Biodiversity in Science in Africa

Sustainable use and management of the earth’s resources is a prerequisite for reduced poverty and sustainable societies – for current and for future generations. In 43 per cent of Sida’s support in 2025, efforts to combat the effects of climate change and improving the environment were a significant part in initiatives in different sectors and thematic areas.1 This included efforts to avoid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to strengthen resilience to climate change, improve environmental sustainability, restore and sustainably manage natural resources and biodiversity, retain carbon sinks, halt desertification and support disaster risk reduction.

Employment, private sector development and trade are powerful and interdependent drivers for inclusive economic development and poverty reduction. Small and medium-sized enterprises generate over half of all jobs globally and play an important role in low-income countries. Employment is the main source of income for people living in poverty. Trade is an engine for growth and can lead to more and better jobs. Businesses also provide markets and people with essential goods and services. Inclusive, equal education and lifelong learning decreases poverty and secures individuals’ income generating possibilities. However, several factors constrain people living in poverty from accessing markets, participating in the labour market and benefiting from trade and growth. Sida contributes to inclusive economic development and education where people living in poverty can participate and benefit on equal terms. In total, Sida’s interventions in this area amounted to SEK 4.2 billion in 2025, constituting nearly 19 per cent of Sida’s total disbursements.