October 2025, 110 nations have joined the initiative.

Ways EIOS 2.0 Benefits Low- And Middle-Income Countries

  • Free Access: Member nations and eligible organizations can utilize the WHO’s outbreak detection tool. This is the same technology high-income countries enjoy, at no charge.
  • Preventing Economic Fallout: Pandemics impose a heavy burden on families and societies. During the COVID-19 emergency, an estimated 70 million people around the world fell into extreme poverty.
  • Minimizing Loss of Life: A model studying the health emergency that led to the COVID-19 pandemic estimated that up to 35% of the deaths in Wuhan, China, might have been avoided had steps to control the disease’s spread been taken one week earlier. In other cities, 50% of those who perished might have been saved.
  • Interface Translations: EIOS 2.0 is now available in multiple languages, increasing accessibility for users with limited English proficiency.
  • Semantic Search: Keyword search is now smarter as the system identifies context and intended meaning.
  • Radio Sources: Enabling a speech-to-text feature allows EIOS 2.0 to investigate radio communications. This could potentially catch information that may not have been otherwise captured, particularly in more vulnerable areas.

Does Epidemic Intelligence Work?

Africa experiences the highest number of health emergencies each year. Indeed, as of November 2023, there were 130 active outbreaks across the continent. In the same year, an evaluation of the EIOS system showed that in 22 countries, 50% of health events were detected before national announcements or official WHO communications.

WHO studies show that in countries using EIOS, the median time between the first detected health event and notification to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) or WHO dropped from 14 days to 11. In fact, it was the EIOS system that first detected a “pneumonia” outbreak in Wuhan, China, in 2019.

One example is the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), which utilized the EIOS system between June and October 2023 to detect 425 events. These mainly included mpox and dengue fever. Eight of these events were identified before official declarations, on average, 20 days earlier. In Brazil, an event involving Haff disease was identified and tracked in 2022.

EIOS 2.0’s Promise for Inclusive Global Health Preparedness

In its first iteration of EIOS, WHO demonstrated the advantages of using an intelligent agent that can filter through hundreds of thousands of data sources and discern the likelihood of a health emergency in real-time. Indeed, with EIOS 2.0’s new features, AI capabilities and interface, more regions around the world can benefit from a free-to-use system that can strengthen existing pipelines. With earlier warnings, health authorities can take immediate measures to prevent catastrophic pandemics like those that have sunk millions of people deeper into poverty.

– Johanna Lorena Arredondo Gonzalez

Johanna is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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CBMS: Targeting Poverty More Effectively

CBMSThe Philippines’ Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) is a government-mandated, technology-driven framework for collecting and analyzing local poverty data across the country. It gathers disaggregated household information on health, nutrition, housing, education, employment, income and sanitation to give local governments a clearer picture of where and how poverty persists. Under the law, every city and municipality must maintain up-to-date data to guide local development planning and budgeting. Through mobile data collection tools, geo-tagging and community-based surveys, CBMS produces detailed poverty maps and indicators that strengthen decision-making at the local level.

How It Links to Anti-Poverty Goals

In the effort toward poverty alleviation, CBMS strengthens the connection between information and policy. Using digital data poverty mapping, the system enables local governments to identify poor and near-poor households with precision. This targeting helps ensure that social aid, infrastructure and livelihood programs reach those who need them most.

In Palawan, for example, CBMS data revealed pockets of food insecurity, poor sanitation and low school attendance in remote municipalities. Those findings allowed local authorities to reallocate funds and target assistance more effectively, replacing broad interventions with tailored strategies. This approach shows how tech-based poverty solutions in the Philippines can turn data into practical change, aligning limited government resources with measurable local needs.

Technology and Local Empowerment

CBMS also represents a model of participatory, technology-driven governance. Enumerators use digital tablets to collect and verify household data, while each family is geo-tagged for inclusion in poverty mapping systems. The CBMS model goes beyond data capture; it empowers local residents to take part in defining and validating the information gathered.

This local involvement increases accuracy and transparency. As one regional PSA official remarked, “Data is not just numbers… it is the voice of the people.” When communities help collect and interpret their own data, programs become more accountable and citizens can better advocate for services that reflect their realities.

Challenges and What Lies Ahead

Despite its progress, the CBMS initiative still faces challenges. Some local governments lack the staff or resources to maintain robust data systems, and recent data privacy concerns have highlighted the need for stronger safeguards. Yet the overall direction remains promising. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has announced plans to expand CBMS coverage, integrate it with national poverty databases and include Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators, allowing policymakers to track both global and local progress in real time.

If fully implemented, CBMS could become a cornerstone of evidence-based poverty reduction. Indeed, by uniting technology, data, and community participation, the system is positioning the Philippines to deliver more precise, transparent and inclusive solutions to ensure that no community is left unseen in the country’s ongoing fight against poverty.

– George Horberry

George is based in York, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food ATMs: How Smart Dispensers Are Redefining Hunger Relief

Food ATMsIn narrow alleys and public markets of Quezon City, Philippines, glowing dispensers now operate under the city’s Paleng-QR Ph program, allowing residents to purchase or collect essentials through QR-enabled systems. Introduced and accelerated during the pandemic, these digital systems allow families to access essentials independently, without crowds or manual processing.

For thousands of families, it represents more than convenience; it’s peace of mind, knowing their family can eat without the stress of waiting or public scrutiny. Each quiet transaction is a small but meaningful reassurance in an unpredictable world.

What Are Food ATMs?

Food ATMs, sometimes called Grain ATMs, work like cash machines but dispense food instead of currency. Users authenticate with a biometric ID, smart card or QR pass and the machine releases a measured amount of grain based on eligibility. These systems are designed to prevent ration theft and eliminate the need for manual ledgers and oversight, making distribution more transparent and tamper-proof.

For many families, this means receiving their daily sustenance without anxiety or embarrassment, allowing them to focus on work, school and family life rather than waiting in long lines.

The Technology Behind Food ATMs

In India, the Annapurti Grain ATM can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain within five minutes. It uses biometric verification and automation to reduce wait times by an estimated 70%, according to rollout reports from the state of Odisha. Machines are being adapted to run on solar power, making them functional even in regions with unstable electricity.

In the Philippines, the QR-based Paleng-QR initiative digitizes transactions in public markets, encouraging cashless and monitored distribution. For the families who rely on these systems, it means fewer hours spent waiting in queues and more certainty that their children will have food on the table. Each successful transaction offers a quiet reassurance that their daily needs are met efficiently and safely.

Global Expansion: Verified Examples

The concept of automated, dignity-focused resource distribution is spreading across regions:

  • India: Grain ATMs under public distribution reforms provide 24/7 access and reduce dependency on ration shops.
  • Kenya: Smart-card water ATMs in Nairobi slums allow users to access safe water at reduced cost and are available at any hour.
  • Philippines: The Paleng-QR digitization effort is part of a government-backed strategy to integrate QR authentication for everyday essentials.

The Quiet Revolution: Food Without Shame

Beyond speed and logistics, these machines challenge an age-old problem in aid distribution: public visibility and shame. Traditional food lines force recipients to wait in crowded spaces, often creating a sense of dependency and exposure. Automated, private collection allows families to receive aid quietly, preserving dignity.

Reports from digital aid pilots show increased participation when food access is available privately and without human gatekeepers. Parents and caregivers experience relief and confidence, knowing their families can receive essentials discreetly, allowing them to focus on daily life without fear of judgment. Each quiet visit to a food ATM reinforces autonomy and trust in the support system.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Digital systems require electricity, connectivity and maintenance, which are not always guaranteed in informal settlements or disaster-prone areas. Biometric or QR technologies risk excluding people without government IDs or mobile access. Moreover, digital records can raise privacy concerns, as transaction logs reveal when and how often people collect aid.

In response, some pilot systems are introducing offline verification modes and solar-powered units to reduce exclusion. Even small technical glitches can leave marginalized families without a meal or essential supplies, making reliable and inclusive access a matter that directly impacts their daily lives and dignity.

Closing

In Quezon City, digital access points are expanding through Paleng-QR. In India, the Grain ATM continues its rollout under public distribution reforms.

Families eat, students study and parents work, without the extra burden of food insecurity. Ultimately, food ATMs are not just dispensers but quiet tools of autonomy, dignity and transformative change.

