Poverty Reduction
Tackling income inequality, creating sustainable livelihoods, and empowering vulnerable populations to build prosperous futures.
Why This Matters
Poverty in Africa is not just an economic challenge -- it is a barrier to human dignity and potential.
Despite decades of economic growth, over 400 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still live in extreme poverty -- more than any other region. Income inequality is widening, with the benefits of growth disproportionately flowing to urban elites while rural and peri-urban communities fall further behind.
Youth unemployment is particularly acute, with nearly 60% of Africa's unemployed being under 25. Without meaningful economic opportunities, young people face limited pathways out of poverty, fueling migration, instability, and disillusionment.
Breaking the poverty cycle requires more than charity -- it demands systemic interventions that create jobs, build financial inclusion, develop skills, and ensure that economic growth reaches those who need it most.
400M+
people in extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa
60%
of Africa's unemployed are under age 25
High
income inequality across the continent
57%
of adults lack access to formal financial services
Our Approach
We create pathways out of poverty through skills, finance, and enterprise development.
Enterprise & Job Creation
We support micro and small enterprises with training, capital, and market access, creating sustainable livelihoods and local employment opportunities.
Financial Inclusion
Through savings groups, micro-lending, and financial literacy programs, we bring financial services to communities that the formal banking system has left behind.
Skills for the Market
We identify high-demand sectors and equip youth and adults with the vocational and entrepreneurial skills employers actually need.
Programs & Initiatives
From microfinance to job placement, our programs create real economic opportunity.
Microenterprise Development Program
Providing business skills training, seed funding, and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs in underserved communities to launch and grow sustainable small businesses.
Youth Employment & Skills Initiative
Connecting young people with vocational training, apprenticeships, and job placement services in high-demand sectors like construction, technology, and services.
Community Savings & Lending Circles
Establishing village savings and loan associations that give families access to financial services, building financial literacy and economic resilience from the ground up.
Social Safety Net Advocacy
Working with governments and partners to design and strengthen social protection programs that provide a floor of support for the most vulnerable populations.
Our Impact in Numbers
Building economic resilience and opportunity from the ground up.
1,800+
Entrepreneurs Supported
65%
Income Increase for Participants
24
Savings Groups Formed
950
Youth Placed in Employment
“Poverty reduction is not about giving people handouts -- it is about removing barriers and creating an environment where people can build their own prosperity. When you invest in someone's potential, the returns are extraordinary.”
Hoop Africa Livelihoods Team
Microenterprise Development Program
Related Resources
Explore our research and stories on poverty reduction and economic empowerment.