One Africa’s Edwin Ikhuoria on why focus on children remains paramount to ending poverty in Africa

As the world commemorates the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Edwin Ikhuoria, the Acting Director for One Africa, emphasized the critical role of child empowerment in combating poverty across Africa. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Ikhuoria discussed the progress made towards poverty reduction globally, highlighting the substantial decrease from 1.7 billion people in 2000 to around 500 million currently. While acknowledging this positive trend, he stressed the need for accelerated efforts to achieve the ambitious goals set for 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ikhuoria underscored the importance of focusing on children in poverty alleviation strategies. By placing children at the core of educational and anti-poverty initiatives, a more holistic and effective approach can be adopted. Recognizing children's rights to education and support, Ikhuoria emphasized that any strategy that prioritizes child empowerment is likely to yield better outcomes in addressing extreme poverty. Despite progress in poverty reduction, Africa continues to grapple with challenges in key sectors like health, education, and social infrastructure. Ikhuoria pointed out that the continent's response to poverty remains inadequate, considering the vast number of people living in poverty across various African countries. He called for renewed efforts and increased investments in crucial areas that directly impact impoverished communities. One Africa has been actively advocating for policy changes and increased funding to tackle poverty in Africa. By mobilizing resources from donors and African nations, the organization aims to address pressing issues such as health crises and access to essential services. Ikhuoria highlighted a recent success in supporting the replenishment of the Global Fund to combat diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which have significant mortality rates. The conversation also delved into the importance of political will and data-driven decision-making in poverty eradication efforts. Ikhuoria emphasized the need for transparent resource allocation and efficient use of funds to maximize impact. He raised concerns about budget prioritization in countries like Nigeria, where essential sectors like health and education are not receiving adequate funding. Ikhuoria stressed the significance of understanding the human impact of poverty statistics. By humanizing data and highlighting the challenges faced by millions living below the poverty line, he emphasized the urgency of prioritizing resources and policies to uplift vulnerable populations. In conclusion, Ikhuoria reiterated the critical role of child empowerment and comprehensive strategies in ending poverty in Africa. By aligning political will with data-driven interventions and transparent resource management, the continent can make significant progress towards a more equitable and prosperous future.