– Diane Dunlop

Diane is based in Edmonton, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Mozambique’s Gas Boom: Hidden Frontier for US & UK Businesses

Mozambique’s Gas BoomMozambique, long considered one of Africa’s most underserved nations, is rapidly transforming into a strategic frontier for foreign investment. At the heart of this shift is the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. In Mozambique, multi-billion-dollar projects like Coral South and the newly approved Coral North are unlocking some of the world’s largest untapped gas reserves.

Once operational, these ventures are expected to propel Mozambique into the ranks of the top LNG exporters. They will create ripples across global energy markets and open the door to a new wave of commercial opportunities in support of Mozambique’s gas boom.

Opportunities Beyond Extraction

While the LNG projects themselves are monumental, the real story extends far beyond gas extraction. As production scales up, Mozambique faces immense demand for supporting infrastructure, from ports and pipelines to power grids and roads, much of which remains underdeveloped. This is where U.S. and U.K. companies can play a transformative role.

Firms specializing in construction, renewable-gas integration and smart-grid technologies are well-positioned to secure lucrative contracts and help build the backbone of Mozambique’s energy economy. The ripple effect also touches a range of secondary industries. With energy companies required to meet local content mandates, there is a growing need for partnerships with domestic suppliers and investments in workforce training.

This opens opportunities for foreign firms to provide technical expertise, vocational education and digital platforms that enhance supply chain transparency and efficiency. Services like environmental monitoring, data analytics and risk management are areas where Western firms have strong expertise and are increasing in demand.

Navigating Risks and Realities

Mozambique’s LNG potential comes with significant challenges. Political instability and insurgent violence in the northern Cabo Delgado Province, where much of the gas infrastructure is located, have disrupted projects in the past. TotalEnergies’ $25-30 billion LNG development, for example, was halted in 2021 due to security concerns and is only now preparing to resume.

These realities underscore the importance of risk-management solutions, from security services and insurance to governance consulting, all areas where foreign firms can contribute valuable capabilities. International institutions and export-credit agencies are also stepping in to mitigate risk. The U.S. Export-Import Bank, for example, has provided $4.7 billion in financing to support LNG development.

Multilateral banks are also exploring ways to stabilize the region and attract more investors. Such mechanisms lower entry barriers for private companies and signal growing confidence in Mozambique’s economic future through a gas boom.

Fueling Broader Development

The significance of Mozambique’s gas boom extends beyond energy exports. LNG revenues could finance major improvements in education, health care and public services, while expanded infrastructure will support agriculture, manufacturing and other non-energy sectors. As the economy diversifies and consumer spending grows, new markets for goods and services will emerge, creating a virtuous cycle of growth that benefits both local populations and international investors.

Profit and Purpose Aligned

For U.S. and U.K. businesses seeking strategic entry points into the Global South, Mozambique represents more than a commercial prospect; it is a chance to be part of a nation’s transformation. By investing not only in extraction but in the broader ecosystem surrounding LNG, companies can align profit with long-term development goals. Mozambique’s gas boom is about more than energy; it’s about building the foundations of a new economy.

For those willing to look beyond traditional markets, this hidden frontier offers both strategic advantage and lasting impact.

– Nilay Ersoy

Nilay is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gaming as an Activist

gamingIn the U.S., 85% of teens report playing video games; this has become a part of daily life for millions and is particularly prevalent in the younger generation. This provides a new platform to mobilize and educate young people on, which charities and content creators have started to make use of. Through challenges and games that attract enormous audiences, millions have been raised for causes that help alleviate global poverty, creating opportunities for gaming to be a great success as an activist.

Stream for Humanity

In January 2025, the French streamer AnimeMaTue organized “Stream for Humanity,” a 48 hour charity streaming event on Twitch. The stream featured many prominent French streamers like Squeezie, Michou and Gotaga, who engaged in challenges, gaming sessions and tournaments, all while raising awareness for the impactful work of their chosen organization.

The event was a huge success, raising more than $4 million for Médecins Sans Frontières, a French humanitarian aid organization and their work specifically in four conflict zones: Sudan, Palestine, Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event attracted more than 560,000 spectators and accumulated 2,4000 donations per minute at it’s peak.

Jingle Jam

Since its creation in 2011, Jingle Jam – a charity set up by hosts of the YouTube channel Yogscast – has raised more than $33 million for various charities. The streaming occurs around Christmas time every year on Twitch and has attracted more than 40 million views in the last 4 years. In 2024, the event raised more than $2 million for eight charities. This includes War Child, an organization focusing on reaching children as early as possible in situations of conflict. Advocating for children’s rights, access to education, safety and ability to heal is at the heart of their mission.

Care Gaming

The #CAREgaming program partners with gamers, streamers and organizations to support and raise awareness of other CARE initiatives. The charity has given humanitarian relief and introduced poverty-fighting programs in 121 countries, which has helped more than 53 million people.

From its #CAREgaming initiative, the organization raised more than $2 million, which has helped support disaster relief in areas like Ukraine, Syria and Turkey. Professional esports and entertainment brand FaZe Clan have used this programme to contribute to charity in their tournaments, most famously their #FIGHT2FUND online tournament they organized in 2020.

Dan and Phil Streams for Palestine

Dan and Phil, one of the U.K.’s most iconic gaming duos, have done many charitable streams, including their birthday stream for Phil that raised more than $100,000. This impactful amount came from a stream of less than two hours, showing how impactful gaming as an activist can be when awareness is given to important world issues.

All money went to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, which is a humanitarian medical relief organization working to provide free medical care to injured and ill children. Since their founding in 1991, they’ve been able to send more than 2000 children abroad for free medical care and have bought humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of children who would otherwise not receive it. The organization is a nonprofit and donations like this this are extremely important for their work to continue.

Games Done Quick

This is a series of charity video game marathons that include speed runners playing games as fast as they can in order to raise money for various nonprofit organizations. They run multiple events per year, including the Summer Games Done Quick, which raises money for Doctors Without Borders. Since these week-long marathons began in 2010, more than $54 million has been raised for charity.

Their chosen charity, Doctors Without Borders, takes action to save lives in areas of conflict, natural disasters and epidemics. They provide medical care in more than 70 countries, in 2023 admitting more than 1.3 million people into their hospitals. They hold millions of consultations at hospitals, mobile clinics and refugee camps, advocating for every person’s right to medical care.

The Future

Gaming and streaming have become a huge way to raise money for charities, as well as awareness for world issues. When popular gamers and influential people in the gaming industry speak out, people listen, leading to massive ripple effects in wider communities. Utilizing gaming as a way to help poverty creates opportunities for gaming as an activist to have great effects on the world. This also allows audiences, especially young people to consume content and education in the ways they prefer.

– Abigail Gadsden

Abigail is based in Kent, UK and focuses on Good News, Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan Accelerated Progress

COVID-19 Technology in PakistanFor Pakistan, COVID-19 became an incubator for innovation. The country adopted global practices through digital transformations to sustain governance and daily operations during the lockdown. These practices, such as hybrid and remote work, soon became a permanent part of the professional culture, bridging the gap created by reduced resources across multiple sectors.

Initially, the COVID-19 outbreak led to severe economic deterioration for Pakistan. For example, an overall decline in economic parameters such as GDP growth, unemployment rate, inflation, per capita income, debt, tax collection, poverty and trade (imports/exports). These disruptions were major challenges to its economic activities. The result was that during the fiscal year 2020, for only the second time in Pakistan’s history after 1951–1952, the country recorded a negative GDP growth rate of −0.4%.

Initial Challenges Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The primary challenges caused by COVID-19 in Pakistan were rising unemployment and poverty. The pandemic caused nearly three million people to lose their jobs, leading to a sharp increase in the unemployment rate, which reached 9.56% in the 2020 fiscal year. Global trade disruptions also hit the country hard.

In 2020, exports fell by 6.36% to $22 billion, while imports declined by 8.56% to $45 billion. Meanwhile, pressure on debt servicing intensified as total debt rose from $95.2 billion in 2018 to $112.8 billion in 2020. This pushed Pakistan further into a debt trap, forcing it to borrow new loans to repay old ones.

Innovation in COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan

Despite the initial setbacks, Pakistan showed resilience by adopting global best practices that fueled digital transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for digital progress in Pakistan, especially in the work and education sectors. The introduction of hybrid work models and remote employment systems reshaped professional environments, including public and private institutions.

Organizations increasingly use digital tools, online platforms and cloud-based communication systems to maintain productivity and ensure operational continuity. According to a report, the pandemic significantly boosted digital payments in Pakistan as citizens reduced their use of physical cash to minimize health risks.

The introduction of COVID-19 technology in Pakistan improved efficiency. It helped conserve vital resources such as time, paper and energy by reducing physical commuting and manual workflows. It also accelerated the adoption of online education, pushing schools and universities to embrace digital learning platforms to maintain academic progress.

According to the World Bank, Pakistan responded swiftly by launching the federal TeleSchool program for students nationwide and the Taleem Ghar initiative for learners in Punjab. These e-learning programs in Pakistan ensured continued access to education during lockdowns, demonstrating how technology bridged learning gaps and supported the country’s broader digital transformation.

Economic Adaptation Through COVID-19 Technology in Pakistan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan saw a shift toward digital transformation, as technology became the only possible adaptation for individuals and institutions. The pandemic caused a shift toward remote work, freelancing and digital entrepreneurship, helping sustain livelihoods in widespread economic uncertainty.

According to The Dayspring, “Pakistan’s freelancing economy surged by 22% amid COVID-19.” Payoneer also reported the country’s overall freelancing revenue growth from 47% to 69% during the pandemic. Government initiatives such as Punjab’s e-Rozgaar program also played a significant role.

This program empowered youth to earn through online platforms, providing training and access to freelance marketplaces. As INP-WealthPK highlighted, Pakistan witnessed a record 47% growth in freelancing earnings in 2021, with women making up 52% of total graduates and contributing around half of the total earnings. This marked a significant step toward digital inclusion and women’s economic empowerment in Pakistan’s gig economy.

Similarly, the Ministry of IT’s DigiSkills program, a national-level training initiative, has trained more than 1.28 million individuals in freelancing, enabling them to generate sustainable incomes from home. Federal Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque emphasized the goal of expanding female participation in the program from 23% to 33%, reflecting the government’s vision for inclusive digital growth.

Furthermore, the private sector quickly adapted to the new normal of remote work and virtual collaboration. Many companies eliminated mandatory office attendance, providing employees with the necessary resources such as computers, internet connectivity and secure data access to work efficiently from home.

Technology in Public Services and Broader Social Impact

Sehat Kahani emerged as one of Pakistan’s leading examples of digital health care innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. The platform provided telemedicine services through its mobile app, including free online consultations and e-prescriptions. It helped thousands of patients in remote and low-income areas.

According to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sehat Kahani’s expansion during the pandemic demonstrated how digital health services in Pakistan can bridge access gaps and empower women doctors to serve communities from home. In the education sector, digital transformations in Pakistan helped sustain learning during lockdowns. The government launched several e-learning programs, ensuring continued education through televised and online lessons.

The World Bank reported that these programs successfully reached millions of students. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) further highlighted the broader social impact of digitalization. It revealed that districts showing stronger digital transformation also ranked higher in human development outcomes.

All these studies highlight how Pakistan’s growing investment in digital public services, from telehealth to education, has strengthened national resilience and paved the way for inclusive growth.

Conclusion

All these digital transformations from remote work and freelancing to telemedicine and online education helped Pakistan rebuild its economy and move toward sustainable growth. By 2023, Pakistan’s GDP growth rate recovered to around 3.04%, reflecting how the nation’s digital adaptation turned adversity into opportunity. This evolution shows that when a crisis is met with innovation, collaboration and the right technological tools, it can become a catalyst for development rather than decline.

– Sidra Tahir

Sidra is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Digital Sovereignty in Africa

Digital Sovereignty in AfricaNew inventions within the 21st century have pushed the world into the digital age. Access to technological devices, the internet and social media offers a new set of information for those privileged enough to have it. First-world countries generally control the data centers that power the exchange of information within their territories. This is through tech giants like Google and Microsoft that have asserted their dominance in internet web browsers. Up until now, however, the African continent has been forced to depend on the data centers and internet protocols outside of its borders to send messages between itself. On September 1, 2025, the African continent introduced its own Continental Internet Exchange (CIX), a game-changer towards its digital sovereignty in Africa.

Essentially, if someone sends a message from Lagos to Kenya, the processing would take place in the European continent or in the United States before it returns to the African continent. This would cause high bandwidth costs and the possibility of outside access to personal or government information. The continent’s yearly expense on outside digital services topped $50 billion because of this. The Continental Internal Exchange offers data centers and local search engines for use across the 54 nations within Africa. This implementation could potentially halve the continent’s expense on digital devices, which could offer more finances to benefit people in poverty or in digital blackout areas.

Rural Challenges

More than 200 million people have switched to using CIX within the first three days of its launch. In addition, Cape Town, Nairobi and Lagos are the current early data center locations with coverage across the continent expected by 2027, according to Eurweb. There are some challenges to be met with, however. Rural areas in Central Africa are facing gaps in coverage and high expenses to have access to data in general.

According to the United Nations, 23 of the 28 countries that live in extreme poverty are in the African continent. In addition, the rate of poverty in rural areas within the African continent is 17.2%. There are gaps in coverage within rural areas because of the lack of infrastructure available. In addition, people in poverty do not have the finances to pay monthly fees for data coverage and internet access. On the continent, people in urban areas are 36% more likely to have access to regular internet. Poverty also largely affects internet access. Only 28% of people who live in extreme poverty are able to access the internet.

Extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa is meant to remain in the double digits by 2030. Poverty has an impact on digital accessibility and media literacy. New skills that have impacts in the digital age are not accessible to people in Africa due to the lack of mobile and internet access. A large factor in decreased internet access is education and age as well. According to Afrobarometer in 2021, 81% of people with little to no education in 34 countries in Africa did not use the internet frequently. This is lower for people with higher education, as 17% did not use the internet frequently.

Outreach International

One organization that aims to repair internet access in Africa is Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA). PDAA is an organization that aims to achieve 1 billion Africans having internet access by 2030. They work with nonprofits, policymakers, and global organizations to create plans and initiatives that introduce access to the internet in areas of limited connectivity and lower internet costs for users. Its overall aim through this organization is to improve digital skills and media literacy across the continent’s 54 countries. The organization’s leadership team consists of policymakers within Africa and business leaders dedicated to the cause. Its website also highlights positive stories in relation to internet access from other news organizations, such as Brookings and Business Insider Africa.

The Future of Digital Sovereignty in Africa

The CIX offers digital sovereignty in Africa. It provides data centers and local search engines within its borders to lower bandwidth costs and decrease dependence on foreign digital devices. With the potential for halving these expenses, there is an opportunity for African countries to reinvest in their digital infrastructure. There stands to be challenges to reach populations in rural areas, for example. What was once necessary to spend on foreign digital services can help establish data centers within these rural areas, widen internet access and provide technological devices to households.

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Bronx, NY, USA and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Connecting the Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in a position to connect 9.7 million more unique mobile Internet users by 2029 under the right policies. Home to roughly 110 million people, the DRC’s growing youth population makes reliable Internet access an essential resource.

Expanding connectivity is also key to boosting economic opportunities as the country faces persistent financial struggles. Despite the issues of affordability, limited rural access and the self-stifling of the mobile sector, there are many avenues that these policies are looking to open up.

Current Issues

As of 2022, only about 27% of the population had access to the Internet, just over one-quarter of the country’s total population. This figure is well below Africa’s continental average of 39%, making it harder for the DRC to stay connected globally.

The average income required to afford the Internet has decreased recently, dropping from 48.98% in 2018 to 16.36% in 2024. However, despite this significant drop, affordability remains a major barrier. In the case of a cybersecurity incident, the DRC scores just five out of 100 in its ability to minimize potential problems.

Economically, an Internet shutdown is estimated to cost the DRC $261,762, with two shutdowns recorded in the past year. Overall, connecting the Congo has not been an easy task, with its Internet Resilience Score standing at only 23 out of 100.

Looking Forward

Connecting the Congo has a path forward despite the issues faced. The addition of Internet exchange points over the past 10 years has made using the Internet easier. With the Internet Society’s help, the Internet price has dropped by 98%, saving money for Internet providers and customers, allowing even more people to utilize the Internet.

There is still progress to be made to ensure consistent connectivity, especially as the DRC is the fourth-largest country in Africa. However, these steps are essential to keep the country moving forward.

Policies are also in place to support growth, including modernizing frameworks to lower costs, strengthening infrastructure and equipping DRC citizens with essential digital skills. These policies also aim to extend Internet access to public services, making them more efficient. Through these initiatives, the DRC is positioning itself to make significant strides in connecting the country to the rest of the world.

Conclusion

The DRC still has many strides to make in truly getting all of its people connected to the Internet. Issues like availability, affordability and weaker-than-average connectivity remain at the forefront. However, progress is being made.

The rollout of IXPs and the planned policies for the future of the Internet are expected to make big waves in connecting the Congo, allowing everyone to contribute to a world that is more interconnected and inclusive.

– Amari Jennings

Amari is based in Orlando, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project. 

Photo: Unsplash

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Blockchain in Aid: A Path To Transparent Funding?

Blockchain in AidBlockchain technology, best known for powering cryptocurrencies, is now being tested in international aid and welfare systems. By offering a secure, decentralized way to record and track transactions, this technology has the potential to address one of the biggest challenges in aid: ensuring that funds reach their intended recipients. Pilot projects in countries like Ghana, Uganda and Ukraine show both the promise and the limitations of this approach.

Blockchain and Transparency in Aid

Traditional aid distribution often suffers from inefficiencies, lack of oversight and corruption. Intermediaries and opaque financial systems can make it difficult to know whether funds actually reach local communities. Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, records transactions in a tamper-proof system, allowing donors, governments and recipients to track disbursements in real time.

This transparency reduces opportunities for fraud while building trust among stakeholders. For example, aid distributed via blockchain can be monitored at each transfer stage, from donor pledges to household-level disbursement.

Pilot Projects in Ghana, Uganda and Ukraine

  • Ghana: Blockchain technology has been explored as a tool for poverty alleviation. For example, initiatives have used it to improve the land registry systems, reducing disputes and corruption related to property rights. Additionally, this technology is being integrated into the cocoa supply chain, enabling smallholder farmers to trace their products, connect directly with international markets and secure fairer incomes.
  • Uganda: Startups have partnered with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to pilot blockchain-based land registries, helping reduce disputes and corruption around property ownership, a major factor in long-term poverty reduction.
  • Ukraine: In response to wartime displacement, blockchain systems have been explored to deliver direct cash aid and track humanitarian funds with greater accountability. It has helped prevent more than $200M of overlapping assistance since 2022.

Benefits and Transparency Gains

Blockchain projects have demonstrated several advantages:

  • Fraud Reduction: Tamper-resistant ledgers minimize opportunities for embezzlement or double-spending.
  • Efficiency: Smart contracts automate transactions, cutting costs by reducing reliance on intermediaries.
  • Trust-Building: Donors and recipients can access real-time, auditable records showing exactly where funds go.

These improvements could reshape donor confidence in international aid and encourage more consistent funding.

Challenges and Scalability

Despite its promise, blockchain in aid faces major obstacles:

  • Technical Barriers: Many communities lack reliable internet and electricity to support blockchain systems.
  • Regulation: Blockchain-based aid risks data misuse and uneven adoption without clear legal frameworks.
  • Scalability: Pilot projects often succeed on a small scale but require massive infrastructure and oversight to expand nationally.

These challenges show that blockchain is not a “silver bullet” but a tool that requires careful and thoughtful integration.

Looking Ahead

To responsibly integrate blockchain into poverty-alleviation funding, governments and NGOs must build regulatory frameworks that safeguard privacy, ensure inclusivity and maintain accountability. Partnerships with local communities are also crucial to avoid imposing solutions that fail to address real needs.

Blockchain can improve transparency, but only if implemented carefully and ethically. The technology offers a new way to fight inefficiency and corruption in aid. However, its true impact will depend on whether it can be scaled responsibly in the world’s most vulnerable regions.

– De’Marlo Gray

De’Marlo is based in Long Beach, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash