extreme inequality

Despite the recent spate of economic growth, Africa remains afflicted by entrenched poverty and alarmingly high and rising inequality. This paper uses the Reducing Inequality Index (CRI) developed by Oxfam and Development Finance to produce a ranking of African countries on their policies to reduce the gap between rich and poor.

From campaigning to end the financial secrecy that shelters trillions hidden in tax havens, to encouraging investment in universal education and healthcare – Oxfam is working to make sure that the poor get a share of the power and resources that will help to reduce poverty and inequality.

Did you know that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, billionaires have made unimaginable, record-breaking fortunes? Every year, the gap between rich and poor gets even wider – standing in the way of ending global poverty. It is time to bring an end to inequality and overcome poverty for good.

Today, inequality has reached extreme levels in the West Africa region. While a small but growing group of people becomes fantastically rich, a majority of citizens are denied the most essential elements of a dignified life like access to quality education, healthcare and decent jobs.Yet, West Africa’s governments are the least committed to reducing inequality than all other regions in Africa.

Oxfam’s Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index shows that governments in West Africa are the least committed to reducing inequality of any on the continent. If they do not radically increase their commitment to reducing inequality, the crisis is likely to worsen.

Despite its development potential, the Sahel faces an unprecedented crisis. Today, there is a multifaceted predicament on top of the pre-existing development challenges that the region has been tackling. The governments of the Sahelian countries and the international community must respond to these urgent problems, making the fight against inequality a top priority.

This paper outlines Oxfam’s position on the 19th Replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA19), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries. It calls on donors for a strong replenishment, and with that financial commitment, to agree on a strong programmatic and policy agenda for IDA19 across the agreed upon special and cross-cutting themes.

While India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it is also one of the most unequal countries. The richest have cornered a huge part of the wealth created while the poor are still struggling to earn a minimum wage and access quality education and healthcare services. Join our campaign and fight inequality today.

The deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals is looming, and the poorest countries face significant funding gaps as well as growing economic inequality that stands in the way of poverty reduction.

A decent education or quality healthcare is a luxury only the rich can afford in too many countries. Across the globe 262 million children are out of school. 10,000 people die every day because they can’t access healthcare. Teachers and public health care workers like Nellie and Dorra dedicate their life to great public services that benefit the poorest. And fight inequality every day.