Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Poverty Reduction is lagging behind economic Growth

Africa is the world’s second fastest growing re¬gion. Poverty has declined faster since 2005 than over 1990–2005—but not fast enough to reach the target by 2015. Most workers are employed in vulnerable jobs with low wages and low produc¬tivity. High inequality in most African economies have has left poverty reduction lagging behind economic growth. Still, the continent’s growth acceleration provides it with a unique opportunity to reduce poverty and create jobs through proactive policy interventions. Cre¬ating more decent jobs faster calls for a structural transformation of African economies—with bold industrial policies that promote value addition and economic diversification.

Food price hikes and the recurring droughts in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa are among key factors accounting for slow progress in nutrition levels

The performance of African countries on reducing hunger varies mark¬edly. Over 1990–2012, 3 countries reduced hunger by 50 per cent or more (Ghana, the Democratic Re¬public of the Congo and Mauritania); 19 reduced hunger 20.0–49.9 per cent and 13 reduced hunger 0.0–19.9 per cent. Five countries (Burundi, Swaziland, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire and Botswana) experienced setbacks.