W’Bank prioritises jobs in new poverty reduction plan

The World Bank Group has outlined a new set of nine global development targets aimed at tackling poverty through large-scale job creation, positioning employment as the central driver of its long-term development strategy towards 2030.

In a framework updated on its website, the institution said its approach is focused on “creating jobs to end poverty”, arguing that sustainable employment remains the most effective pathway out of poverty for individuals and communities.

“The best way to put an end to poverty is to give a person a job,” the World Bank stated, adding that its financing and advisory work will continue to support countries in building stronger infrastructure, improving regulatory environments, and attracting private investment.

The nine targets span agriculture, digital access, finance, health, energy, and water systems, with progress tracked through what the bank describes as its Scorecard Indicators, designed to improve transparency and accountability across regions.

A key pillar of the strategy is AGRICONNECT, which aims to help 200 million farmers move up the agricultural value chain by 2030. So far, about 7.4 million farmers have been reached, representing just 3.7 per cent of the target.

The programme is designed to connect farmers to inputs, technology, finance, and markets, with an additional 100 million expected to be supported through partners.

On digital inclusion, the bank aims to enable 300 million more women to access broadband internet by 2030. As of March 2026, around 46 million women had been reached, equal to 15.3 per cent of the target, reflecting efforts to expand access to the digital economy and improve job opportunities.

Another major pillar focuses on financial inclusion. Under its capital support target, the institution plans to provide 80 million more women and women-led businesses with access to finance. Progress currently stands at 4.6 million beneficiaries, or 5.8 per cent of the goal.

In health, the World Bank is targeting delivery of quality, affordable services to 1.5 billion people by 2030. It reports that 575 million people have been reached so far, or 38.3 per cent of the total, as part of efforts to boost productivity and labour participation globally.

Energy access also features prominently. Under “Mission 300”, the bank is working to provide electricity to 250 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa, in partnership with the African Development Bank, which has an additional 50 million target. About 42.6 million people have gained access so far, representing 17 per cent progress.

Social protection programmes form another key area, with a goal of reaching 500 million people, including 250 million women and girls, through employment support and safety nets. The bank says 215.1 million people have been reached, or 43 per cent of the target.

Water-related goals make up three separate targets. The Bank aims to improve food production and farmer livelihoods for 50 million people through better water access, with 6.4 million reached so far. It also seeks to expand access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for 250 million people, with progress at 13.4 million, and to reduce water-related risks for 100 million people, although detailed progress on the latter remains limited in the latest update.

Across all nine areas, the institution said the common objective is to strengthen job creation by improving basic infrastructure, human capital, and market access in developing economies.

The World Bank’s new framework reflects a broader shift among multilateral lenders towards measurable outcomes, particularly employment generation, as governments face rising pressure to demonstrate tangible progress on poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

By tying development targets directly to jobs, the institution said it aims to ensure that investments translate into economic opportunities at scale, especially in emerging and low-income economies.