Poverty Reduction, Africa

Women's Access to Justice in Rural Africa

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Director of UNDP Africa at the 56th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, 6th of March 2012.

UN Secretary-General To Make First State Visit To Zambia

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Secretary-General will visit Zambia, where he will meet with His Excellency President Michael Sata and other senior officials.

Breaking the food crisis cycle in Africa's Sahel

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A food crisis is looming in the West of the Sahel, a semi-arid belt stretching from Africa's Atlantic coast to the Red Sea.

Kenya-based firm to provide 100,000 small farmers with micro-loans

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Juhudi Kilimo, a Kenya-based investment firm, will provide some 100,000 smallholder rural farmers in Kenyamore than half of them womenwith access to micro-loans and basic financial training.

Fighting climate change and inequalities key to progress in Africa

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Steady advances in human development in sub-Saharan Africa could stall and even reverse unless bold steps are taken to reduce environmental risks and inequalities in the region and around the world, says the 2011 Human Development Report, released today by UNDP.

The Epicentre of a Crisis

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Almost two million Somalis have left their homes in search of food and tens of thousands have died from hunger. And the numbers continue to rise.

UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Antonio Banderas spotlights Horn of Africa food crisis

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

UN calls for a further US$1.4 billion to assist Horn of Africa

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The United Nations today appealed for a further $1.4 billion dollars to provide life-saving assistance to more than 12 million people across the Horn of Africa.

Africa should embrace new economic giants and boost social inclusion

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 GMT

African countries should develop closer cross-border ties in dealing with traditional and emerging partners so they can boost sustainable and inclusive growth, according to the African Economic Outlook 2011, launched today.

UN launches global partnership to put indigenous rights into action

Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Four United Nations agencies today launched the first global initiative to put into action the rights enshrined in an international declaration to protect the more than 370 million indigenous peoples who live in some 90 countries around the world.

UN recommits to aid, favourable market access for LDCs

Fri, 13 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

A ten-year international action plan for 48 economically vulnerable nations was announced today by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu of Turkey on the closing day of a UN conference in Istanbul.

Tax shake-up could give poor countries head start on anti-poverty track

Wed, 11 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Reforming how countries manage customs and tax revenues and strengthening anti-corruption and oversight measures could help reduce illicit funds flows, amounting to billions of dollars per year, from least developed countries (LDCs)

Africa: Stronger cross-border ties key to social and economic progress

Tue, 10 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Integrated regional investments in roads and power, coupled with pro-poor policy, could lead to an accumulated 10 percent increase in the continent's standard of living between 2012 and 2020, says a new report released today at the Fourth UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Istanbul, Turkey.

Pro-poor initiative to boost job creation in Africa

Thu, 05 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

A new initiative to boost job creation through pro-poor business development that engages low-income people in Africa as customers, employees, producers or entrepreneurs was launched today.

Multi-use engines drive empowerment in 1,000 Mali villages

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Each night, Koumantou village in southern Mali would to fall into near total darkness. The only light was cast from the restaurant of local businesswoman Kadia Kone.

Barclays to assist 60,000 people in Africa anti-poverty effort

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Around 60,000 people in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda will soon have access to financial services through Barclays' commitment to the Business Call to Action (BCtA) - a global initiative aimed at supporting the private sector's efforts to fight poverty.

International Women's Day

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

International Women's Day on March 8, 2011, is an opportunity to remind the world of women's economic, political and social achievements.

Burundi : Reprendre une vie normale après la guerre

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Un projet de solidarité communautaire au Burundi vise à faciliter la réintégration socio-économique des ex-combattantes.

Benin: Empowering women to protect the coastal lagoon

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Until three years ago, Kindozandji Adovè, a mother of three daughters, had to decide which of her girls she would send to school, as her income from selling oysters was not enough to pay school fees for all of them. Now, thanks to UNDP's Small Grants Programme, she makes enough money to send all her girls to school, and have some left over.

Indian green company creates 25,000 jobs, boosts clean energy in Ghana

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Abellon CleanEnergy Ltd., a sustainable energy company based in India, today pledged to create 25,000 jobs over the next five years, and produce clean, affordable energy that could power 100,000 homes in Ghana.

Representatives of youth employment programme meet in Dakar

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Representatives of UNDP's Regional programme for Social Cohesion and Youth Employment convened in Dakar, Senegal earlier this month.

Ethiopia: Small Loan Project "Lights Up" A Town

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project providing start-up costs for community-level income creation in Ethiopia has helped up to 5,000 people, mostly from poor and vulnerable groups, to gain new skills and find work during the last year.

UNDP, peacekeepers training Liberian youths

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

UNDP and several battalions of peacekeepers attached to the UN Mission in Liberia have teamed up to provide youth in four Counties with skills training.

35,000 join Haile Gebrselassie in Great Ethiopian Run to end poverty

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Thousands took to the streets in Addis Ababa on 21 November to participate in the Great Ethiopian Run, the biggest road race on the African continent.

South-South Expo Concludes with Advances for Homegrown Development

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Third Annual Global South-South Development Expo (GSSD Expo) concluded Friday at International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters in Geneva having spotlighted and showcased over 100 partnerships and solutions to poverty challenges that have been developed by developing countries themselves.

Le Burkina Faso poursuit sa lutte contre la pauvreté

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Le gouvernement du Burkina Faso a décidé de poursuivre l'expérience entamée depuis 2000 avec le Programme national plateformes multifonctionnelles supporté par le PNUD.

UNDP, China to boost their partnership on Africa

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference has led to the signature of two letters of agreement which will further training and technical cooperation in the area of agriculture in Africa.

2010 Human Development Report analyses long-term development trends

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Most developing countries made dramatic yet often underestimated progress in health, education and basic living standards in recent decades, reveals a detailed new analysis of long-term Human Development Index trends in the 2010 Human Development Report.

UNDP report: "People are healthier, wealthier and better educated"

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Looking back at 40 years of human progress in 135 countries, the 2010 Human Development Report shows that average life expectancy rose from 59 to 70 years, primary school enrolment grew from 55 to 70 percent, and per capita income doubled to more than US$10,000.

African countries, emerging economies explore development breakthrough

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Delegates from African countries, China and other emerging economies - including Vietnam - convene to explore some of the most successful development experiences in the South and examine how to improve policies that sustain high growth and reduce poverty.

Reconstruction communautaire au Burundi

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Avec le soutien du PNUD, le gouvernement mène un programme de reconstruction communautaire pour inciter les différents groupes sociaux affectés par le conflit (vulnérables, rapatriés et ex-combattants) à uvrer ensemble sur des projets d'intérêt commun.

From Poverty to Decent Work: Bridging the Gap

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The human development approach asserts that development is about far more than just increasing GDP per capita. Fundamentally, development must also be about improving people's ability to shape their own lives.

Strategic approach to foster growth in the world's poorest countries

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The world's poorest countries can foster greater growth by tapping into significant yet unexploited potential across their territories. But these countries need to have a more strategic approach to local development if they are to effectively address their development challenges.

Four companies commit to fight poverty in Africa and Asia

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

More than 200,000 people in Africa and Asia will have access to improved health care and water, and increased access to jobs, through commitments made by Pfizer, Sproxil, Vodafone and WaterHealth International to the Business Call to Action initiative.

UNDP puts forward new approach to speed up progress on MDGs

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP presented the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Acceleration Framework, an innovative approach designed to help countries identify and resolve barriers to eradicating extreme poverty, and achieving sustainable development.

Malawi on the road to fighting poverty

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A village generally characterized with high poverty levels, malnourished children, and no access to clean water has changed in the last five years since the introduction of a Millennium Villages Project.

UN reports extra push needed to meet global anti-poverty goals

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The United Nations warns today that shortfalls in meeting agreed actions on combating poverty and raising living standards are jeopardizing achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

UNDP salutes anti-poverty heroes in annual photo contest

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Nearly 1,400 contestants submitted more than 3,000 photos in both the professional and amateur categories. Three top prizes were awarded in each of MDGs categories and the public voted online for a People's Choice award.

Empowering women through literacy empowers us all

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Through an award winning literacy programme in Cape Verde women get access to the schooling they missed as children.

New UN website gives access to real-time financial data

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

For the first time in UN history, UNDP provides real-time financial information to the public on donor contributions received, amounts transferred to participating organizations, and certified annual expenditure reports.

Promoting young IT entrepreneurs in Ghana

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

With UNDP's support, a business development center has been lifting start-up companies onto Ghana's national IT market.

Promoting youth employment in Sub-Saharan Africa

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Since 2009 the UNDP Regional Programme for Social Cohesion and Youth Employment, a partnership that is bringing together UNDP, ILO, UNESCO and UNIDO, has been supporting 12 Sub-Saharan countries to design macro-economic policies that promote youth employment and facilitate the development of skills among the younger generations.

Displaced women in Somaliland put their life back on track with 75US$

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP and the Training Research Group, a local NGO in Somaliland, have launched a project to improve the livelihoods of internally displaced women, with the support of the Government of Norway.

Getting kids off the street and into hope seen as important part of Africa's development

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco visited today a sports community center in the municipality of Gugulethu in Cape Town, South Africa. The center, which was launched in 2009, resulted from a partnership between the Principality of Monaco, UNDP, the World Alliance of Cities against Poverty network and the City of Cape Town.

Femmes entrepreneurs du Burkina Faso

Wed, 05 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Grâce au PNUD un nombre croissant de femmes burkinabé profitent des services financiers qui les mènent, elles comme leurs familles, vers une autosuffisance et un meilleur cadre de vie.

Empowering women to boost African development

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

In Sub-Saharan Africa, progress toward achieving gender equality and women's empowerment has been modest, but several countries have been spearheading policies that address women's needs.

Kenya: Rooting women into enterprise

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Fanikisha, a Swahili word meaning "to prosper" sums up the success of a joint project that aims to promote women in business and investment in Kenya.

Promoting African commodity exchanges

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

In April 2008, Ethiopia's first commodity exchange was established in a country where only a third of the agricultural produce reached the market. UNDP is now looking into the possibility of replicating the model in the neighboring countries.

UNDP re-directs US$25 million towards capable and inclusive states

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Following the outcome of a global governance meeting in Dakar, Senegal, UNDP has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening credible national institutions like parliaments, human rights organizations and anti-corruption commissions in developing countries. US$25 million has already been allocated for such initiatives in 2010.

Youth employment and empowerment in Sierra Leone

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Vocational training courses and political reconciliation projects are helping youths in Sierra Leone to acquire skills and become leaders.

Youth in Sierra Leone find hope in entrepreneurship

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

To provide hope and opportunity for the youth of the Kono district, UNDP is implementing programmes that support nascent entrepreneurs, allowing them to start their own businesses and providing them with training.

Climate change: the Zambian story

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

In Zambia, any change in climate can spell disaster. With a majority of Zambians depending on agriculture, even a slight change in temperature can affect crops like maize with catastrophic consequences for livelihoods.

Comoros: now « delivering as one »

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Union of Comoros has become the latest country to "deliver as one" as part of the UN reform process.

UNDP engages Namibian communities in conversation on HIV/AIDS

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

UNDP is supporting a nationwide programme that engages communities in dialogue on the causes of HIV and AIDS, boosting local responses to the epidemic.

UNDP empowers communities to treat TB in Burkina

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Thanks to a community care project to fight tuberculosis, a nationwide net work of community associations has been set up to support patients during the treatment.

Hunger is the lack of rain

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

With funds from the UNDP-Spain MDG Achievement Fund, six UN agencies are helping a Mozambican district to adapt to climate change.

Villages solaires du Bénin

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Dans deux villages reculés du Bénin, l'énergie solaire permet à 300 ménages d'accomplir diverses tâches dont le rechargement des téléphones portables et l'éclairage des foyers.

Au Gabon, environnement et lutte contre le chômage vont de pair

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Grâce à 200 jeunes "précollecteurs", qui disposent désormais d'un emploi, 300 000 habitants des quartiers défavorisés de Libreville bénificient désormais de services de ramassage des ordures.

Africans, with most to gain, face tough barriers to movement

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Migration is a way for Africans to improve their lives, but most seeking to move, face significant barriers, particularly across borders, according to the 2009 Human Development Report launched today.

As G20 prepares to meet, UN calls on donors to meet aid commitments

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Global poverty-fighting commitments are more important than ever in a world facing economic, food and climate crises, the UN said today, in a report on support for the Millennium Development Goals.
View MDG Gap Task Force Report

UNDP details Zimbabwe's economic challenges and prospects for recovery

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP and a team of Zimbabwean economists highlight the country's economic challenges, issuing policy recommendations for recovery.

Mozambique making progress but real challenges lie ahead

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Mozambique has made remarkable progress in the improvement of the lives of its citizens, according to the latest report of the African Peer Review Mechanism.

Displaced people in DRC to benefit from social and economic services

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

About 125,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the South Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will benefit from a joint UN social and economic recovery programme over the next 18 months.

Mozambique: Chibuto Millennium Village reviewed by Japanese journalists

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Chibuto now has agricultural fields with a wide range of vegetable produce, fish ponds, chicken farms, a local health post, an ICT centre in full use and a newly constructed school - all made and run by the villagers.

UNDP Ethiopia provides "camel ambulances" for desert health care

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP in Ethiopia is providing 145 "camel ambulances" to help rural pastoralists in remote desert areas reach nearby health posts for emergency care.

Pampaida Fishing Festival: A tale of 'waste to wealth'

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

About 1,500 fish were harvested from a demonstration fish pond and sold directly to community members, project staff and spectators.

Multi-functional platforms transform Ghana village community

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Women working with 40 multi-functional platforms in a Ghana community have acquired essential skills to help enhance productivity in their village.

International Women's Day Special: Faces of strength and courage

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

March 8 is International Women's Day, an opportunity to remind the world of women's economic, political and social achievements. Find out more about UNDP's work in gender equality and women's empowerment.

Israel and UNDP sign agreement in support of African development

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Israel and UNDP signed a partnership framework agreement to support development and the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in Africa.

Charge a cell phone, save yourself a trip

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Before they had any electricity, the inhabitants of Matiacoali, situated in a remote area east of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, had to travel 100 kilometres to charge their cell phone batteries.

Equator Initiative selects winners for global biodiversity conservation Prize

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Equator Initiative, a UN-led partnership that supports grassroots efforts in biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation, has selected 25 winners of the Equator Prize 2008.

South-South Cooperation in Social Protection

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

African officials participated in a Study Tour organize by UNDP International Poverty Centre in Brazil. This initiative aims at fostering cooperation in the development of successful social protection policies.

Ghana among the first African countries to halve poverty

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Ghana achieves UN's Millennium Development Goal to halve poverty by 2015, but still faces challenges ahead in areas including high infant mortality and maternal mortality.

TICAD IV sets agenda for hope and opportunity

Wed, 28 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

More than 40 African heads of State will gather in Yokohama, Japan for the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) on May 28 to 30, hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

Getting a better deal for Africa

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to secure better and more sustainable agreements when negotiating large-scale investment contracts through a regional initiative led by UNDP and launched here today.

Mozambique on the right path to development, but obstacles still exist

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP Associate Administrator Ad Melkert today outlined three priorities emerging from UNDP's annual meeting of top managers in Africa, and their relevance for tackling the urgent development challenges facing Mozambique, where the meeting took place.

The Gates Foundation grants US $19 million to women's programs in West Africa

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The four-year grant will help establish 600 new sustainable, rural agro-enterprises in the West African countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Senegal. The program, supported by UNDP, will boost the productivity and income of women farmers using low-cost, mechanized power.

US$175 million secured for The Gambia's fight against poverty

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Gambia's main development partners pledged financial support over the next three years to back up the country's poverty reduction strategy.

Zidane visits Niger

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 05:00:00 GMT

UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Zinédine Zidane visited Niger on December 8 for a two-day mission to visit projects in the capital, Niamey.

Shea butter initiative empowers Ghanaian women

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

A UNDP-Japan shea butter initiative promises to encourage women and boost take-home income in Ghana.

UNDP Kenya joins Equity Bank to promote women in business

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Equity Bank will open three new branches in Nairobi to serve women only under a programme with UNDP.

UNDP Administrator calls for measures to create jobs in Africa

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Citing the strong partnership between the ILO and his organization, UNDP Administrator Kemal Dervis called on donor countries to improve aid, provide greater debt relief and follow-up on financing commitments to support international efforts to create new jobs and reduce widespread poverty in Africa.

United Nations-led Equator Initiative selects finalists for Global Biodiversity Conservation Prize

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 04:00:00 GMT

The Equator Initiative announced the finalists for its 2006 Equator Prize, honoring 25 extraordinary efforts to harness the equatorial region's biodiversity to lessen widespread poverty.

UNDP-supported athletes finish their run across the Sahara

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Three exhausted ultrarunners completed their remarkable journey across the Sahara Desert on Wednesday on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, 20 miles from Cairo, finishing a grueling 7300 km (4580 mile) campaign to raise awareness of the world water crisis and broader poverty.

A race to confront the world water crisis: Running the Sahara'

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

To raise awareness of the burgeoning global water crisis and the broader challenges of the developing world, Charlie Engle of the U.S., Canadian Ray Zahab and Taiwan's Kevin Lin are going for a run--across the Sahara Desert.

Le "nouveau riz pour l'Afrique", 12 ans après sa création

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 04:00:00 GMT

12 ans après qu'un grain de riz africain ait été pour la première fois croisé avec un riz asiatique, l'initiative NERICA ou « New Rice for Africa » (« du riz nouveau pour l'Afrique ») continue de porter ses fruits.

Report calls for new approach to reduce poverty in Nigeria

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 04:00:00 GMT

The Niger Delta Human Development Report calls for a participatory and people-centred approach to development as the key to lifting the resource rich region out of poverty.

Réinsérer les groupes défavorisés au Congo

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 04:00:00 GMT

Le PNUD et la Banque africaine de développement (BAD) viennent d'entamer un projet d'appui à la réinsertion socio-économique des groupes défavorisés dont bénéficieront 50 000 Congolais au cours des années a venir.

Enhanced public service delivery in Southern Africa

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP's South Africa Capacity Initiative (SACI) is helping the sub-region to provide fast and efficient public services.

Infrastructure must work for the poor, Sen says

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Nobel Laureate Professor Amartya Sen emphasized the links between infrastructure and poverty at the launch of 'Making Infrastructure Work for the Poor,' a new report by UNDP and the Government of Japan.

Microcredit at work

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 04:00:00 GMT

The microcredit idea is simple. A small loan, with an interest rate that is often higher than the going rate, but lower than the money-lender rate, is used to help people who cannot secure credit to set up a small business that generates profits. When the loan is repaid, the borrower becomes eligible for a larger loan that helps expand the enterprise. The proceeds from the interest increase the pool of funds that are available to provide loans to more people.