Poverty is a pervasive and complex issue that affects millions of households in Africa. Despite multiple initiatives directed at reducing poverty, many Africans still struggle to access basic necessities like water, food, housing, healthcare and education. Statistics by the World Bank reveal that in 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 16 percent of the world’s population, but 67 percent of the people living in extreme poverty. Furthermore, two thirds of the world’s population living in extreme poverty live in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this article, we will delve into the causes and consequences of poverty in Africa in order to gain understanding.
Poverty in Africa stems from a combination of multiple factors including historical, political, social and economic factors.
The most widely recognized key cause of poverty in Africa is colonialism. The colonial era disrupted many traditional African economies and exploited many African indigenous people. Colonialist countries took control of many African natural resources. The effects are still felt today where some of the biggest companies operating in Africa are owned by descendents of colonialists, particularly in the natural resources sectors. Indigenous people of African countries are still being exploited by these companies which prioritize profit over the livelihoods of people. Other countries benefit more from Africa’s own natural resources than the continent itself.
Another key cause of poverty in Africa is the lack of access to education. A huge population of Africans remain uneducated, with the recent Covid pandemic having exacerbated the situation. This leads to a lack of skills and knowledge required in the workplace, therefore rendering people unable to secure good-paying jobs to improve living conditions. Governments end up outsourcing skills, further reducing employment opportunities for indigenous people. The inaccessibility to schooling and libraries reduces critical thinking and imagination skills, therefore lowering entrepreneurial ideas and opportunities.
Economic instability across the world is another factor which contributes to the poverty in Africa. Wars between countries, political elections and natural disasters in other countries affect African national economies. Investments decline and local businesses suffer, amongst other issues caused by economic instability.
The last key contributor to poverty is corruption and poor governance at national level and by business leadership. Funds meant to benefit communities are often misappropriated by those in power, who use them for their own selfish interests. This leads to low quality infrastructure, endangering the lives of the people. Finding employment or securing government contracts has also become increasingly challenging. Nepotism has become a dominant factor, where landing these opportunities is no longer based on merit, skills or education, but rather on personal connections or relationships. The job market has become a “who you know” world.
Other factors which contribute to poverty include cultural ideologies, patriarchy, and illness, among others.
The impacts of poverty on African communities are devastating and far-reaching. To break this continued cycle of poverty, governments, leaders, communities and individuals have to work together to address the root causes of poverty, invest in human development and economic empowerment and create sustainable and inclusive environments.
The narrative told by generations to come has to be one of triumph, progress and prosperity.
Citations
World Bank. 2024. _Poverty, Prosperity and Planet Report 2024: Pathways Out of the Polycrisis._ Washington, DC: World Bank.
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