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Digital ID Reform Offers Update on SDG 10 in Nigeria

SDG 10 in NigeriaThis update on SDG 10 in Nigeria centers on a legislative reform reshaping who can participate in the country’s formal economy in an era where digitalization serves as a prerequisite for economic development. Across Nigeria’s markets and workshops, banks and insurers often deny small business owners credit extensions and insurance policies because the owners cannot provide recognized proof of identity. This gap kept millions of Nigerians out of the country’s formal financial system for decades, preventing them from opening bank accounts, securing loans or growing their businesses beyond cash transactions. 

Nigeria’s poverty rate illustrates the scale of what is at stake. The World Bank reported in 2026 that the share of Nigerians living below the national poverty line rose to an estimated 63%, up from 61% the previous year. Financial exclusion compounds that poverty. Without access to credit, savings or insurance, low income households have fewer tools to absorb shocks like illness or crop failure, and small businesses cannot grow beyond what cash on hand permits. Expanding financial access cannot eliminate poverty on its own, though it removes one of the structural barriers preventing people from building financial resilience – the exact goal SDG 10 sets.

In June 2026, Nigeria signed the National Identity Management Commission Act into law – a reform officials say is designed to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria by giving citizens a single, trusted form of identification. The law replaces its former 2007 framework that fragmented the country’s identity system across competing databases. The reform in Nigeria reflects a commitment to United Nations SDG 10, which calls on countries to reduce inequality by expanding the social and economic inclusion of marginalized populations by 2030.

A New Legal Foundation

President Bola Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 into law at the State House in Abuja on Friday, June 26, 2026, according to a statement from the presidency. The Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney General, the Interior Minister and a World Bank representative witnessed the signing. The law establishes the National Identification Number as what officials describe as the single source of truth for identity verification across government and financial services. Nigerians already use the number for passport issuance and renewal, and banks and insurance companies are integrating it into their systems, according to Leadership newspaper.

A Market Already Taking Shape

The digital economy’s contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product has risen from about 16% to roughly 19% in recent years, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said in November 2025. The government is targeting a $1 trillion economy overall, with the digital sector accounting for 21% of GDP by 2027, Tijani said.

Global companies have already found opportunity in Nigeria’s identity infrastructure. In 2013, the National Identity Management Commission partnered with Mastercard, the American payments company, on a pilot program to issue 13 million Mastercard-branded identity cards combining biometric verification with electronic payment functions.

Nigeria’s identity system has since moved toward a domestic card scheme called AfriGo, which the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System operate. Nonetheless, the Mastercard partnership was an early demonstration that Nigeria’s push toward digital identity holds visible commercial value for global payment providers.

The World Bank’s Wider Bet

Nigeria’s NIMC reform corresponds with a larger effort backed by the World Bank. Its Global Digital Public Infrastructure Program, launched in May 2026, funds digital identity, fast payments and secure data-sharing systems that banks, insurers and other private companies can build services around. This serves to extend, spanning financial inclusion in Nigeria and comparable markets to populations previously unreachable by formal lenders. The program estimates that 2.9 billion people worldwide currently lack a digital identity for online transactions, with only 8% of lower middle-income countries and 16% of upper middle-income countries having fast, inclusive payment systems in place.

In Nigeria specifically, that connection is already visible. According to the World Bank, the government’s rollout of targeted cash transfers for 15 million vulnerable households has moved more slowly than planned because it depends on integrating the national identity management system. In other words, the same infrastructure this reform strengthens is the mechanism the government relies on to identify and pay Nigeria’s poorest households directly, rather than through intermediaries who can introduce delay or leakage.

A World Bank representative attended the NIMC Act signing in Abuja, positioning Nigeria as an early participant in the program’s venture into Sub-Saharan Africa. A growing share of the population once locked out of the formal economy is approaching the threshold banks and insurers require before extending credit, savings products and coverage. As more Nigerians gain recognized identification, product lines that were commercially unviable for a fragmented, undocumented customer base start to fall under business logic.

Looking Ahead

With a $1 trillion economic target on the horizon and financial inclusion advancing alongside it, this update on SDG 10 in Nigeria points to a country using digital infrastructure to pursue the UN’s 2030 inclusion goals. For a country where more than 60% of the population lives in poverty, closing the identity gap is a foundational step toward opening a new consumer market and reaching the people that market has excluded.

– Gayatri Lilly Sabharwal

Gayatri is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Digital Innovation: Supporting Poverty Reduction in Indonesia

Poverty Reduction in IndonesiaFrom digital identification systems to artificial intelligence, Indonesia is using technology to modernize public services and create new opportunities for millions of people. Despite recent progress, poverty remains a challenge, with 8.57% of the population living in poverty. As Indonesia works to reduce poverty, digital innovation has become an important tool for expanding access to economic opportunities.

Through digital identification systems, electronic payments and other digital technologies, Indonesia is modernizing the delivery of social assistance and public services. These innovations are improving efficiency, strengthening transparency and connecting more people with the resources they need. This article explores how digital transformation is supporting poverty reduction in Indonesia.

Digital Technology Is Improving Public Services

Indonesia is using digital technology to make government services and social assistance programs more efficient. By making government services easier to access and improving the delivery of social assistance, e-government systems ensure that support reaches vulnerable households.

E-government systems use digital technologies to provide public services and information to citizens, businesses and government agencies more efficiently. These systems offer an easier way for people to access services like tax filing, health care, financial aid and other government programs.

A key part of Indonesia’s e-government system is its digital identification program. In 2011, Indonesia introduced its digital identification system, centered around the electronic identity card (e-KTP). The system links with official records, including family cards, birth certificates and other identity documents. Now, it has been distributed to 170 million residents and is foundational to government and private-sector transactions.

By allowing citizens to verify their identities digitally, the e-KTP improves access to government services and social assistance while reducing administrative errors and fraud.

The World Bank is working on the “ID for Inclusive Service Delivery and Digital Transformation Project” to improve and increase the use of digital identification systems in Indonesia. The project aims to expand these systems in 12 more provinces.

By expanding digital identification systems, Indonesia improves access to essential public services and social assistance, helping more people, especially those in underserved communities, receive the support they need and contributing to long-term poverty reduction in Indonesia.

How Digital Innovation Is Expanding Economic Opportunities

In addition to improving public services, digital innovation is expanding economic opportunities across Indonesia by increasing access to financial services and digital commerce. Digital payment systems and other financial technologies help more people participate in the formal economy, particularly those in underserved communities.

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to the foundational digital systems that allow governments and businesses to deliver services at a large scale, including digital identification, digital payment systems and secure data exchange.

One of the main ways Indonesia is expanding economic opportunities is through digital financial services (DFS), an important component of DPI. These include a variety of financial tools and services, such as digital wallets, electronic payment platforms, savings accounts, loans, insurance and investment products.

These investments have already contributed to greater financial inclusion. Today, 88.7% of the population has access to formal financial services, with the government aiming to increase that figure to 93% by 2029.

These digital payment methods are more inclusive and accessible, particularly for people with limited access to traditional financial services. By reducing geographical barriers and enabling remote transactions, digital financial services make it easier for individuals to save money, receive payments, access financial products and participate more fully in the formal economy.

These benefits are especially significant for rural producers, who often face greater barriers to accessing markets and financial resources. Hengky Kohan, a consultant specializing in data and artificial intelligence, told The Borgen Project in an interview that digital innovation can improve economic opportunities for rural producers by making them more visible within digital supply chains. He said, “A farmer who exists in a traceable digital supply chain can be paid more fairly, qualify for certification premiums and access financing based on verifiable production records.”

How Digital Governance Strengthens Poverty Reduction

Beyond improving public services and expanding financial inclusion, digital innovation is also strengthening governance in ways that can support poverty reduction. By improving how information is collected, shared and analyzed, digital technologies help governments make more informed decisions and deliver resources more efficiently. Kohan explained that the Indonesian government has begun treating “data as national infrastructure” rather than simply as isolated information. He added that integrating data systems can strengthen policymaking, improve public services and support economic development.

He also noted how stronger digital governance improves transparency and efficiency. For example, digital reporting systems for exports help reduce revenue leakage and provide governments with more accurate information about economic activity. He told The Borgen Project, “The poverty connection is fiscal: every dollar of leakage that better data recovers is a dollar available for health, education and social assistance.” By reducing revenue losses and improving data accuracy, policymakers can make more informed decisions and allocate public resources more effectively. By strengthening digital governance and improving access to reliable information, Indonesia is building a more efficient public sector that can better support economic development.

Conclusion

While challenges such as digital literacy and unequal access to technology remain, Indonesia’s investments in digital innovation demonstrate how technology can support long-term poverty reduction in Indonesia. By improving access to public services, expanding financial inclusion and strengthening government transparency, digital transformation is helping create greater economic opportunities and build a more inclusive future for communities across Indonesia.

– Michelle Kurniali

Michelle is based in Dallas, TX, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How a Drought Lead to International Aid to Zambia 

International Aid to ZambiaOn December 18th, 2024, the World Bank approved assisting the Republic of Zambia. Called the Climate and Economic Resilience Development Policy Financing (DPF), this grant provided financial assistance combating the severe and deadly droughts Zambia was facing. Here is more information about international aid to Zambia.

Poverty in Zambia

Zambia is a landlocked country in Africa. The poverty rate within the country is estimated to be around 64.3%. The rural areas largely make up the high poverty rate. It is estimated that 78.8% of people living in rural areas are in poverty, compared to 31.9% of people living in urban areas. The ramifications for people living under the poverty line has led to a severe restriction of accessing food and clean water, it limits the ability of getting an education and has created one of the largest orphan populations in Africa. A contributing factor for the high poverty rate is the weather and how it causes extreme droughts to the country in recent years.

Causes and Severity of the Droughts

In 2024, Zambia had one of the deadliest droughts in its history. The severity of this drought negatively affected 84 out of 116 districts, leading the President of Zambia to declare a national emergency. Zambia’s long history of droughts occurring is due to the weather climate of El Nino. 

The results from the 2024 drought led to rising groceries prices, leading to roughly 2 million Zambians lacking adequate access to food and water. This severe drought also led to power shortages repeatedly occurring and water sources having a high risk of containing harmful diseases like malaria. The repercussions do not end there. The lack of water has led Zambia to be one of the most malnourished countries in the Sub-Sahara, a higher risk for violence towards women and young girls and a higher chance of a girl being married at a young age. All of these challenges indicate a necessity for international aid to Zambia.

The World Bank’s Solution

After the severe drought in 2024, the World Bank agreed to provide international aid to Zambia. The World Bank agreed to financially support the African country by approving a $100 million grant. This money was split into two categories. The $25 million went towards Developing Policy Financing (DPF). The DPF could assist with a country’s budget and debt and could create policy reforms. The DPF also comes with conditions on how to utilize the funds. Regarding this finance support for Zambia, the World Bank outlined the $25 million must be used to:

  • Enhance fiscal management
  • Promote investments from the private sector
  • Toughen disaster risk management

Meanwhile, the $75 million came in the form of a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) to address natural disasters.

The Results

In 2025, Zambia showed several signs of improvement. The country’s GDP per capita rose from 1% to 2.4%. Inflation decreased from 14.8% to 14%. The public debt also decreased from 101% to 87.6%. Zambia’s banking system became stronger during 2025 and the government focused on providing funding to different sectors to combat inequality. These sectors include education, health and agriculture. Lastly, in 2025, Zambia saw an increase in rainfall, resulting in a better harvest in the agriculture sector.

Yet, Zambia still faces several issues, climate conditions still pose a threat to the country and the energy, water and transportation sectors have huge deficits. In March 2026, the World Bank agreed to continue financially assisting Zambia. This year, the World Bank granted Zambia an additional $25 million to fight areas that have a higher chance of poverty and climate readiness.

Looking Ahead

Through the assistance of the World Bank, Zambia has improved since the 2024 severe drought. Zambia’s economy is gradually recovering, the climate provided more rain for the country and the country looked into eliminating inequality. Although poverty and climate concerns still linger, the relationship between Zambia and the World Bank shows a dedication to ending these issues and bettering the country and improving the citizens’ living conditions.

– Dorothea A Pudwill

Dorothea is based in West Springfield, MA, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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7 Facts About Mental Health in Guinea-Bissau

Mental Health in Guinea-BissauMental health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, yet many countries continue to face barriers to providing accessible mental health care. In Guinea-Bissau, limited specialist services and wider pressures on the country’s health system create challenges for mental health care. At the same time, international organizations and development programs are supporting health professionals and social services, creating opportunities to improve mental health in the country. 

7 Facts About Mental Health in Guinea-Bissau

  • No Stand-Alone Mental Health Policy or Law: Developing an effective mental health system often begins with clear national policies and legislation. The WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020 reports that Guinea-Bissau had no stand-alone mental health policy or plan and no stand-alone mental health law. The country also had no separate or integrated policy or plan specifically covering child or adolescent mental health. These gaps show the importance of continued policy development as the country works to strengthen its mental health system.
  • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Training is Taking Place: Recent international programs have focused on strengthening the skills of professionals who support people experiencing mental health challenges. UNICEF reported that it worked with WHO and Interpeace in Guinea-Bissau to strengthen the knowledge and skills of health professionals and social service workers in mental health and psychosocial support. This included training social workers within the health sector, helping professionals provide better support to vulnerable children and families.
  • The Country Has a Limited Mental Health Workforce: Access to mental healthcare is an important part of improving mental health in Guinea-Bissau and depends not only on services but also on the professionals available to provide them. The WHO recorded 27 mental health professionals in Guinea-Bissau, including 16 mental health nurses, three psychologists, three social workers and five other specialized mental health workers. The Atlas also reports that there were no psychiatrists at the time of the assessment, highlighting the country’s limited specialist workforce. Efforts to strengthen the wider workforce continue. In 2025, the World Bank approved a $20 million Guinea-Bissau Human Capital Project to improve health, education and social protection services. The project includes capacity building for health professionals, teachers and social workers. Earlier efforts also focused directly on mental health, such as a public mental health program that trains general health workers to identify and manage mental health conditions.
  • Changing Weather Could Place Further Pressure on Mental Health: Mental health in Guinea-Bissau is also connected to wider social and environmental challenges. In a 2024 article, psychiatrist Dr. Carol Lim discussed the potential mental health effects of changing weather patterns in the country. She highlighted how poverty, illness, climate-related anxiety and possible migration could increase mental health challenges while placing additional pressure on Guinea-Bissau’s limited medical infrastructure. This shows how improving mental health services may become increasingly important as communities face the effects of environmental change.
  • Efforts are Underway to Integrate Mental Health into General Health Care: Primary health care can play an important role in expanding access to mental health support. Although the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020 found that Guinea-Bissau had not achieved functional integration of mental health into primary healthcare under its assessment criteria, earlier initiatives attempted to address this challenge. A public mental health program described in “Psychological Medicine” trained general health workers to identify and manage mental health conditions, helping make mental health support available through professionals already working within the wider health system.
  • Most Mental Healthcare is Paid for Out of Pocket: The way health care is financed can influence people’s ability to obtain treatment. According to the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2020, people in Guinea-Bissau mostly or entirely paid out of pocket for mental health services and psychotropic medicines. The Atlas also reported that national health insurance or reimbursement schemes did not cover treatment for conditions including psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression. These financial barriers can make accessing mental healthcare particularly difficult for people with limited incomes.
  • International Cooperation is Supporting Mental Health Development: International cooperation is creating new opportunities to strengthen mental health in Guinea-Bissau. UNICEF has worked with WHO and Interpeace to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support skills among health professionals and social service workers. Guinea-Bissau is also included among the participating countries in the WHO African Region’s 2026 Mental Health Intercountry Learning Workshop for West and Central Africa. The workshop will allow participating countries to share experiences and develop roadmaps for strengthening their mental health systems.

Looking Ahead

Improving mental health in Guinea-Bissau will require continued investment in services, trained professionals and stronger health systems. Recent initiatives show that work is already taking place. UNICEF, WHO and Interpeace have supported mental health and psychosocial training, while the World Bank’s Human Capital Project is investing in the country’s health and social service workforce.

Guinea-Bissau’s participation in the WHO African Region’s 2026 Mental Health Intercountry Learning Workshop provides another opportunity for the country to learn from regional experiences and contribute to plans for strengthening mental health systems ahead of the region’s 2030 targets. Together, these initiatives could help expand the country’s capacity to respond to mental health needs over the coming years.

– Aniya Akram

Aniya is based in Bradford, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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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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Infrastructure Investment in Southern Africa

infrastructure investment in Southern AfricaThe World Bank and its partners are currently financing loans to support socioeconomic regional infrastructure investment in Southern Africa. These efforts aim to enhance transboundary interconnectedness, economic prospects, sustainability, electricity and energy access and sanitation services. One flagship regional effort, the Regional Infrastructure Finance Facility, has already connected 3.02 million people to new or improved electricity service across Eastern and Southern Africa. More than half of those connected are women. Households report increased study time for children and reduced time spent fetching fuel or cooking with kerosene and wood.

Extreme poverty affects 45.1% of Southern Africans, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 60% of Namibians, South Africans and Zambians have reported significant losses in work and income. This has pushed 51 million more people into extreme poverty. Southern African countries face challenges with power supplies, logistics and job opportunities. These challenges make theg World Bank-supported loans vital for the region’s citizens living in extreme poverty.

Infrastructure Investment in Southern Africa

  • South Africa: The World Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development have issued their fourth development policy loan to South Africa, valued at $1.5 billion. South Africa’s economy was growing at just 1% annually, with electricity tariffs leading to frequent power shortages and transportation issues harming productivity. The World Bank’s loan aims to create 600,000 new and higher-paid jobs by 2032. It will also help alleviate domestic burdens related to structural damage, water fetching time, family health risks and electricity connection issues for 300,000 households. Investment in renewable energy has increased sixfold, with rail, port and freight financing doubling since 2023.
  • The Kalahari and Namib Deserts: The African Development Bank and its partners are administering the southern Great Green Wall Accelerator, allocating $4 million across Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Angola. The program focuses on improving water access, renewable energy, resilient ecosystems, climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic development.
  • Zambia: By 2024, fewer than 10 million people in Zambia had access to electricity, with supplies often unreliable due to drought-prone conditions. The International Development Association grant of $200 million from the World Bank will provide more sustainable energy services to one million Zambians. An additional $43 million supports transboundary electricity transmission projects between Zambia and Malawi, enhancing socioeconomic prospects for households and businesses.
  • Malawi: The 2019 Malawi Electricity Access Project increased electrification rates from 11% overall and 4% in rural areas. The rate now stands at 25.9%, thanks to a $100 million World Bank grant. Currently, nearly two million Malawians have electricity access, fueling community economies and infrastructure systems. Close to 30% of these newly connected households are female-headed. The project set a benchmark for future infrastructure investments, as demonstrated by the $43 million IDA grant funding the Zambia-Malawi Interconnector Project.

Conclusion

Before World Bank financing, the Southern African infrastructure sector hindered millions of residents’ well-being, health, businesses, and economic prosperity. While challenges persist, loans from the World Bank and its partners provide hope for residents. These investments also strengthen socioeconomic diplomatic relations, endorsing efforts that enhance Southern African livelihoods.

– Oliver Jones

Oliver is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Business and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Uzbekistan Falls, What’s Next?

Poverty in UzbekistanIn 2021, Uzbekistan, with assistance from the World Bank, set out an ambitious goal: to halve poverty by 2026. The poverty headcount rate based on the national poverty line fell from 17% in 2021 to 5.8% in 2025, accounting for a drop in poverty of two-thirds. After surpassing this target ahead of schedule, Uzbekistan has set a goal to completely eradicate poverty by 2030.

It’s worth noting that Uzbekistan’s national poverty line, used to calculate this figure, is set well below international benchmarks — at roughly $54.50 per person per month, less than half the World Bank’s $126 threshold for lower-middle-income countries. That means the 5.8% figure reflects Uzbekistan’s own, lower domestic standard rather than what a comparable international poverty measure might show, a distinction worth keeping in mind when evaluating the scale of the achievement.

How This Was Achieved

In 2023, Uzbekistan implemented the National Development Strategy 2030, aimed at becoming an upper-middle-income country by the end of the decade. With these aspirations, the upper-middle-income country (UMIC) poverty line is relevant in understanding Uzbekistan’s progress. Uzbekistan reduced the UMIC poverty line rate from 36% in 2015 to 17% in 2022. This rate fell faster than the rest of Europe and Central Asia, which saw only a 5% drop from 13% to 8% in the same period.

Increases in wage income accounted for nearly 60% of the poverty reduction progress. Other factors driving this reduction include an increase in social spending. The government expanded many social programs, such as pensions, which had the biggest overall impact among social benefit programs.

Other reasons include direct support from the World Bank. Between 2018 and 2021, the World Bank delivered around $2.1 billion to Uzbekistan across different Development Policy Operations. This financing backed reforms including the end of forced and child labor in the cotton sector, a shift away from state-run agriculture and the removal of price controls and internal mobility restrictions. The World Bank also partnered with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to help build Uzbekistan’s Single Registry, a social protection database that expanded and simplified benefit access for low-income families and other vulnerable groups.

Inequality Concerns

While the progress made over the last couple of years is noteworthy, there are some inequality concerns. The increase in household incomes and wage growth was much higher in urban areas and for wealthier workers. Government and other official statistics show the highest wage growth took place in the service sector, jobs such as telecommunications and information technology. World Bank statistics showed that while the poorest 10% saw their income grow by 6%, the richest 10% saw incomes grow by more than 30% between 2022 and 2023. During this period, the Gini coefficient grew from 0.31 to 0.35, a measure of income inequality on a scale of 0 to 1, where higher values indicate a wider gap between rich and poor.

Building a Stronger Safety Net

Nevertheless, Uzbekistan’s reforms are still in their early stages. Recent moves show the government and its partners continuing to build out systems meant to reach those left behind. In mid-2024, the World Bank approved an additional $100 million “INSON” project to improve social care for vulnerable groups, establishing more than 50 community-based social service centers and expanding services to roughly 50,000 people. In 2025, Uzbekistan adopted its State Social Insurance Law, extending social protection coverage for maternity and sickness benefits to six million workers, with support from the United Nations (UN) Global Accelerator. That same year, the World Bank approved a further $800 million package, which will help protect low-income households from rising energy costs and expand social services delivered by accredited private and non-governmental providers. These developments show a social protection system that continues to grow, laying the groundwork for Uzbekistan’s poverty reduction targets and a more equal society.

Looking Ahead to 2030

With its 2026 target met three years ahead of schedule, Uzbekistan has set its sights on eradicating poverty by 2030. The government’s National Development Strategy 2030 ties this goal to its broader ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income country, with continued wage growth, expanded social insurance coverage and ongoing World Bank-backed reforms all expected to play a role. Sustained partnerships with the World Bank, International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, alongside newer initiatives like the INSON project and the National Agency for Social Protection, give Uzbekistan a strong institutional base heading into its last target. If the country’s pace over the past five years is any indication, Uzbekistan’s push toward zero poverty by 2030 is well underway, with the infrastructure now in place to reach even the most vulnerable households.

– Gonzalo Rodriguez Da Fonte Martins

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

Photo: Unsplash

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Renewable Energy in West and Central Africa

Renewable Energy in West and Central AfricaWest and Central Africa is a culturally rich region and home to one of the world’s youngest populations. More than 60% of the population is under the age of 25. However, many young people have left rural communities for cities or abroad in search of employment opportunities.

The World Bank’s Renewable Energy Initiative

The World Bank Group aims to address some of these challenges through a new renewable energy initiative. On June 22, 2026, the World Bank approved a $200 million financing package to expand access to renewable energy in West and Central Africa. Benin, the Central African Republic, Liberia and Sierra Leone are included in the first phase of the Regional Program for Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Solutions (Regional DARES). That program totals $853 million.

The Regional DARES project seeks to provide reliable, affordable and clean electricity in underserved rural and remote communities through small-scale renewable energy systems. Increased access to renewable energy has the potential to stimulate economic growth and create jobs across West and Central Africa. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities in the energy sector, including installation, maintenance and agricultural support services. As electricity access expands, new economic opportunities for women and young people are also anticipated.

The program aims to help communities improve their quality of life while supporting long-term economic growth and poverty reduction. By bringing multiple countries together under one program, the World Bank intends to attract private investment and expand electricity access in underserved communities throughout the region.

Impact on Health and Education

The project will provide electricity to households, businesses, schools and health care centers. Frequent power outages can limit economic growth and create serious risks for communities that depend on reliable electricity. Health care centers that lack access to electricity rely on generators. This causes problems for vaccine storage and safe deliveries. Distrust in health care systems may increase as providers operate under unsafe conditions. A project manager in Kano said consistent power is “the backbone of effective primary health care.” The solarization efforts underway in the region, they added, represent a strategic investment in keeping lifesaving services running.

Education is another area that may benefit from expanded renewable energy access. A systematic review found that the electrification of schools can support meal programs, improve learning conditions and encourage regular attendance. This ultimately enhances academic performance. With 32% of African school-aged children living near unelectrified schools, expanded energy access could help improve educational outcomes and support long-term economic development.

Contributing to Mission 300

Over time, the program is expected to contribute to Mission 300. That joint initiative by the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank aims to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. Renewable energy in West and Central Africa is on the rise to lower the electricity gap, supporting communities across the four countries. Through job creation, agricultural development, improved health care services and expanded educational opportunities, Regional DARES has the potential to improve quality of life and support long-term economic growth. As renewable energy in West and Central Africa continues to expand, it may help build a more prosperous future for millions of people across the region.

– 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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Improving Health With Clean Water Projects in Zambia

Clean Water Projects in ZambiaAccess to clean water and sanitation plays a vital role in reducing poverty and creating economic opportunities. Across Zambia, the government and international organizations invest in clean water projects that help communities build healthier, more sustainable futures.

Many Zambian families continue to face challenges accessing safe water and sanitation, particularly those living in rural and low-income communities. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that 27% of households lack basic water access, while 63% lack basic sanitation and 82% do not have basic hygiene facilities. Among the poorest fifth of households, that gap widens further, with 60% lacking access to even a basic water service. Families without reliable water often spend hours collecting it each day, reducing time for work and income-generating activities while increasing the risk of preventable diseases that place additional financial strain on households. These barriers can make it more difficult for families to escape poverty.

The government of Zambia has made improving water and sanitation a national priority through partnerships with organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF. These collaborations focus on expanding water infrastructure, strengthening sanitation services and improving hygiene practices to support healthier communities and long-term economic development.

The Lusaka Sanitation Project

One of the country’s largest initiatives, the World Bank-supported Lusaka Sanitation Project, has delivered measurable improvements. Between 2015 and 2024, the project benefited more than 345,000 people, surpassing its original target of 305,000 beneficiaries. The project also ensured that women accounted for 50% of those served, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development.

The project expanded access to sanitation through significant infrastructure improvements. It constructed more than 2,200 new household sewer connections, rehabilitated and built 117 kilometers of sewer lines and provided more than 81,000 people with improved sanitation facilities. Nearly 264,000 additional residents gained access to improved fecal sludge management services, helping reduce exposure to waterborne diseases while creating cleaner neighborhoods.

These improvements also support economic growth by reducing the financial burden that preventable diseases place on families and businesses. Healthier communities experience fewer illnesses, allowing adults to spend more time working and earning an income instead of caring for sick family members. The World Bank estimates that inadequate sanitation previously cost Zambia approximately 1.3% of its gross domestic product each year, demonstrating how investments in modern sanitation infrastructure can improve both public health and economic productivity.

UNICEF and WaterAid Contributions

UNICEF continues to complement infrastructure investments by supporting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs across Zambia. The organization works with the government and local partners to improve access to safe water in health facilities and schools while promoting hygiene education that helps prevent diseases such as cholera and diarrhea. UNICEF also supports climate-resilient water systems and emergency WASH responses that help vulnerable communities maintain access to safe water during disease outbreaks and extreme weather events. These efforts strengthen the long-term impact of new infrastructure while helping communities stay healthy.

WaterAid has worked in Zambia since 1994 to improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene in underserved communities. The organization partners with local governments and community leaders to develop sustainable water systems, strengthen sanitation services and promote hygiene education. Alongside infrastructure improvements, WaterAid helps communities manage and maintain new water systems so they continue serving families long after construction finishes. By reducing the time people spend collecting water and improving public health, these projects create more opportunities for education, employment and long-term economic development.

Conclusion

Clean water projects are doing more than improving public health across Zambia. Investments from the government of Zambia, the World Bank, UNICEF, WaterAid and local utilities are creating healthier communities while supporting economic opportunity and reducing poverty. As these partnerships continue expanding access to safe water and sanitation, Zambia is building a stronger foundation for sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

– Archie Monton-Black

Archie is based in Bedford, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr