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The Economic and Social Impact of the Bangalore Metro System

Bangalore Metro SystemBengaluru, India, is one of the country’s fastest-growing economic centers, but its rapid growth has created a major transportation problem. Long commutes, traffic congestion, expensive private transportation and unequal access to jobs can make it difficult for lower-income residents to take advantage of the opportunities the city offers. The Bengaluru Metro, formally recognized as the Bangalore Metro System and locally known as Namma Metro, is increasingly becoming an important part of the solution. High-capacity mass transit connects residents to employment, education, health care and commercial centers that would otherwise be difficult or costly to reach.

Transportation Challenges

The scale of Bengaluru’s transportation challenge can be seen in the growth of Namma Metro itself. The system began operating in 2011, and its network has expanded substantially since then. Official operational data from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited indicates that by 2024, approximately 76 kilometers of Metro lines were operational. Namma Metro’s average daily ridership hit a record high of around 762,000 passengers in July 2024. The network crossed the one-million-rider mark for the first time on Aug. 11, 2025, with 1,048,031 passengers in a single day, days after the Yellow Line opened. Ridership climbed further in August 2026, when the system recorded its highest-ever single-day ridership of 1,119,815 passengers on Aug. 10, illustrating how heavily Bengaluru residents depend on mass transit.

Impact on Low-Income Households

This expansion matters particularly because transportation costs can have a large effect on low- and middle-income households. A study of 1,350 low- and low-middle-income households in Bengaluru examined how residents choose between different transportation options. Researchers found that travel cost was the most important factor influencing transportation choices, followed by travel time and travel distance. The study also found that Metro use remained relatively low among lower-income residents even when a station was accessible, largely because Metro fares could still be difficult for some households to afford.

This finding demonstrates both the potential and the limitation of urban rail transit. A train station alone does not guarantee economic opportunity. If a worker cannot afford the fare, has to pay for another vehicle to reach the station, or cannot easily get from the station to their workplace, the benefits of the Metro are reduced. Researchers therefore argue that affordable fares and better connections between Metro stations and surrounding neighborhoods are essential if public transportation is going to serve lower-income residents effectively.

Expanding Job Opportunities

When transportation is affordable and accessible, it can significantly expand the geographic area in which people can search for jobs. Instead of being limited to employment opportunities within walking distance or a short bus ride, workers can potentially reach major employment centers across the city. This is especially important in Bengaluru because jobs are concentrated in particular economic corridors, including areas associated with the city’s technology and business industries. Better transportation allows workers to consider jobs farther from their homes without necessarily having to move.

Economic Development

The economic effects of rapid transit extend beyond individual commuters. A study analyzing job proximity along the Bangalore Metro System found that transit infrastructure can influence the location and density of commercial activities. Researchers found that station-area job densities are not yet strongly correlated with current ridership, and recommended that policymakers prioritize job density in future transit-oriented development planning. In other words, a Metro station can become more than a transit stop: it can serve as an anchor for offices, stores, housing, services and other economic activity.

Property markets provide another measurable example of transit’s economic reach. Research published in Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice found that the Metro was associated with a 4.5% increase in land values across the city. The study noted that this land value appreciation extended beyond the traditional 500-meter station catchment area, demonstrating that the economic influence of transit infrastructure reaches surrounding neighborhoods rather than remaining limited to the immediate station entrance.

Travel Time and Environmental Benefits

The Metro’s impact can also be measured through travel time savings. Bengaluru experiences significant traffic congestion, and long travel times impose a direct economic cost on workers. Every hour spent commuting represents lost time for employment, education, family care, or rest. Faster and more predictable transportation increases the personal time available to commuters. For a worker traveling five days a week, a 30-minute reduction in daily travel adds up to approximately 130 hours per year — equivalent to more than five full days.

Environmental benefits provide an additional dimension to transit investments. Data reviewed by India’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs indicates that average daily Metro ridership nationwide increased from approximately 2.8 million passengers per day in 2013 to 2014 to more than 11.2 million per day by 2025. Government analysis highlights urban rail systems as an effective mechanism to reduce reliance on private vehicles, ease road congestion, conserve fuel and reduce overall vehicle emissions. Bengaluru’s transit development therefore contributes directly to urban sustainability and pollution reduction goals.

Future Expansions

The Bangalore Metro System is also continuing to expand. The planned Pink Line covers approximately 21 kilometers connecting Kalena Agrahara and Nagawara, while the planned Blue Line covers approximately 58 kilometers, connecting Silk Board with Kempegowda International Airport. These expansions are designed to extend high-capacity public transportation to additional commercial and residential sectors of the city.

Ultimately, Bengaluru’s Metro demonstrates that transportation infrastructure functions as an economic and social policy. For low-income residents, reliable public transportation reduces the distance between where people live and where opportunities exist. It makes employment centers, schools, hospitals, and businesses more accessible while encouraging new economic activity around stations. However, these benefits depend on broader policy alignment. Research involving 1,350 low- and middle-income households shows that affordability remains a critical factor, highlighting the importance for policymakers to integrate fare structures, feeder buses, pedestrian infrastructure, and last-mile connectivity into long-term transit planning.

– Shreya Aman

Shreya is based in San Ramon, CA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How Rwanda’s Land Reform Policies Are Helping Reduce Poverty

Rwanda’s Land Reform PoliciesLand is an important source of economic opportunity for many people in Rwanda, where agriculture remains a significant part of the economy and rural households depend on land for their livelihoods. However, unclear or insecure property rights can make it more difficult for people to invest in land, resolve disputes or use property as an economic asset.

Rwanda’s land reform policies, including a nationwide land-tenure regularization program, have sought to address these challenges by formally documenting land rights and strengthening legal protections for landholders. The reforms are particularly significant as Rwanda continues to address poverty. As of 2023, the most recent year for which World Bank data is available, approximately 38.6% of Rwanda’s population lived below the World Bank’s international poverty line of $3 per day, based on 2021 purchasing power parity. The World Bank estimates that 27.4% of the population lived below Rwanda’s national poverty line the same year. While Rwanda has made considerable progress in reducing poverty, these figures demonstrate the continued importance of policies that expand economic opportunities for low-income households.

Rwanda’s Land Reform Policies

Rwanda’s land reform policies have developed over several decades as the country has sought to create a more formal and secure system of land ownership. The country’s National Land Policy established principles for land management and emphasized equal access to land. Later reforms created a formal legal framework for registering land and recognizing property rights. One of the most significant initiatives was the Land Tenure Regularization (LTR) program. The program systematically documented land rights and provided landholders with official titles. The registration process began in 2009, and by 2012, approximately 10.4 million parcels had been recorded in Rwanda’s national land registry. Formalizing land ownership provides greater certainty for landholders. Rather than relying primarily on informal or customary understandings of ownership, registered land rights provide official documentation that helps establish who has legal rights to a particular parcel. This makes property rights easier to recognize and enforce.

Secure Land Rights Can Encourage Investment

Secure property rights are particularly important for people who depend on agriculture. When farmers have greater confidence that they can continue using their land, they may have more incentive to make long-term investments that improve productivity. Research examining Rwanda’s land-tenure regularization program found evidence that registration increased investment in land, particularly through the construction and maintenance of soil-conservation structures. The study also found that the effect was especially strong among female-headed households. The findings suggest that land registration does more than document ownership. By reducing uncertainty about property rights, the policy can encourage landholders to invest in resources that may improve the long-term productivity of their land. The Rwandan government has similarly identified increased investment and productivity among smallholder farmers as benefits associated with stronger property rights.

Land Rights and Poverty Reduction

The connection between land reform and poverty reduction is not necessarily immediate. Receiving a land title does not automatically increase a household’s income. However, secure property rights can create conditions that allow people to make better use of an important economic asset. For agricultural households, land can provide food, income and an opportunity to invest in future production. When ownership is clearly documented, people may have greater confidence to make improvements to their property. Secure land rights also make it easier for governments and communities to administer land and resolve disputes. The World Bank identifies land-tenure security as an important component of efforts to reduce poverty because land rights can contribute to economic growth, job creation and greater economic opportunity. Rwanda’s experience provides an example of how changes to legal and administrative institutions can support these broader development goals.

Strengthening Women’s Land Rights

Rwanda’s land reforms have also had important implications for women’s property rights. Historically, customary practices could restrict women’s ability to inherit or control land. Rwanda’s legal reforms moved toward greater equality in land ownership and strengthened the formal recognition of women’s rights. The country’s land legislation guarantees equal rights for men and women regarding access to, ownership of and use of land.

During the land-registration process, married couples could have both spouses recorded as rights holders, helping translate legal protections into documented property rights. A World Bank study on the registration program found that legally married women experienced stronger property rights following registration. The study also found improvements in the recording of inheritance rights without gender bias. Strengthening women’s land rights can have broader economic implications. When women have legally recognized control over property, they can have greater security over an important household asset. Clear property rights can also strengthen women’s ability to participate in economic decisions involving land.

Reducing Land Disputes

Land disputes can create another barrier to economic security. When ownership or boundaries are unclear, disagreements between individuals or families can make it difficult for landholders to confidently invest in their property. Rwanda’s land-registration system provides an official record of land rights and boundaries, helping reduce uncertainty about ownership. The government has reported that the program helped reduce land-related conflicts by providing greater clarity for landowners. Reducing disputes can have economic benefits beyond the individual households involved. When land rights are clearer, communities can spend fewer resources resolving ownership disagreements and landholders can have greater confidence in making productive investments.

Continuing Rwanda’s Land Policy

Rwanda’s land reforms have continued beyond the initial land-tenure regularization program. The country’s 2021 land law, Law No. 27/2021 of June 10, 2021, Governing Land, and subsequent regulations provide additional rules governing land registration, land use and land administration. These policies recognize that land rights require more than simply issuing titles. Effective land governance also depends on maintaining accurate land records, ensuring that people understand their rights and providing accessible systems for registering and resolving land-related claims. The continued development of Rwanda’s land policies demonstrates the importance of implementation. Legal rights can only provide economic benefits when people can access and exercise those rights in practice. This makes effective land administration an important part of ensuring that land reform reaches low-income and rural communities.

A Framework for Poverty Reduction

Rwanda’s experience suggests that land reform can be one component of a broader strategy to reduce poverty. Formalizing property rights does not eliminate poverty by itself, but it can give people greater security over an asset that is central to their livelihoods. Evidence from the land-tenure program shows that stronger property rights can encourage investment, improve women’s documented ownership rights and reduce uncertainty surrounding land.

These effects can create opportunities for households to make more productive use of their property. As Rwanda continues working to reduce poverty, its land reforms demonstrate how government policy and legal institutions can influence economic opportunity. By strengthening property rights and improving land administration, Rwanda has created a framework that can help landholders invest in their property, protect their economic interests and build more secure livelihoods. Land reform therefore represents more than a change in property records. When effectively implemented, secure land rights can give people greater control over their economic assets and create conditions for investment and opportunity. Rwanda’s experience illustrates how strengthening legal and institutional foundations can contribute to the broader goal of reducing poverty.

– Kenneth Dyer

Kenneth is based in Westwood, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The Most Powerful Anti-Poverty Tool? Competition Policy

Competition PolicyFighting poverty requires smart policy intervention. In 2023, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development advised competition authorities to prioritize essential markets that take up large portions of family budgets. In 2025, the World Bank’s Competition Advocacy Contest highlighted reforms in Georgia, Egypt and Mexico for producing measurable consumer benefits. Together, these cases show how competition policy can support poverty reduction.

Georgia: Market Concentration vs. Pharmaceutical Reform

Prior to 2022, Georgia’s pharmaceutical market exposed families to extremely high medicine prices. Connections between pharmaceutical wholesalers and retail pharmacy chains allowed a small number of companies to hold significant market power, with markups on some essential medicines ranging from 2,000% to 3,000%. Without safeguards such as mandatory generic prescribing, generic drugs could even cost more than brand-name alternatives. According to the World Bank, 9.4% of Georgia’s population lived below the national poverty line in 2024.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Georgian Competition and Consumer Agency introduced major reforms, including mandatory generic prescribing, digital price tracking and stronger quality controls. In August 2025, regulators identified eight companies with dominant positions and fined four for abusing their market power to impose unfairly high medicine prices. These interventions produced significant results. Average medicine prices fell by 40% to 45%, returning an estimated $73 million in annual savings to households. Lower out-of-pocket health expenses increased families’ real purchasing power, leaving more income available for other necessities. More affordable medicine can also help people protect their health, remain productive and keep children enrolled in school. This shows how competition policy and poverty reduction can be connected through lower prices for essential goods.

Egypt: Educational Exploitation vs. Antitrust Enforcement

Prior to 2023, Egypt’s education market was affected by anticompetitive practices. Powerful private institutions and suppliers used exclusive agreements, product bundling and price-fixing across textbook publishing and school uniform production, restricting consumer choice and increasing pressure on low-income households. World Bank data show that 33.5% of Egypt’s population lived below the national poverty line in 2021 to 2022.

In 2023, the Egyptian Competition Authority intervened against anticompetitive practices across textbook and school uniform markets. Markups on international schoolbooks fell by as much as 85%, while public spending on state textbook printing decreased by 21%. These reforms produced estimated household savings of nearly $1 billion over five years. Reforms were also expected to double or triple the number of school uniform suppliers and increase employment in the sector by as much as 50%. Reducing financial barriers to education can help break cycles of poverty and create greater long-term economic stability. Increasing competition can also benefit businesses and new market entrants by replacing restrictive arrangements with more open supply chains.

Mexico: Collusive Health Procurement vs. Institutional Sanctions

Between 2008 and 2015, collusion affected Mexico’s public health care system. Private companies rigged bids for blood bank services and laboratory diagnostics purchased by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Institute for Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), two of the country’s largest public health institutions. Because these systems serve more than 50% of Mexico’s population, bid-rigging increased public costs and reduced how far existing health care budgets could go. World Bank data show that 29.6% of Mexico’s population lived below the national poverty line in 2024.

Mexico’s competition authority, the Federal Economic Competition Commission COFECE, investigated the practices, penalized the bid-rigging cartel and imposed approximately 626.5 million Mexican pesos in fines on 11 companies and 14 individuals. Following enforcement, blood bank service costs fell by nearly 30% and laboratory testing prices dropped by almost 5%. A 2024 ex post assessment, later highlighted by the World Bank, found that the harm prevented and fines imposed were worth more than four times the agency’s annual operating budget. More transparent and competitive procurement allowed the public sector to make better use of existing resources, leaving more funds available for medical care.

What Georgia, Egypt and Mexico Show

The experiences of Georgia, Egypt and Mexico demonstrate that markets dominated by cartels or entrenched monopolies impede economic opportunity and growth. Long-term economic progress requires public institutions that can prevent anticompetitive behavior, make public procurement more transparent, protect consumers and remove barriers that unfairly favor established firms.

Well-designed competition policy encourages businesses to innovate, improve productivity and use capital more efficiently. Productive companies can expand, create stable employment and generate income that supports local spending. Poorly regulated markets, by contrast, can become increasingly concentrated and raise costs for consumers.

Addressing global poverty requires political will and smart policies that strengthen governance and economic opportunity. Well-regulated markets can help low-income families gain purchasing power and stability while companies benefit from a larger and more reliable customer base.

Georgia, Egypt and Mexico illustrate how targeted competition policy reforms can make markets work more effectively for families, governments and businesses at the same time. When leaders establish fair rules, enforce them consistently and protect vulnerable populations from anticompetitive practices, families gain more of the stability and purchasing power they need to build their own way forward. Continued enforcement and reform can help extend these gains to more low-income households.

– Aarush Pomar

Aarush is based in Chanhassen, MN, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Courts for Kids: Alleviate Poverty and Building Community

Courts for kidsIn low-income countries, a basketball court can be much more than just a place to play. Courts for Kids, a nonprofit that uses sports to alleviate poverty, was officially established in 2007 after an initial volunteer trip to the Philippines in 2006.

Impact in the Philippines

In 2006, 72.5% of people in the Philippines lived on less than $5.50 per day. As of 2023, that number has decreased to 58.7%.

Initially, 24 students and adults, mostly from Southwest Washington, went to the Philippines to build a multi-use sports court. Since then, Courts for Kids has built 286 courts in 35 countries, with the participation of more than 5,947 Americans.

The courts are often built for soccer, basketball, and volleyball, but sports are not their only purpose. They serve as community gathering spaces, which can help boost the local economy.

Additionally, crops can be dried on the courts during harvest season. This additional space makes local agriculture more efficient, boosting the local economy.

Community Enhancements

In some communities, locals have added kitchens next to the courts. This addition generates income for the community through food sales and makes food more widely available, leading to better nutrition. Courts for Kids uses sports to alleviate poverty in this way.

The courts also create numerous social benefits, helping bring children from different communities together. The consistent use of the courts also fosters bonds between local community members. Shared public spaces strengthen communities.

The courts are funded by community fundraisers, volunteer contributions and corporate sponsors providing materials and funds.

Long-term Developments

The courts are not just for play. They offer opportunities to help underprivileged communities thrive.

Courts for Kids demonstrates how community-based activities can assist communities suffering from extreme poverty. It is not just about athletics; it is about long-term development and community building.

All of the courts built by Courts for Kids are used daily or almost daily, continually improving their communities. Additionally, they have led to an 88% increase in young girls participating in sports.

A court is an investment. It is an investment in communities, health and the futures of children in low-income communities. Through both local partnerships and community participation, each court becomes a foundation for opportunity and creates a more resilient and sustainable community.

– Julia Cholerton

Julia is based in Gig Harbor, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Domestic Violence and Poverty in Romania

poverty in RomaniaRomania is one of the lower-income countries in Europe. Its gross domestic profit (GDP) per capita in 2024 was only $20,080, significantly lower than that of other European countries such as Spain, at $35,326, or Italy, at $40,429.

Communist Rule in Romania

Nicolae Ceaușescu ruled Romania as a communist dictator from 1965 to 1989, first as head of the Communist Party and, from 1974, as the country’s president. Romania was one of the poorest countries in Europe during this period.

During this time, domestic violence, particularly against women, was not punished by law. This issue only gained attention in Romania after the fall of communism in 1989. Even after 1989, married women or women with partners were still not protected, as the Criminal Code and Law 1991 did not incriminate violence such as severe bodily harm if the wife was the victim. Other forms of violence against women, such as marital rape and sexual harassment, were also not punished. This highlights the government’s neglect in addressing domestic violence and poverty in Romania at the time.

Romania’s Economic Incline

Ceaușescu’s focus on quickly paying off Romania’s foreign debt led to a severe shortage of food items like bread, milk and meat. Other necessities, such as heating and electricity, were severely restricted, even in harsh winters, causing civilians to live in severe deprivation. This also affected Romania in the years following the end of communism, as their GDP per capita did not surpass $2,000 until 2002. However, since 2002, Romania’s GDP per capita has consistently increased and reached $25,693 in 2026. Additionally, while Romania has one of the lowest minimum wage salaries in the European Union in 2026, at around $972 per month, this represents a 6.8% increase from the previous year, indicating gradual economic improvement.

Domestic Violence Policy Changes

Laws regarding domestic violence in Romania have gradually improved over the years. In 2003, Law 217/2003 was established, allowing the National Agency for Family Protection to be implemented within the Ministry of Labor, Family and Equal Opportunities. The agency aimed to develop various aspects of the domestic violence justice system, such as punishment for perpetrators and shelters for victims. Law 211/2004 also granted victims of domestic violence free counseling sessions and financial compensation from the government. Furthermore, in 2012, the government established Law 25/2012, which made changes to Law 217/2003. Law 25/2012 stated that domestic violence includes physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, social and spiritual violence. Victims are allowed to ask the court for a restraining order, which can expel the aggressor from the home and require a 200-meter distance from the victim.

Poverty in Romania

Romania’s poverty rate has consistently decreased over the years. In 2017, 23.6% of the population, or about 4.6 million people, lived in poverty; by 2023, that figure had declined to around 19%, or roughly 3.6 million people, according to World Bank data. Separately, Romanian police recorded more than 40,000 domestic violence cases nationwide in just the first four months of 2025, according to Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs — nearly identical numbers between urban areas (19,984) and rural areas (20,046).

Conclusion

Both domestic violence and poverty in Romania have decreased since the country’s emancipation from communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989. Although both issues remain prominent today, Romania continues to make improvements in its justice system and economy.

– Bianca Burdulea

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

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Remittances to Philippines

Remittances to PhilippinesRemittances are an important driver of economic growth in the Philippines. Remittances amounted to $38.34 billion in 2024, accounting for 8.7% of the GDP. Approximately 40% of all remittances to the Philippines came from the United States, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Background Information About the Philippines

The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The country is the twelfth-most populated country in the world, with a population of more than 117 million.

The Philippines fell under Spanish rule from the mid-16th century to the late-19th century, until it became a U.S. territory. Between 1906 and 1934, an estimated 120,000 Filipinos migrated overseas to Hawaii to work in sugarcane and pineapple plantations. After independence in 1946, many struggled with rural instability and moved overseas to the U.S. Since then, the U.S. has remained the top destination for Filipino migrants.

Despite poverty rates falling from 23.5% in 2015 to 15.5% in 2023, poverty in the Philippines remains high. About 28% of Filipinos remain at risk for falling back into poverty, especially from climate related risks. Additionally, the unemployment rate in the Philippines remains high, which was at 4.8% in May 2026 and is higher than the previous year’s 3.9%.

Migration was initially a way to curb high unemployment and poverty rates; however, it has changed to a long-term solution for national economic development.

The Philippines launched an overseas employment program in the 1970s, which led to many Filipinos pursuing work in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Remittances from diaspora communities are an intrinsic part of the Philippines’ economy and household income.

Importance of Remittance to the Philippines

  1. Drives the National Economy – Remittances continue to support the Philippine economy despite global uncertainties. Remittances support consumer spending, stabilize the peso and provide a buffer against shocks.
  2. Helps Household Consumption Grow – Remittances help household consumption, which grew by 3% in the first quarter of 2026. This allows the Philippines to rely on consumer spending to grow their GDP.
  3. Covers Essential Needs – About 75% of remittances are used for food, medical expenses, school fees and housing expenses. Meanwhile, about 25% is used to save and invest in assets.
  4. Key Pillar to the Local Community – Remittances support families while also contributing to spending on local businesses and job creation.
  5. Empowers Women – About 1.25 million or 57.2% of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were women. Remittances empower families and shifts traditional gender roles.

Looking Ahead

Remittances to the Philippines remain an important source of inflow to the Philippine economy. Remittances support domestic consumption, strengthens communities and drives national growth. Although there are criticisms of heavily relying on remittances, it continues to be an important driver of economic growth and development in the Philippines.

– Maya Hagiwara

Maya is based in Tokyo, Japan and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How the Ghana Chocolate Industry Is Growing

Ghana Chocolate IndustryGhana is the world’s second-largest cocoa producer and one of the largest suppliers of cocoa beans to the global chocolate industry. Cocoa supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of farming families across the country. However, many cocoa farmers remain economically vulnerable, creating an opportunity for Ghana to capture more value from the crop it produces.

From Cocoa Beans to Chocolate

The Ghana chocolate industry is expanding as the country invests in domestic cocoa processing and chocolate manufacturing. By turning more cocoa beans into cocoa powder, butter, liquor and chocolate products within Ghana, the country can create economic opportunities beyond farming while retaining more value from its agricultural exports.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) found that Ghana earned $2.71 billion from cocoa exports in 2017, with approximately 80% of those exports consisting of raw beans. The organization also found that increasing domestic processing could create thousands of formal jobs.

Cocoa and Poverty Reduction

The expansion of the Ghana chocolate industry matters as cocoa farming has historically played a role in reducing poverty. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate among cocoa farmers fell from approximately 60% in 1991 to 24% in 2005 as cocoa production expanded.

Despite this progress, poverty remains a significant concern in Ghana. The World Bank reports that more than 20% of the population continues to experience poverty, with poverty rates exceeding 50% in some northern regions.

Cocoa farmers face additional financial challenges. The International Cocoa Initiative reports that Ghanaian cocoa farmers earn approximately $0.40 to $0.45 per person per day from cocoa, with cocoa accounting for about two-thirds of farmers’ household income. Small farms, low yields and high input costs can make it difficult for farming families to build financial security.

Expanding the Ghana chocolate industry cannot eliminate rural poverty by itself. However, increasing the amount of cocoa processed domestically could create additional employment and economic activity while strengthening demand for cocoa produced by Ghanaian farmers.

COCOBOD Invests in Farmers

The Ghana Cocoa Board, or COCOBOD, oversees cocoa production, marketing, quality control and industry development. Its programs also aim to improve farm productivity and farmer livelihoods.

COCOBOD reported in 2024 that it had rehabilitated 74,813 cocoa farms covering more than 67,000 hectares. Those farms belonged to 56,105 farmers. Another 44,480 rehabilitated farms, owned by 28,510 farmers, had begun producing cocoa.

COCOBOD also reported that 792,954 cocoa farmers and their households and dependents had been registered in its farmer database. The system allows the organization to better track farmers and improve the distribution of resources.

These programs address poverty at the farm level by supporting the productivity of an industry on which rural households depend. Higher productivity can give farmers the opportunity to generate more income from existing farmland.

Processing Creates Jobs

Domestic processing adds another economic layer to Ghana’s cocoa sector. The ILO studied two cocoa processing companies in Ghana to estimate the employment effects of expanding the industry.

The study found that cocoa processing creates formal jobs in manufacturing, but that the industry remains relatively capital intensive. The ILO estimated that processing 40% of Ghana’s cocoa before export could create approximately 4,000 permanent jobs directly in cocoa processing.

The jobs would include positions requiring different levels of skills depending on the technology used at processing facilities. The ILO also found that processing jobs tend to offer higher-quality employment, including longer-term positions and social security benefits.

The Ghana chocolate industry can create additional opportunities beyond processing plants. Manufacturing chocolate products requires packaging, transportation, marketing and other inputs, connecting cocoa production to a broader domestic supply chain.

Partnerships Strengthen Farmer Livelihoods

International organizations have also developed programs focused on the financial security of Ghanaian cocoa farmers. The World Cocoa Foundation, for example, has supported initiatives involving financial services and income diversification.

One World Cocoa Foundation-supported project in Ghana created 41 village savings and loan associations across 24 communities. The groups included 1,132 members, 84% of whom were women. Participants collectively saved $176,122, while $90,979 was distributed through loans.

These savings groups give farmers and their families access to financial tools that can help cover farm expenses and household needs. The program illustrates how economic support can complement efforts to increase agricultural productivity.

Building More Value at Home

Ghana’s cocoa sector demonstrates how agricultural production can contribute to poverty reduction while creating opportunities for further economic growth. Cocoa farming helped reduce poverty among cocoa-producing households during earlier periods of expansion, while new investments in processing could create additional employment and economic activity.

The Ghana chocolate industry still faces challenges, including low farm productivity, high production costs and fluctuations in global cocoa markets. Domestic processing alone will not guarantee higher incomes for farmers.

However, the ILO’s employment projections and COCOBOD’s investments in tens of thousands of farms show measurable opportunities within the sector. By expanding processing alongside programs that improve farmer productivity and financial resilience, Ghana can retain more economic value from its cocoa and create opportunities for the communities that produce it.

– Camille Utter

Camille is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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World Bank Framework Reducing Poverty in Nigeria

Poverty in NigeriaLocated on the western coast of Africa, Nigeria is a country with diverse geography and an even more diverse population. An estimated 250 ethnic groups call Nigeria home, with hundreds of languages spoken across the nation. Building on Nigeria’s diversity and economic potential, the World Bank Group has endorsed a new Country Partnership Framework that will run from 2026 to 2032. By encouraging private-sector investment and supporting economic growth in Nigeria, the framework aims to create more job opportunities.

New Policies Aim to Strengthen Nigeria’s Economy

As part of this effort, the World Bank also approved the Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration (NAIJA) Development Policy Financing operation to help strengthen Nigeria’s economy. The program aims to encourage investment from businesses and entrepreneurs while supporting government efforts to create jobs and promote economic growth. By attracting both private and public investment, the initiative seeks to expand economic opportunities and strengthen key sectors across the country.

Through the new framework, 32 million Nigerians are expected to gain access to electricity, while broadband connectivity will expand to reach 58 million people. Health and nutrition services will improve for 40 million people, and 9.5 million farmers will receive support to increase agricultural productivity. By investing in energy, digital infrastructure, health care and agriculture, the framework aims to improve living standards and support long-term economic growth in Nigeria.

Poverty in Nigeria

Despite these efforts, poverty remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. According to the World Bank, 41.8% of Nigerians lived below the international poverty line in 2022. Rising inflation and limited economic opportunities have made it difficult for many families to afford necessities such as food, housing, education and health care. The World Bank estimates that an additional seven million Nigerians fell into poverty in 2025, increasing the share of people living below the national poverty line from 61% in 2024 to 63%.

For many Nigerians, poverty affects daily life in tangible ways. Families often struggle to afford basic necessities and maintain stable housing as the cost of living continues to rise. By expanding access to electricity, internet services, health care and agricultural support, the Country Partnership Framework aims to address some of the barriers that contribute to poverty and limited economic opportunity.

In a 2022 poverty assessment, the World Bank reported that four in 10 Nigerians lived in poverty and lacked access to essential services such as education, safe drinking water, electricity and sanitation. The report also found that only 17% of workers held jobs that provided wages sufficient to lift them out of poverty, as many Nigerians rely on small-scale farming and household businesses for income.

A New Framework: Reducing Poverty

The World Bank identified three key areas for reducing poverty in Nigeria: implementing macroeconomic reforms, supporting farm and nonfarm household enterprises and expanding access to electricity, water and sanitation. The new Country Partnership Framework aligns with these priorities by investing in infrastructure, agriculture and human development programs designed to improve economic opportunities.

With Nigeria’s population expected to continue growing, expanding economic opportunities for young people will be critical to the country’s long-term development. If successful, the partnership could help create jobs, strengthen businesses and improve access to essential services for millions of Nigerians. Through investments in key sectors and support for economic growth in Nigeria, the World Bank hopes to help build a stronger and more prosperous future for the country.

– Alexandra Pedroza

Alexandra is based in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Bafa Resort Reducing Poverty in Sierra Leone

Poverty in sierra leoneThough Sierra Leone is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, this West African country also faces persistent poverty. Inflation, minimal career opportunities and unequal access to resources and education contribute to almost two-thirds of citizens living below the poverty line. Repeated media coverage of tragedies in Sierra Leone, such as civil war, natural disasters and disease outbreaks, often deters tourists from visiting and supporting local businesses. However, tourism may have the potential to strengthen Sierra Leone’s economy. Here is how places like Bafa Resort can create new financial opportunities for Sierra Leone.

Poverty in Sierra Leone

As of 2024, about 65% of Sierra Leoneans, more than 5.5 million people, were living below the national poverty line. Poverty is especially prevalent in rural areas, where the poverty rate is roughly three times higher than in most urban areas. One of the many factors that contribute to the prevalence of poverty is the lack of stable job opportunities, particularly in rural areas. In 2022, about 289,000 adults were unemployed in Sierra Leone. Most people rely on inconsistent, low-paying jobs to survive, with 91.7% of working adults holding informal jobs.

Youth ages 15 to 24 and women are especially at risk of being unemployed or underemployed. Approximately 15.6% of adult women and 35% of youth in the workforce are underutilized. Low-income families often lack the funds to send their children to school, forcing youth to accept low-paying jobs and about 30% of girls to marry before age 18. Even when children can go to school, many schools do not have sufficient school supplies, qualified teachers or decent classrooms to effectively teach students.

About Bafa Resort

Bafa Resort is an eco-resort in the Banana Islands of Sierra Leone. Guests can enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients and partake in activities such as fishing, free diving, hiking and kayaking. Bafa Resort also offers several camping packages to suit guests’ preferences and budgets, ranging from guests pitching their own tents to relaxing in one of several “glamping tents” overlooking the ocean.

Bafa Resort has made intentional efforts to support islanders and local businesses. By buying locally sourced foods, Bafa Resort supports more than a dozen Sierra Leonean businesses while providing guests with fresh, quality meals. The community also receives “development fees” on behalf of resort guests to help support local industries and higher education. Additionally, locals are given priority for employment opportunities, especially women and youth.

One local who has benefited from working at Bafa Resort is kitchen manager and team leader Kona Keitell, affectionately known as “Aunty Kona” or “Aunty K.” Despite only having a Grade 2 level education, Keitell ensures that daily operations in the kitchen and the rest of the resort run smoothly. In 2018, Keitell was the first Bafa employee to benefit from the resort’s three-month paid maternity leave after welcoming her baby, Augusta. With the responsibility and skills she has learned through Bafa Resort, Keitell hopes to one day open her own restaurant.

Looking Forward

According to tour guide Peter Momoh Bassie, tourism is crucial in fostering economic growth in Sierra Leone. Places like Bafa Resort not only provide jobs and the chance to escape poverty for locals, but also advertise the nation as a tourist hotspot where visitors can relax, explore and enjoy the natural beauty. By changing global perceptions and supporting local businesses, tourism offers Sierra Leoneans a second chance at life.

– Lily Alexander

Lily is based in Surrey, BC, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Nollywood Is Creating Economic Opportunities in Nigeria

Musicians perform on an outdoor stage, creating economic opportunities in Nigeria.Nigeria’s film industry, known as Nollywood, has grown from a local entertainment sector into one of the largest film industries in the world. Nigeria’s growth is unfolding against a difficult backdrop: the World Bank has reported that poverty in Nigeria has been rising in recent years, with 63% of the population, or roughly 140 million people now living below the national poverty line. Against this backdrop, Nollywood’s expansion carries added significance. Beyond producing movies, Nollywood is creating economic opportunities in Nigeria by generating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting businesses across several industries. According to Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO), the Nigerian film industry produces thousands of films each year and employs many people directly and indirectly. As the industry continues to expand, it is helping many Nigerians build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Nollywood Creates Jobs Across Many Professions

Nollywood employs far more than actors. Every film production requires screenwriters, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound engineers, makeup artists, costume designers, photographers and marketers. The industry also supports caterers, drivers, hotel operators, equipment rental companies and digital content creators. Greater investment in Africa’s film and audiovisual industry could create more than 20 million jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the continent’s economy, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports. As one of Africa’s leading film industries, Nollywood plays an important role in expanding economic opportunities in Nigeria through direct and indirect employment.

Access to finance remains one of the biggest challenges for many creative entrepreneurs. To address this, the Bank of Industry introduced the Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI) in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The initiative provides loans to businesses in film, fashion, music and information technology to help them expand their operations and create jobs. CIFI helps filmmakers buy equipment and improve production quality. By supporting entrepreneurs in the creative sector, the initiative strengthens economic opportunities in Nigeria and encourages investment in one of the country’s fastest-growing industries.

Training and Mentorship Support Young Creatives

Several organizations are helping young Nigerians build careers in the creative industry. The Tony Elumelu Foundation provides entrepreneurship training, mentorship and seed funding to thousands of African entrepreneurs each year, including business owners in film and other creative sectors. The Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative also provides training for aspiring filmmakers, actors and content creators. The program focuses on developing practical skills that prepare participants for careers in Nigeria’s growing entertainment industry. In addition, the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) offers workshops, masterclasses and networking events that connect emerging filmmakers with experienced professionals from Nigeria and around the world. These opportunities help participants improve their skills and build valuable industry connections.

The impact of Nollywood extends beyond film production. As more movies are produced, businesses in transportation, hospitality, tourism, fashion and technology also benefit. Hotels host film crews, transport companies move equipment and cast members, while fashion designers and makeup artists gain new clients through productions. According to UNESCO, stronger investment in Africa’s film industry could unlock millions of jobs across the continent. Nigeria’s success demonstrates how creative industries can become powerful drivers of development. As Nollywood continues to grow, it is creating economic opportunities in Nigeria by supporting entrepreneurs, generating employment and helping more young people earn sustainable incomes.

Conclusion

Nollywood has become much more than an entertainment industry. It is creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging investment across several sectors of the Nigerian economy. Funding initiatives such as the Bank of Industry’s Creative Industry Financing Initiative, entrepreneurship support from the Tony Elumelu Foundation, training through the Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative and networking opportunities provided by AFRIFF are helping more Nigerians build successful careers in the creative sector. While challenges such as access to funding and infrastructure remain, continued investment in Nollywood could expand employment opportunities and contribute to poverty reduction by helping more Nigerians earn stable incomes through the creative economy. With sustained support, Nollywood is well positioned to keep turning creative talent into lasting economic opportunity for millions of Nigerians in the years ahead.

– Abisola Oladipupo

Abisola is based in Hatfield, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash