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Does the Belt and Road Initiative Reduce Poverty?

The Belt and Road InitiativeAcross the hilly Burera District of northern Rwanda, travel between towns and distant regions is a challenge. For many, including businessman Seth Havugimana, reaching a larger city such as Musanze takes four hours. However, one day, men in bright neon construction vests and the smell of newly laid asphalt began to permeate the countryside.

A new road is slowly taking shape, funded by the China Road and Bridge Corporation and Rwanda’s NPD Ltd. This new road will connect once-distant towns and provide economic opportunities to countless individuals. Havugimana recounts how, after the construction of the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road, “business can move and people can go from here to another place easily,” transforming lives in the district.

The Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a Chinese program aimed at international cooperation and development, funds projects like these globally. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the BRI in October 2013 and as of December 2023, the program works with around 146-151 countries. Although lacking a clear governance framework, institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, the Commercial Bank of China and the Silk Road Fund have contributed to foreign projects through grants and loans.

In addition to the newly constructed road in Rwanda, other recent BRI plans include road and bridge construction in Lesotho’s Qacha’s Nek District and a 2.2-kilometer coastal road in Tanzania near Zanzibar.

How These Projects Can Reduce Poverty

The creation of infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and energy facilities, plays an undeniably important role in fighting poverty worldwide. According to a 2025 report by the World Bank Group, prevailing evidence points to infrastructural development being a “main driver of poverty reduction” and leading directly to an “impact of growth.” The creation of transportation infrastructure, for example, has decreased poverty in Ethiopia and increased earning opportunities for isolated households in Cameroon.

Back to the construction of the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road in Rwanda, the new ease of transportation allows individuals to more easily access schools, hospitals and markets than ever before. In turn, more people in the Burera District have better access to health care and higher levels of education, displaying how the BRI reduces poverty through its projects. Although the answer is not always straightforward, infrastructure spending usually leads to a “positive multiplier” on a country’s GDP.

However, in some cases, there is no benefit due to factors such as delays or a lack of maintenance.

Does the Belt and Road Initiative Reduce Poverty?

While research on the overall effectiveness of the BRI in combating poverty is limited, many sources point to a positive impact. According to the World Bank Group, the BRI covers about one-third of the world’s impoverished population. To this end, there is already an unbelievable amount of scope that the BRI has identified and invested billions of dollars in.

Critics of the program argue that, contrary to the rapid capital accumulation typically associated with new infrastructure, China’s contributions do not lead to improved industries or increased exports. However, a World Bank Group report estimates that 76 million people could escape poverty by 2030 due to the BRI’s efforts. While it may be true that China has seen a rise in exports and some participating countries have experienced losses in their local economies, the BRI’s overall impact on poverty reduction appears positive.

Final Thoughts

Research indicates that expanded international trade and capital growth significantly promote economic growth. Through its many projects and strengthened economic ties with BRI countries, China is contributing to economic growth and, in turn, poverty reduction for innumerable individuals. Like the ancient Silk Road, which facilitated the flow of goods across Afro-Eurasia, the BRI is opening new markets for global trade today.

Although the program is relatively new, its impacts are already being felt and its continued implementation is expected to significantly transform poverty outcomes in the coming years.

– Benjamin Anderson

Benjamin is based in Madrid, Spain and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Inside the Project Designed To Improve Thai Infrastructure

Thai InfrastructureThe Thailand Resilient Transport Connectivity and Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Project (TRIP) will improve Thai infrastructure and protect local biodiversity in the Songkhla Lake region through the strategic construction of two new bridges. Last spring, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) approved funding for the project. The World Bank published a disclosure on May 25, 2025, announcing its $144.76 million loan commitment, marking the organization’s first significant lending operation in the country in more than 15 years.

In a press release, the World Bank’s Division Director for Myanmar and Thailand, Melinda Good, said, “This project marks a significant milestone in our renewed partnership with Thailand—bringing critical infrastructure to local communities while protecting the country’s unique natural assets that support local economies.”

Connecting Communities

TRIP promises to connect communities in the Songkhla Lake region through the construction of two new, crucially weather-resistant bridges. According to plans, the new Songkhla Lake Bridge will link Songkhla and Phatthalung provinces via a seven-kilometer roadway across Songkhla Lake. At present, an 80-kilometer or roughly two-hour, detour stands in the path of travelers between the two regions.

TRIP aims to reduce this journey to a mere 10 minutes. Additional plans include the construction of the Kho Lanta Bridge, a two-kilometer roadway connecting Krabi on the mainland to Koh Lanta, a Songkhla Lake island. Kwanpadh Suddhi-Dhamakit, a senior officer for Thailand at the World Bank, stressed in a social media post last month that plans consider the region’s environmental challenges and draw on examples of past natural disasters.

Indeed, southern Thailand’s climate dictates that both bridges incorporate weather-resilient engineering in their design. Floods, storms and sea-level rise all pose distinct threats to communities around Songkhla Lake in the coming years. The presence of the Kho Lanta and Songkhla Lake bridges strengthens future evacuation routes for local communities.

Economic Importance

On the project, Suddhi-Dhamakit said, “Improved connectivity is expected to support job creation during construction and long-term employment through tourism and local economic activity.” In this way, TRIP holds significant economic importance for the areas surrounding Songkhla Lake. Southern Thailand’s economic growth trails behind that of the rest of the country.

The poverty rate there is 7.4%, more than double the national average. Connectivity plays an important role in the job market because transportation bottlenecks can impede the ability of residents to attend markets and access services and other employment opportunities. The construction of the two new bridges stands to benefit the local population initially by providing construction jobs.

It will later allow easier access to other employment through improved transportation infrastructure. Three million tourists also pass through the region each year, a number experts expect to rise with the area’s improved travel connections.

Final Thoughts

While the project remains in its infancy, support from the World Bank represents a monumental step toward its eventual realization. Negative environmental trade-offs often materialize in large-scale infrastructure development, such as what TRIP proposes. Nonetheless, the project aims to bridge the gap by simultaneously developing Thai infrastructure and protecting local biodiversity.

– Louis Sartori

Louis is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How Tourism Is Reducing Poverty in Albania

Poverty in albaniaTourism in Albania has grown rapidly in recent years and is becoming a powerful tool for reducing poverty and creating economic opportunity. Once seen as a hidden destination, the country is now attracting millions of visitors each year, bringing new income to communities that previously had limited employment options. Through investment in infrastructure, support for small businesses and community-based tourism projects, the industry is helping households earn a stable income and build more secure futures.

Rapid Growth in Visitor Numbers

Albania has shifted from being a hidden destination to becoming one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing tourism markets. In 2019, the country welcomed 6.4 million foreign visitors, which was considered a record year at the time. Since then, tourism in Albania has continued to grow rapidly.

By 2024, Albania attracted nearly 12 million international visitors, an 82% increase from 2019. Tourism in Albania also showed strong resilience after the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2022, tourist arrivals were already 5% higher than pre-pandemic levels, allowing the sector to recover faster than many competing destinations in the region.

This quick recovery helped protect jobs and restore income in tourism-dependent communities. The country has also expanded its tourism markets beyond a single source. Albania has established direct air connections and attracted visitors from the U.K., Germany, Italy, France, the U.S. and the Middle East. To meet growing demand, the number of hotels, rooms and beds increased more than tenfold between 2000 and 2019, while international seat capacity continued to rise after 2019.

While national statistics show a massive surge in arrivals, local hosts see this growth through their seasonal calendars. In an interview with The Borgen Project, Akeron, who runs a local Airbnb, explained that the season typically “starts in April and ends in the end of October.” During the peak months of July and August, his accommodations are usually “fully booked,” while June and September maintain high occupancy rates of “70-80%”.

Tourism Revenue and Economic Impact

Tourism has become a major financial pillar of Albania’s economy. In 2023, the sector’s contribution to GDP reached 565 billion Lek ($6.78) billion, a 37% increase from the previous peak in 2019. Estimates show that travel and tourism now contribute roughly one in every four Lek to the national economy.

Tourism has also strengthened Albania’s export earnings. Over the past two decades, tourism generated 38% of the country’s total exports. International visitor spending reached 464 billion Lek ($5.57 billion) in 2023, more than 45% higher than in 2019, bringing money directly into local communities.

This economic shift is felt directly at the household level. For Akeron’s family, the ability to host international visitors has provided a new level of financial security. “For my family, it has made a difference in the amount of money we can save and has helped us think about things we want to do for the future,” Akeron stated.

Job Creation and Social Inclusion

Tourism is one of Albania’s largest sources of employment. In 2023, the sector supported almost 269,000 jobs, representing around one in five jobs nationwide. These jobs range from hospitality and transport to food services and cultural tourism, offering work in areas where few alternatives exist.

Tourism growth has also supported inclusive employment. In southern Albania, more than half of the jobs created through heritage tourism projects are held by women and young people. Some initiatives have also created opportunities for people with disabilities, including maintenance roles at Gjirokastra Castle, helping improve household income, social inclusion and reduce poverty in Albania.

Additionally, tourism has encouraged return migration. Former residents are returning to historic cities such as Gjirokastra and Saranda to invest savings in guesthouses and hospitality businesses. In project-supported areas, the number of tourism-related businesses has more than doubled since 2019, showing how public investment can stimulate local entrepreneurship.

These roles often rely on a collaborative family structure to be successful. Akeron and his parents all maintain other full-time jobs, but they “work together” to manage the guesthouse. He explained the division of labor: “me with the online part and my mom with the cleaning and welcoming guests to make it work.” He also noted that for families where members lack regular employment, this business provides “a very good income.”

Tourism in Rural and Coastal Communities

Tourism has turned family homes into sources of income in many rural and historic areas. In cities such as Gjirokastra, Berat and Përmet, public investment in restoring castle sites and cobblestone streets has encouraged families to convert historic homes into bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and guesthouses. In these areas, the number of tourism-associated businesses has more than doubled since 2019.

Rural tourism also supports artisanal and cultural income. Around 78% of people employed in the artisan sector are women and nearly half of handicraft businesses are women-owned. Small family-run homestays rely heavily on women’s labor and provide independent income, strengthening household stability.

Infrastructure improvements have helped extend the tourism season beyond the summer months. Projects such as the Saranda promenade have enabled year-round economic activity, stabilizing income for local workers and businesses.

Local hosts often act as a bridge to the wider community by encouraging guests to spend money at nearby businesses. Akeron noted that he frequently recommends “restaurants in the city and by the beach” to his guests. He specifically highlights a restaurant in his village “which serves only Albanian food,” illustrating how tourism income supports traditional culinary businesses.

Community-Based Tourism and Infrastructure Investment

Community-based tourism initiatives have helped ensure that tourism benefits stay within local communities. The Integrated Urban and Tourism Development Project, supported by the World Bank and the Albanian government, focuses on cities including Berat, Gjirokastra, Përmet and Saranda. The project aims to regenerate local economies by restoring heritage sites and upgrading public infrastructure.

This model encourages residents to become active tourism entrepreneurs by converting private properties into guesthouses, cafés and tourism services. Additional EU-funded programs have adopted bottom-up approaches that enable communities to shape tourism growth in line with local needs. Investment in transport and accessibility has supported this growth.

Albania has expanded air connections through low-cost carriers and the construction of new airports. Road networks, walking routes and heritage trails have also improved access to inland regions.

Remaining Challenges

Despite strong progress, challenges remain. Informal employment continues to leave many tourism workers without contracts or social protection, increasing vulnerability during economic shocks. Regional inequality is also visible, as northern areas such as Kukës continue to face high poverty and limited tourism development.

Beyond employment concerns, a significant hurdle is the “infrastructure missing from the government.” Akeron identified the “lack of water” as a primary issue, explaining that families often have only “1-2 hours a day” to fill storage tanks for basic needs like showering and washing dishes. He recalled a specific instance where the water supply failed while a guest “had just put on the shower gel.” While a neighbor was able to provide water to help, Akeron noted that these daily shortages create constant uncertainty for local hosts.

Tourism in Albania is proving that well-planned growth can do more than attract visitors; it can reduce poverty, create jobs and strengthen communities. By supporting family-run businesses, expanding infrastructure and promoting community-based tourism, Albania has allowed its residents to benefit directly from rising visitor numbers. While challenges remain, continued investment and inclusive planning offer a hopeful path forward, showing how tourism can be a powerful force for shared prosperity and poverty reduction in Albania.

– Aila Alsakka

Aila is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Educational Reform in Egypt: Successes and Setbacks

Educational Reform in EgyptEducational reform in Egypt has encompassed various projects, collaborations and strategies aimed at achieving multiple objectives to improve the well-being of Egypt and its people. In 2012, USAID and Egypt partnered with World Learning on a $25 million project, which was later extended to $30 million in 2016, according to a 2018 USAID audit report. This project has involved a collaboration between the Egyptian Ministry of Education (MOE) and USAID to advance STEM education in Egypt.

According to Egypt’s government, Egypt established Strategic Vision 2030 in 2016, a national agenda for sustainable development across social, economic and environmental dimensions. A key intention of the strategy is to enhance the quality of life for Egyptian citizens and achieve inclusive, sustainable economic growth. In 2018, the Egyptian government introduced an educational reform program as part of Vision 2030.

Egypt’s reform program was backed by the World Bank in 2018, with a $500 million project between the two. Egypt has also established an Education Sector Plan for 2023-2037, a strategy outlined to effectively transform Egypt’s educational system.

Reform Goals

The investment and prioritization of educational reform in Egypt underscores the intrinsic importance of education within the broader context of sustainable development, enhancing lives and reducing poverty. According to 2021 World Bank Data, the poverty rate (the percentage of the population that lives below the national poverty line) in Egypt is 33.5%. According to the World Bank, education is “one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace and stability.”

By working to improve educational outcomes, Egypt enhances the country’s economic and social standing, as well as that of its population. Egypt’s educational reform occurs within the context of a contemporary job market where employees require skills that traditional education systems have been unable to provide. A major goal of the project is to transform the examination system into one that fosters analytical and critical thinking skills, better equipping students for career success.

A feature story published by the World Bank includes testimony from a secondary student in Egypt. They say the new examination system has given them a greater sense of personal responsibility for their education and the ability to apply their learning to real-world situations. The student states, “My father is ill; sometimes my biology readings enable me to help him.”

Other goals of educational reform in Egypt include improving access to and the quality of early childhood education, expanding access and use of education technology and “enhancing the capacity of teachers and education leaders.”

Persistent Challenges

While there have been several victories for educational reform in Egypt, challenges endure as well. According to Egypt’s 2023-2027 Education Sector Plan, some of the setbacks include: overcrowding and insufficient infrastructure in schools, a shortage of fully trained and qualified teachers and gaps in educational participation across different demographic groups. According to the report, Egyptian students rank low in foundational knowledge and skills internationally.

These setbacks underscore the need for ongoing reform and adaptable strategies. Though challenges may prove persistent, Egypt’s strides in educational reform show the potential of such reform projects.

Project Successes

University of Illinois professor Linda Herrera documented the ongoing reform of Egypt’s educational system, recognizing the digital transformation of education in Egypt. According to Herrera, in 2016, the Egyptian Knowledge Bank was established, featuring 120 databases, videos, books and other materials. The online library is accessible free of charge to anyone with an Egyptian ID.

Herrera notes the significance of this reform when considering Egypt’s greater context: it is the largest country in the Arab world by population, with a major influence on other Arab countries. According to Herrera, Egypt is an exporter of teachers, learning materials and ideas to its Arab neighbors. What Egypt does to bolster its own education system can have a reverberative effect across an entire region.

Summary

The successes of the educational reform in Egypt have been a result of several projects and partnerships, including with the U.S. According to the 2018 USAID audit report, USAID’s collaboration with MOE resulted in nine STEM schools being established in Egypt by 2016, surpassing the initially expected three to five schools. The report states that this is a testament to MOE’s capability not only to implement but also to advance and replicate the STEM model.

In 2017, numerous STEM students in Egypt participated in local and international science competitions and many received international scholarships or were placed in exchange programs. The fact that there had been no students achieving such things previously shows the impact of Egypt’s advancements in STEM education. Subsequently, the Egyptian Government planned to open more STEM schools in each of the 27 governorates, indicating the program’s staying power and potential for expansion.

– Emma Kelsey

Emma is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Democracy in Ghana is the Recipe for Economic Growth

Democracy in GhanaGhana is demonstrating that stable democratic institutions provide the foundation for sustained economic expansion. The West African nation achieved 7.2% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024, the highest quarterly expansion in five years, while maintaining its status as one of Africa’s most enduring democracies with over 30 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1992.

Democratic Stability Attracts Investment

Ghana’s consistent democratic transitions have created an environment where businesses can plan long-term investments with confidence. The country maintained its 6.30 point democracy score in 2023, ranking sixth regionally and 65th worldwide on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index, significantly outperforming the regional average. This political stability enabled Ghana to attract $331 million in tech sector investment in 2023, with the industry now valued at $2.6 billion.

Freedom House continues to rate Ghana as “Free” with one of the highest scores in sub-Saharan Africa. This strong governance framework has proven crucial for economic recovery, as Ghana successfully completed a $13 billion Eurobond exchange in 2024 and secured an IMF-supported program that helped stabilize the economy after a 2022 crisis.

Agriculture Sector Powers Job Creation

Transparent governance enabled the effective implementation of agricultural programs that are transforming rural economies. The Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two program, launched in August 2023, represents a comprehensive approach to agricultural modernization across 11 commodity value chains including grains, starchy staples and vegetables.

The agriculture sector expanded by 5.0% in the first half of 2024, employing roughly 75% of the rural population and accounting for 21% of GDP. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s 2024 budget exceeded 3.3 billion Ghana cedis, with the government contributing 82% of total budgetary allocation. Between 2017 and 2022, fertilizer application rates increased from eight kilograms per hectare to 25 kilograms per hectare, while certified seed distribution rose from 2,000 metric tons to 36,000 metric tons.

The Ghana Economic Transformation Project has generated 2,438 direct jobs, more than double its 1,000 job target, with 1,071 jobs created for women. Firms supported by this World Bank initiative reported an average 18% increase in gross sales, while women-owned businesses achieved a 12.68% increase.

Technology Sector Drives Innovation

Democratic freedoms and independent judiciary systems have fostered a thriving technology ecosystem. Ghana ranks 15th out of 47 African countries for ICT use in the 2024 ICT Development Index. The digital economy is currently valued at approximately $1 billion and could reach $5 billion by 2030.

The Information and Communication subsector grew 17.9% in the first quarter of 2024, demonstrating the rapid expansion of digital services. Furthermore, Ghana’s tech ecosystem raised an estimated $66 million by the third quarter of 2024, with Fido securing a $30 million Series B funding round. The recently concluded eTransform project established operational infrastructure for the Cyber Security Authority, contributing to Ghana ranking second in Africa in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.

Energy Sector Embraces Renewable Transition

Good governance structures enabled the government to address energy sector challenges while advancing renewable energy goals. In 2024, the Rural Electrification Program connected 276 rural communities to the National Grid, increasing the access rate from 88.95% to 89.03%. Ghana targets reaching 90% electrification by the end of 2025.

The government’s Renewable Energy Master Plan sets a target of 1,363.63 MW of grid connected renewable energy by 2030. Renewable energy capacity stood at close to 1,700 megawatts in 2022, following an increasing trend since 2012. The Energy Transition and Investment Plan announced in September 2023 estimates that Ghana will need more than $550 billion in capital investment to achieve net zero by 2060, with the majority of spending directed to the transport and power sectors.

Democracy and Economic Growth in Ghana

The situation in Ghana illustrates how democracy and democratic institutions create conditions for sustainable economic development. Despite facing a severe macroeconomic crisis in 2022, with debt reaching 92.6% of GDP, Ghana’s democratic framework enabled peaceful implementation of necessary reforms. Indeed, by 2024, growth rebounded to 5.7%, and second quarter 2025 real GDP increased 6.3% year on year, led by services and agriculture sectors.

The December 2024 elections demonstrated democratic resilience, with former President John Dramani Mahama winning 56.4% of the vote in a peaceful transition. This political stability continues to position Ghana as a model for how democracy serves as a recipe for economic growth across West Africa.

– Jawad Noori

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

Photo: Flickr

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Building Opportunity: Agriculture and Education in Burundi

Education in BurundiIn the heart of East Africa lies Burundi, a small, landlocked nation bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Beneath its green hills and tranquil lakes, however, Burundi faces persistent poverty driven by decades of instability, underdeveloped infrastructure and dependence on agriculture. While the country has made progress since its civil conflicts ended, many Burundian families continue to struggle to meet their daily needs.

The Borgen Project spoke with Francine Nahimana, a 25-year-old woman from rural Gitega, to learn more about how these challenges shape the lives of ordinary citizens and what solutions are helping Burundians rise above hardship. “People here are hardworking, but without opportunities and support, it is difficult to move forward,” Nahimana said.

Historical Impact

Burundi’s history of ethnic and political conflict has left deep social and economic scars. During years of unrest, schools and hospitals closed, families fled their land and many professionals left the country in search of stability. These years disrupted entire generations.

According to UNICEF, conflict forced thousands of children out of school, leading to widespread illiteracy and unemployment in later years. Many displaced families lost farmland, the backbone of Burundi’s economy and still face disputes over land ownership today. Nahimana explained that her community is still rebuilding: “Some people my age never had the chance to learn to read or write. That affects jobs today; many adults are still trying to catch up.”

Agricultural Impact

According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), roughly 80% of Burundians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Yet recurring droughts, soil erosion and limited access to modern tools continue to reduce yields and income. In rural Gitega, most families tend small plots of maize, beans or cassava.

Nahimana said that when rains fail, families cut back to one meal a day and ration food to children first. For many households, farming remains a matter of survival rather than a source of profit. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that more than half of Burundians face chronic food insecurity, highlighting the connection between environmental vulnerability and poverty.

Efforts to improve irrigation systems and promote climate-resilient crops have begun in parts of the country, offering hope that communities can protect both livelihoods and nutrition in the coming years.

Education in Burundi

Education in Burundi is both a challenge and a solution to poverty. According to UNESCO, while primary enrollment rates have increased, completion rates remain low, especially for girls. Families often struggle to afford school uniforms, materials or the long commute to secondary schools.

Nahimana recalled walking nearly an hour each day to reach class. “My parents believed girls should be educated, but many of my friends left school early to help at home or marry young,” she said. The lack of consistent schooling limits access to formal employment, leaving many young people dependent on subsistence farming.

Expanding access to education and vocational training in Burundi could empower citizens to pursue alternative livelihoods and break cycles of poverty.

Health Impact

Health care in Burundi remains fragile, especially in rural areas, where clinics are understaffed and medical supplies are scarce. For low-income families, medical costs can be devastating. When illness strikes, adults often lose workdays and children miss school, creating new obstacles to economic stability.

Nahimana said that even minor illnesses can send families into debt: “If someone gets sick, we borrow money to buy medicine and then the next month we can’t buy fertilizer or seeds.” Expanding community clinics and enhancing maternal and child health programs could prevent minor health issues from escalating into cycles of poverty.

Youth and Governance Impact

Burundi’s population is predominantly young; according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. This generation holds the potential to transform the country if provided with stable jobs and inclusive governance.

After years of instability, trust in institutions is slowly returning. National peacebuilding efforts, supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, aim to strengthen transparency and civic participation. Nahimana believes young people are ready to lead: “We are not defined by poverty, we are defined by perseverance. With education and opportunity, we can create a better future.”

Future Impact

Burundi’s challenges remain immense, but progress is possible. Investments in sustainable agriculture, affordable health care and education, particularly for girls, could significantly reduce poverty over the next decade. The World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) continue to partner with Burundi to improve rural infrastructure, access to credit and food security.

These long-term projects, paired with community-level resilience, aim to ensure that economic growth reaches every hill and valley. As Nahimana’s story shows, hope endures in Burundi’s hills. Each classroom that stays open, each seed that survives a dry season and each young woman who completes her education brings the nation one step closer to lasting prosperity.

– Katie Williams

Katie is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Cannabis Transforms Poverty in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Poverty in Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesIn 2018, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines decriminalized possessing up to two ounces of marijuana and Parliament passed laws to establish a medical cannabis industry. Vincentians use and appreciate the medicinal properties of cannabis, as well as the pivotal role it can play in reducing poverty in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In 2024, 18% of Vincentian adults were unemployed; youth were twice as likely as adults to be unemployed.

Additionally, the country’s volcano (La Soufrière) erupted in 2021. Coupled with the then-recent COVID-19 pandemic, the country faced huge economic setbacks. Whereas before the pandemic, only 4% of children in Saint Vincent were below the poverty line, this has now risen to 18%. Therefore, due to the industry’s up-and-coming market, utilizing cannabis in Saint Vincent is key to recovering the economy and securing jobs for unemployed young people.

Boosting the Economy

Ironically, it is the volcanic soil that makes cannabis in Saint Vincent high-grade and fast-producing. As a result, cannabis became an instrumental trading tool during the country’s recovery from the volcanic eruption. More recently, Saint Vincent has reported more than EC$60 million (slightly above $22 million) in private investment in its cannabis industry.

Beyond just trading, the small country is also now gaining an international reputation for its high-quality marijuana. In October 2025, Saint Vincent will host the annual CannaBliss festival for the second time. This is a four-day event that attracts customers from around the globe and dually acts as a chance for networking among the medicinal cannabis industry.

Not only does this boost Saint Vincent’s tourism industry, but it is also a chance for the country to share its culture with the world. The festival will feature reggae singers with international fame. However, it will also be a chance for local Vincentian singers to display their talent!

Medicinal Benefits

Due to cannabis’s unique medicinal uses, the drug is experiencing increasing demand worldwide, with the medicinal cannabis market expected to reach $58 billion in sales by 2028.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) currently uses Epidiolex, which contains cannabidiol, to treat seizures. It also uses Marinol and Syndros, which contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), for therapeutic purposes such as treating nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy and anorexia related to weight loss in AIDS patients. The USFDA continues to research additional medical applications of cannabinoids.

Meanwhile, the cannabis market is expanding globally. The U.K., Canada and several European countries have, for the first time, approved a plant-derived cannabinoid drug (Sativex) for medical use.

Supports Cultural Practices

Emerging in ’30s Jamaica, the religion Rastafari celebrates marijuana as a gift from God. Rastas believe in peace and living organically; they often adjust their language to avoid negative terms, oppose violence and oppressive systems such as capitalism and are typically vegetarian. Rastas use marijuana ritually to help enlighten their minds; before smoking the plant, they pray to Jah (God) or to Haile Selassie I.

Moreover, supporting Rastas means supporting local farmers. Since decriminalizing cannabis in Saint Vincent, farmers can now obtain a subsidized licence to grow marijuana and companies must buy 10% of their plants from traditional agriculturalists. Before this, it was difficult for Rastas to make a living.

Farmer Bobbis Matthews said to the Guardian, “It was hard! At least three times a year, U.S. helicopters would come and tear down the crop. In those days, it felt like you couldn’t even say the word marijuana because just to say marijuana, you could get arrested.” “We had a song called ‘Helicopter.’ It was about the panic and franticness whenever you hear the sound of the helicopter,” he continued.

Now, local farmers can live and celebrate their culture legally. The growing industry has created 2,500 more jobs for a country with low employment rates. Saint Vincent has also provided additional training in best cultivation practices to support the market and farmers further.

Final Comments

Overall, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines demonstrates how cannabis can be used ethically. The country is utilizing the plant for its medicinal benefits and its significance to the religious community. Marijuana’s rapidly growing market is also helping to reduce poverty in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines by increasing employment rates and expanding trading opportunities. This, in turn, is building a fast-growing industry that will play a pivotal role in the country’s future.

– Lysia Wright

Lysia is based in Derby, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Dependency on Foreign Health Care Workers in Ireland

Health Care Workers in IrelandIreland has long been a source of high net emigration, with an estimated 10 million emigrants leaving the western European island since 1800. However, the past two decades have seen an unprecedented increase in the number of foreign health care workers in Ireland. The Irish health care system has experienced notable growing pains in its attempts to retain domestically-trained doctors, who often follow a decades-long trend of looking abroad to Australia, Canada and the U.K. for hire.

As Irish doctors continue to move abroad, internationally trained medics bridge the gap. Here is a look at the path ahead as Ireland copes with shortages in professional health care and works toward a more accommodating workplace for Irish doctors.

Brain Drain: Doctors Leave Ireland Behind

A telltale shift in the Irish health care industry came in the late ’90s, when rapid economic growth and demand for nursing services outpaced Ireland’s supply of workers. Since 2000, Irish doctors, most of whom depart from Ireland during or after their training, have remained similarly scarce. This period of economic expansion marked an inflection point in Irish health care, where Ireland’s historical role as a major exporter of Irish nurses reversed.

Ireland’s trend in poor doctor retention seems to mirror a similar trend affecting northern and western Europe as a whole.

Unstable Working Conditions Disillusion Doctors

Most doctors born and trained in Ireland intend to work domestically. Yet, various factors keep these workers looking for work abroad. Notably, a 2018 survey of Irish training doctors found that only 45% intended to find work domestically, hinting at an underlying push factor in the Irish medical field. A 2021 study accredits Ireland’s exodus of domestically-trained doctors to short staffing and poor training, which catalyze stressful conditions in the workplace.

The fulfillment that Irish doctors don’t find in their work environment at home, they pursue abroad. About 72% of emigrant Irish doctors prefer employment in the U.K., Canada and Australia. Naturally, international recruitment programs call on foreign-trained health care workers to compensate for Irish staffing shortages.

Foreign health care workers in Ireland must bridge the gap that Irish emigrant doctors leave behind. Nevertheless, recent assessments of Ireland’s health care system indicate that this international recruitment practice is neither sustainable for foreign-trained workers nor the communities they serve.

Challenges for Foreign Health Care Workers in Ireland

A 2025 World Health Organization study assessing nine European countries (including Ireland) found that the number of foreign-trained nurses increased 67% in these regions from 2014 to 2023 alone. Higher wages and more benefits than are available in a foreign health care worker’s home country incentivize such high immigration trends. However, a significant disconnect exists between foreign workers’ expectations and the working conditions they receive upon arrival in Ireland, perpetuating brain waste in the Irish medical field.

This occurs as foreign doctors trained in a specific setting are assigned arbitrarily to any position lacking staff, thus depriving both their origin country and their receiving country of their talent. A study interviewed foreign health care workers in Ireland and found such instances of dissonance between the position to which individuals apply and the actual role to which they are called. Due to the costly financial and emotional investment of choosing to migrate, many cannot withdraw their commitment in pursuit of a better opportunity.

Thus, many foreign doctors bear the brunt of the poor working conditions that prompt Irish-trained doctors to go abroad.

Local Implications of Sending and Receiving Health Care Workers

Local communities, either on the sending or receiving end of foreign doctors, become more vulnerable as professional health care access is redistributed across international borders. Subsequently, Ireland’s understaffed health care force leaves marginalized and low-income communities, domestic and abroad, under strain. In attempts to compensate through international recruitment, the community in Ireland outsources for doctors and the spread is thin.

Foreign health care workers in Ireland become more vulnerable to poverty as they pay the exorbitant costs associated with migration. Consequently, individuals seeking health care may not have the financial means to compete for a spot in their health care provider’s overbooked schedule. Ireland has introduced noteworthy doctor retention programs, seeking to break this cycle, with varying results.

The Path Forward for Strong Doctor Retention in Ireland

To promote universal access to quality health care, Ireland has to sustain an equitable, stress-reduced working environment for its domestically trained doctors. A shift away from brain drain in Irish health care is an uphill battle. This is largely due to systematic flaws such as hostility from or poor connections with mentors and coworkers, which weakens a newly trained doctor’s support system.

Noteworthy doctor retention efforts began in 2015, when Ireland’s Strategic Review of Medical Training and Career Structures oversaw adjusted working conditions and training opportunities for doctors training domestically. However, a 2021 study revisiting the success of these doctor retention programs found them ineffective and out of proportion to the problem’s scale. Going forward, it will take increased investment in strong mentorship for Irish training doctors and more compatible training programs to see the Irish health care industry draw a greater appeal to its workers.

Fortunately, a successful doctor retention policy, such as Romania’s, provides a hopeful template as Ireland pursues an equitable health care system benefitting workers and patients alike.

– Isla Hansen

Isla is based in Spokane, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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How Georgia’s Wine and Tourism Are Helping Communities

Georgia’s Wine and TourismGeorgia, the birthplace of wine, has rightfully earned its title as “wine country.” The investment in wine-making has boosted the economy and helped many communities find their way out of rural poverty. Winemaking is deeply rooted in the country’s history and evidence shows that viticulture dates back 8,000 years in Georgia. Vineyards cover most of the country’s rolling hills, making the wine extremely popular worldwide.

The Georgian Grape Subsidy Program

A subsidy is financial assistance provided by the government to help keep prices stable and encourage economic participation among vulnerable producers. Specifically in Georgia, subsidy programs were made to stabilize farmers’ incomes, guarantee smooth harvests and ensure that even lower-quality grapes could be sold, especially those used for wine production. Subsidies have played an integral role in sustaining Georgia’s agricultural sector.

Between 2014 and 2024, nearly 45% of government agricultural spending went toward subsidy programs. These funds support the production of key crops such as wheat, hazelnuts, tangerines, apples and, most importantly, grapes. The Georgian grape subsidy program began in 2008 and, except for 2018 and 2019, has been implemented every year since.

The government has used both direct and indirect subsidies to support farmers. Direct subsidies provide cash payments to grape growers for each kilogram harvested. In contrast, indirect subsidies operate through state-owned companies that purchase grapes directly from farmers, especially when private buyers leave surplus crops on the market.

Although direct financial support declined sharply after 2017, the government continued its grape purchasing program to protect growers from market fluctuations and ensure no farmer was left behind.

Challenges in the Vineyards

Despite the progress, Georgia’s small-scale grape producers remain among the country’s most economically vulnerable people. Many still rely on outdated production methods, lack access to quality inputs and agricultural services and face limited competition opportunities in international markets. After the land reforms of the ’90s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, farmland in Georgia became scarce.

This left most vineyards too small to support efficient production. This has resulted in high costs and limited access to capital and markets. Because of these constraints, some wineries have started to grow their own grapes to secure consistent, high-quality supplies, leaving smallholders struggling to find buyers. These farmers face the added risk of unpredictable weather and fluctuating market prices, making planning or investing in new technology difficult.

Tourism

Georgia’s wine and tourism industry is helping communities by creating jobs for local community members. Georgia’s wine culture is especially unique and the production of wine in Georgia competes with other luxury brands in the market. Research has shown that tourists appreciate the experience of learning about the process of winegrowing as much as they enjoy tasting the wine. Wine-makers in Georgia hope this trend will continue.

A Path Forward

The story of how Georgia’s wine and tourism are helping communities remains one of resilience and renewal. The government’s sustained investment in agriculture and the international demand for Georgian wine have opened new economic opportunities in rural areas. As vineyards expand and production methods improve, Georgia’s winemaking tradition continues to do more than fill glasses; it helps fill livelihoods, turning an ancient craft into a modern tool for fighting poverty.

– Arielle Telfort

Arielle is based in Purchase, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Elderly Poverty in Senegal

Elderly poverty in SenegalWhile Senegal has made tremendous improvements in its economic growth within the last decade, many still overlook the issue of elderly poverty. Senegal has experienced strong growth and made strides in reducing general poverty, but older citizens continue to face serious financial hardship. Elderly poverty in Senegal is a challenge the country has faced before, but now it is time to examine it through a different lens and explore what solutions exist.

The Numbers

According to a 2018 World Bank report, only 7% of elderly citizens in Senegal live in extreme poverty. While this statistic brings hope for the elderly community, household numbers create a stark reality.

According to the “Senegal: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper,” roughly 56% of households headed by a person over 60 live in poverty. Although these households make up just 6% of the population, they represent 19% of all households living in poverty. This data highlights that when older people serve as the main providers, the risk of poverty increases significantly.

Life for Older People in Poverty

Elderly poverty in Senegal means relying almost entirely on younger family members for food, shelter and medical bills. When families cannot provide, older adults face hunger, lack of medicine and isolation. 

Formal pension and social insurance coverage remains limited in Senegal, leaving many older people without a steady income, and rural elders face extra hurdles including long travel times to health facilities and transport barriers that reduce their access to care. These barriers prevent many older Senegalese from living independently.

Plan Sésame

To address some of the challenges faced by older citizens, the Senegalese government created Plan Sésame in 2006. This plan was set up as a health coverage program for people aged 60 and over. Plan Sésame aimed to provide free medical care in all the country’s public health facilities. 

The vast majority of elderly people in Senegal do not receive a pension and rely heavily on family members for financial support. Health care costs often compete with other basic needs like food and shelter; this dependence places older people in a vulnerable position, without the resources to make choices about their health. 

While data on exact numbers reached is limited, research suggests thousands of seniors benefit annually from the program, especially in urban areas. Rural elders, however, sometimes face challenges in using the program because of transportation barriers and shortages of medical staff. Expanding Plan Sésame’s reach and ensuring equitable access remain crucial steps.

Economic Growth

Senegal’s economy began to recover in 2021 after the downturn that COVID-19 caused. The country recorded a substantial reduction in poverty due to strong economic performance during the 2010s. Despite challenges such as rising food and energy prices that the war in Ukraine caused, Senegal’s economy remained resilient in 2022. The average GDP growth rate stood at about 5%, and the incidence of poverty fell from 43% to 37.8%. Yet, these improvements have not reached everyone equally. Elders who cannot work or access social safety nets are often left behind, missing out on the benefits of economic growth.

Looking Forward

Senegal has the potential to lift even more citizens out of poverty if it invests further in elderly care. Strengthening Plan Sésame, creating pension schemes for informal workers, and improving transportation to health facilities could give older adults better access to care and independence. Addressing elderly poverty in Senegal is not only a moral responsibility but also a crucial step toward building a more inclusive economy that supports citizens of all ages.

– Arielle Telfort

Arielle is based in Purchase, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr