Editor’s note: This article is based on a co-publication by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the World Bank, edited by Anda David, Murray Leibbrandt, Vimal Ranchhod, and Rawane Yasser.
The growing disparity in wealth, access to resources, and opportunities remains one of the most pressing global challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where inequalities are deeply entrenched and multifaceted. Addressing these disparities is essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities within and across countries. Tackling inequality is a prerequisite for eradicating extreme poverty, fostering social justice, and building resilience against economic, environmental, and social shocks. Sub-Saharan Africa faces a unique set of challenges, but it also presents opportunities for innovative solutions and transformative change.
Understanding inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa
Despite notable economic growth over the past three decades, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to host seven of the world’s ten most unequal countries. Wealth and income disparities in the region are among the most pronounced globally. For example, in 2019, the richest 10% of the African population earned 54% of total income, while the bottom 50% accounted for a mere 9%. This stark imbalance underscores the non-inclusive nature of economic growth in the region, leaving millions of people excluded from its benefits.
The inequality is not limited to income. It encompasses disparities in education, health care, access to technology, and gender equality. In rural areas, limited infrastructure and services exacerbate poverty, leaving communities without access to clean water, electricity, or basic medical care. This multidimensional inequality is further entrenched by historical factors, including the legacy of colonialism, which created uneven distributions of wealth, land, and resources that persist to this day.
Gender inequality is another significant dimension. Women in Sub-Saharan Africa often face systemic barriers to education, employment, and political participation. For example, only 24% of parliamentary seats in the region are held by women, and millions of girls are denied access to secondary education due to early marriages, cultural norms, and economic pressures. Addressing gender disparities is crucial to reducing overall inequality and empowering communities to thrive.
Real-World examples of inequality and response initiatives
Several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa highlight the multidimensional nature of inequality:
· South Africa: The country is often cited as the most unequal globally. Despite being one of Africa’s largest economies, it struggles with an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, limited access to quality education for low-income communities, and pronounced racial disparities that remain from apartheid.
· Kenya: Regional disparities in health care access are stark. While urban centres like Nairobi boast well-equipped hospitals, rural areas often lack basic medical facilities. This gap contributes to higher maternal mortality rates and limited treatment for preventable diseases.
· Nigeria: As Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria illustrates the intersection of wealth inequality and insecurity. Oil wealth is concentrated among the elite, while regions like the Northeast face extreme poverty, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Boko Haram.
Efforts to address these issues are underway, led by both local and international organisations. The African Centre of Excellence for Inequality Research (ACEIR) conducts interdisciplinary research to understand inequality’s root causes and suggest evidence-based policies. Similarly, the EU-AFD Research Facility on Inequalities provides funding and expertise to help governments implement more equitable policies.
Challenges to overcoming inequality
Economic factors
Sub-Saharan Africa’s economies often depend heavily on extractive industries, such as oil, minerals, and agriculture, which create wealth for a small elite while leaving the majority excluded. The lack of industrial diversification and value-added industries limits job creation and opportunities for upward mobility.
Political resistance
Entrenched political elites frequently resist reforms that threaten their interests, hindering progress. Corruption, lack of accountability, and weak institutions exacerbate inequality, making it difficult to implement redistributive policies like progressive taxation or social safety nets.
Climate change
The region is particularly vulnerable to climate change, which disproportionately affects the poorest communities. Droughts, floods, and desertification destroy livelihoods in agriculture-dependent regions, pushing millions into deeper poverty. Integrating climate action into inequality-reduction strategies is vital for achieving sustainability.
Gender disparities
Cultural norms and practices continue to marginalise women, limiting their participation in decision-making processes. Bridging the gender gap requires targeted interventions such as scholarships for girls, microfinance programmes for women entrepreneurs, and legal reforms to ensure gender equality in property rights and employment.
Opportunities for transformative change
Education and skill development
Investing in education is one of the most effective ways to reduce inequality. Expanding access to quality education for children and vocational training for youth can equip individuals with the skills needed to participate in higher-value industries. Initiatives like UNESCO’s Capacity Development for Education programme are working to improve education systems across the region.
Renewable energy
Expanding access to affordable and clean energy, as outlined in SDG 7, is another critical opportunity. Off-grid solar energy solutions have already transformed rural communities by providing electricity for schools, clinics, and businesses. Renewable energy projects also create jobs, reducing poverty and narrowing inequality.
International cooperation
Global partnerships play a vital role in addressing inequality. Organisations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provide funding and technical assistance to support inclusive development. Fair trade practices, debt relief, and capacity-building initiatives can further empower local economies.
Grassroots initiatives
Community-led initiatives are proving effective in addressing inequality at the local level. For instance, cooperatives in East Africa allow small-scale farmers to pool resources, access markets, and increase their incomes. Similarly, women’s savings groups are empowering women financially and socially, contributing to broader community development.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a comprehensive framework for reducing inequality. While SDG 10 focuses explicitly on reducing disparities, several other goals are interconnected with this mission:
· SDG 1 - No Poverty: Eradicating poverty is essential to addressing inequality, as economic deprivation limits access to opportunities and services.
· SDG 5 - Gender Equality: Achieving gender equality is a critical component of reducing overall inequality and empowering communities.
· SDG 13 - Climate Action: Addressing climate change is vital to protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring sustainable development.
· SDG 16 - Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Strengthening institutions and promoting good governance are key to implementing equitable policies and reducing corruption.
The path forward
Achieving equitable development in Sub-Saharan Africa will require bold, coordinated actions at local, national, and international levels. Governments must prioritise inclusive policies that redistribute wealth, enhance access to quality services, and protect the most vulnerable populations. International organisations and donors must align their efforts to support locally-driven solutions and empower communities.
Finally, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency is essential to ensure that resources are used effectively and equitably. With sustained commitment, Sub-Saharan Africa can transform its challenges into opportunities, paving the way for a future of shared prosperity and sustainable development.