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A South African woman smiles in front of a sign that reads Hlengokuhle Cakes. She opened her own bakery through the Generating Better Livelihoods programme

South Africa

BRAC began its journey in South Africa in 2022. With a population of 62 million people, South Africa is known for its cultural diversity, natural beauty, and difficult history. While it has the largest economy in Africa, wealth is not experienced equally. BRAC has been working with FinMark Trust in South Africa on the Generating Better Livelihoods project.

In South Africa, the extreme poverty rate is about 31%—meaning that 19 million people live on less than $3 per day. Unemployment is high, and it can be hard to access education, healthcare, and basic services. This is especially true for women and people living in rural areas. BRAC partners with FinMark Trust to help families overcome these barriers and build more secure, hopeful futures.

Our Impact

95%

of Graduation participants graduate from extreme poverty after this program

9x

increase in savings among Graduation participants after this program, plus a 37% increase in earnings

93%

of Graduation participants sustain the benefits 10+ years after graduation

Our Work

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is home to a diverse mix of cultures, languages, and landscapes—from bustling cities to rural villages. Its economy is the largest in Africa, with industries in mining, manufacturing, and agriculture.

But poverty and inequality remain a significant challenge in South Africa. Millions of people, especially in rural areas, struggle to access jobs, education, and healthcare. But with the right support, families in South Africa can create better futures for themselves and their communities.

We need to work together more effectively to leverage what already exists to achieve greater and more sustainable impact so millions more people can create lasting trajectories out of poverty.”

Aude de Montesquiou, Senior Advisor for BRAC Institute of Governance and Development

This is the story of Lizel Sol, from Oppermansdorp in the Free State, South Africa.

Lizel is a mother of three children living in Oppermansdorp. Find out how she and her husband turned a purchase of five goats into more than a hundred and a growing business.

This is the story of Gina, from Oppermansdrop in the Free State, South Africa

Power people to rise above poverty

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