The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to address various socio-economic and environmental issues by 2030. However, a recent report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation highlights the slow progress made by several African countries in achieving SDG1, which focuses on eradicating poverty.

According to the report, only three African countries have met the SDG1 goal, while others are lagging behind. The top 10 countries with the least progress against poverty in 2024 are Burundi, South Sudan, Malawi, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Somalia, and Niger.

The report emphasizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impeded progress, and a significant funding gap exists to achieve the SDGs. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa estimates that $1.3 trillion is needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030, with a net funding gap ranging from $194 billion to over $470 billion.

This news is significant for the tech and startup community, as it highlights the need for innovative solutions and investments to address poverty and drive economic growth in Africa. The report serves as a call to action for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for the continent.