As the Economic climate alters, it has become a social responsibility to create a culture in which society is empowered, to move away from a general-dependency state through the removal of all forms of stereotypical societal classification and to implement a complete human ecosystem that will form a global culture of equality.

In developing countries, the inadequate distribution of resources is evident in the health, utility services, and education sectors. Further, the lack of adequate investment in the poorest communities is driven by inequality and discrimination, which results in isolation and limited rights for an improved existence, wellbeing, and opportunity.

Data published by The World Bank’s Group, have indicated that an estimated 689 million people live below the international poverty line of which, 4 out of 5 live in rural areas. It is evident that these statistics are expected to worsen beyond 2020 as the disruption of the COVID-19 global pandemic compounds the forces of conflict and economic change. Consequently, it has already revealed the negative impact it has on the progress to reduce poverty.

In order to remedy such inequalities, it is important to deliberate whether historical injustices responsible for the deprivation of equality, is the only viable viewpoint, or whether alternative modus operandi, such as recognizing these challenges as a wide-spread global issue, may be plausible.

It is therefore essential that global economists and investors agree to new, sustainable development objectives that will confront the existing inequalities and prevent the further expansion of such inequalities in the future.

To allow for equal opportunity to be available across the spectrum, to eradicate poverty and improve social mobility, a market-based approach for global economic participation is required in decision making to increase public investments in human capital, infrastructure, economic growth through energy.

Sequentially, to reignite the global economy in a sustainable manner, it is imperative that all society have access to “off-traditional-grid-infrastructure”. Although the dramatic cost reductions have been the primary driver of the acceleration of off-grid renewable energy solutions, it is the socio-economic benefits which ultimately create equality and provides the greatest incentive for its deployment.

 “For the millions of people who don’t currently have access to electricity, the old assumption that they will have to wait for grid extensions is being turned on its head by new technological possibilities. 634 million people without electricity are in Africa. Faster progress is needed, and we believe it can be achieved if national energy policies adopt a more comprehensive approach to energy access, embracing the new starting points for energy provided by standalone renewable technology and mini-grids.” 

-              John Gibbs, Africa Deals Power & Utility Lead, PwC