Gender Gap Narrows at Fastest Pace Since Pandemic – But Full Equality Still 123 Years Away

 The world is inching closer to gender equality—but at a pace that means true parity is still more than a century away.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, released today in Geneva, the global gender gap has closed to 68.8%, marking the strongest annual improvement since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at the current rate of progress, it will take 123 years to fully close the gap.

Iceland remains the world’s most gender-equal country for the 16th consecutive year, followed by Finland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. These top-performing economies have all closed more than 80% of their gender gaps.

Yet, the report also lays bare persistent inequalities, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment—the latter still the largest barrier, with only 22.9% of the global gap closed. Women continue to outnumber men in higher education, but just 28.8% make it to senior leadership positions, revealing a deep underutilization of talent that’s hampering innovation, resilience, and growth.

“At a time of economic uncertainty and technological transformation, achieving gender parity is not just a moral imperative—it’s an economic one,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum. “Countries that invest in closing gender gaps are setting themselves up for more sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Regional and Economic Trends

Northern America leads globally with a parity score of 75.8%, showing particularly strong results in economic participation. Europe follows closely at 75.1%, driven by gains in political empowerment. Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the fastest overall progress since 2006, now ranking third globally with 74.5% parity.

In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa ranks sixth with a 68.0% score, but shows promise: women now hold 40.2% of ministerial positions and 37.7% of parliamentary seats across the region. Bangladesh leads in Southern Asia (77.5%) and is the only economy from the region in the global top 50. Meanwhile, the Middle East and North Africa, though lowest-ranked, has more than tripled its political empowerment score since 2006.

Notably, income does not guarantee equality. While high-income countries average 74.3% parity, several low- and middle-income nations—such as Ethiopia, Ecuador, and Bangladesh—have made faster progress than many wealthier economies, proving that focused policy interventions and inclusive growth models can make a difference at any income level.

Progress Still Too Slow

Despite signs of acceleration, parity remains elusive. Political empowerment, although the fastest-improving area, would still take 162 years to close at the current pace. Economic parity would take 135 years, and disparities in leadership continue to widen even as women advance in education.

A key challenge is the failure to translate education into leadership. “Women dominate higher education but remain underrepresented in top management. That’s a structural inefficiency,” said Sue Duke, Global Head of Public Policy at LinkedIn. “With AI transforming the global economy, diverse leadership is more critical than ever.”

LinkedIn data reveals that modern leadership paths are increasingly nonlinear—requiring cross-sector moves, adaptability, and re-entry after career breaks. Yet women are 55% more likely than men to take career breaks, mainly for caregiving, and these breaks can become long-term setbacks in traditional career structures.

A Call to Action

As the global economy adapts to new risks—from technological disruption to trade fragmentation—gender parity must remain central to recovery and reform strategies. The report underscores that when countries prioritize parity, they unlock growth, innovation, and a more resilient future.

“Rapid progress is possible,” the report concludes. “Countries that treat gender parity as a cornerstone of economic strategy—not a side issue—are those positioning themselves for long-term success.”

📘 Read the full Global Gender Gap Report 2025 here: https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-gender-gap-report-2025
📢 Join the conversation using #gendergap25

Kenya and MindHYVE.ai Forge Path Toward Ethical and Inclusive AI Governance

Kenya has taken a significant step in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) governance with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MindHYVE.ai, DV8 Infosystems, and the Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet). 

The agreement was formalized in Nairobi, underscoring a joint commitment to co-develop Kenya’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy and position the country as a global leader in responsible, sovereign AI development.

The tripartite partnership brings together unique strengths. MindHYVE.ai, a California-based AI firm, is globally recognized for its pioneering work in agentic artificial general intelligence (AGI)—a paradigm that merges decentralized intelligence, ethical alignment, and national-scale adaptability. 

Its integration partner, DV8 Infosystems, specializes in designing and deploying AI systems for government transformation, built on swarm intelligence and real-world multi-agent orchestration. 

KICTANet, Kenya’s leading think tank on ICT policy, will anchor the initiative with its extensive multi-stakeholder networks and expertise in promoting open, rights-based digital ecosystems.

At the core of the MoU is the co-creation of Kenya’s National AI Strategy for 2025–2030. This strategy will go beyond technical frameworks, embedding ethical, regulatory, and participatory components rooted in local context. 

Together, the partners will contribute to a comprehensive policy that reflects Kenya’s constitutional, cultural, and socio-economic values.

A Joint Policy Task Team may be constituted to coordinate stakeholder engagement and interface with government authorities.

“This is not just a policy document,” said Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO of MindHYVE.ai, during the signing ceremony. “It’s a national protocol for intelligence itself. Kenya is not merely responding to global AI trends—it is positioning to set them. We are honored to help architect cognitive infrastructure that is sovereign by design and exponential by nature.”

Dr. Grace Githaiga, CEO of KICTANet, echoed the importance of the moment: “KICTANet views this MoU as a pivotal moment in our national journey toward responsible AI. We are pleased to align with technical partners who recognize the societal weight of this policy work and the urgency of getting it right.”

The agreement also affirms Kenya’s ambition to lead in Africa’s digital transformation by setting a precedent for homegrown, ethically grounded AI governance. 

With this strategic collaboration, Kenya aims to demonstrate that artificial intelligence can be developed in a way that is not only technologically advanced but also socially inclusive and aligned with national priorities.

UK and US Stereotypes Still See Africa as a Place of Animals and Safaris, Study Finds

Africa continues to be seen more as a place of animals and hardship than of people, progress, or potential — and now, a groundbreaking study has the data to prove it.

A new report titled Stereotypes About Africa in Britain and the United States: A Social-Psychological Study of Their Impact on Engagement with Africa reveals that outdated and negative stereotypes still dominate how many people in the UK and US perceive Africa. The consequences are real — affecting cultural curiosity, economic choices, and the willingness to engage with the continent at all.

Conducted by Africa No Filter in partnership with Dr. Adam Hahn of the University of Bath and researchers from the US and Germany, the study surveyed 1,126 participants across the UK and US to uncover what people really think about Africa. 

It also explored how those thoughts shape engagement — from buying products to exploring cultures. An additional 863 Americans were surveyed to test whether positive storytelling could shift these perceptions. It did.

What Do People in the UK and US Think About Africa?

The findings are stark. When asked to name three things that come to mind when they think about Africa, 57.9% of participants mentioned wildlife or nature — often with words like “dangerous,” “hot,” or even “uninhabitable.” Hardly anyone referenced African people, cities, or innovations. In comparison, thoughts about Europe were linked to modern infrastructure, architecture, culture, and stability.

Africa, in the minds of many, is not a place where people live, work, and innovate — but a distant, wild land of animals and instability. Its society and economy were described using terms like “corruption,” “poverty,” and “dictatorship.” Europe, meanwhile, was considered prosperous, liberal, and globally influential.

“This report shows that Africa still exists as an abstract concept for many — one that is defined more by animals and hardship than by people, progress, or potential,” said Dr. Adam Hahn, the study’s lead researcher and senior lecturer in social psychology at the University of Bath.

Why Stereotypes Matter

These views are more than just uninformed — they directly influence behaviour. The study found that negative thoughts about Africa made people less likely to buy African products or engage with its cultures. While many participants said they found Africa “beautiful,” that didn’t translate into action. Aesthetic appreciation of nature wasn’t enough to inspire economic or cultural interest.

Crucially, people who associated Africa with societal challenges like poverty and conflict — and failed to think about its cultures or tourism opportunities — were the least likely to engage with the continent in any meaningful way. The data suggests that shifting this narrative is essential to unlocking Africa’s global potential.

Positive Stories Can Change Perceptions

The good news? People’s perceptions can change — and storytelling is the key. The study tested whether positive narratives could reshape views. When participants were exposed to stories that emphasized Africa’s cultures, tourism, and innovations, their interest in African products and engagement increased.

“We now have hard data showing that the stories told about Africa — and the ones left untold — have real-world consequences,” said Moky Makura, Executive Director of Africa No Filter. 

“This research is a wake-up call and a roadmap. It tells us that we must go beyond economic data and media headlines — we must reframe how we talk about Africa to truly unlock its potential and opportunity.”

Rethinking the Narrative

This study adds a critical psychological layer to conversations about Africa’s place in the world. It makes clear that tackling economic inequality or media bias isn't enough — we must also confront and rewrite the deep-rooted perceptions held by the everyday person in the UK or US.

What does this mean in practice? It means showcasing African tech innovators, spotlighting cultural leaders, promoting African-made products, and telling nuanced stories about African societies that go far beyond animals and poverty.

Because until we do, the mental image of Africa will remain outdated — and so too will the world’s engagement with the continent.

The full report is available for download here: https://www.africanofilter.org/stereotypes-about-africa-us-uk-english

Facts about China and Uganda

A key focus of the upcoming summit will be the 'China-Africa Vision Cooperation 2035,' which aims to strengthen trade, boost industrial growth, and promote environmentally sustainable development.

As the FOCAC summit approachesUganda-China Trade and Cooperation

Uganda and China have a long-standing relationship, with trade between the two countries growing significantly over the past decade. In 2013, bilateral trade was valued at around $600 million. 

By 2023, it had more than doubled to $1.3 billion, with Uganda’s exports to China increasing by 19% to $70 million, according to the Chinese Embassy in Kampala.

China has played a key role in Uganda’s energy sector, financing and constructing two critical hydropower plants, Karuma and Isimba, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

Today, China is Uganda’s largest source of foreign direct investment, particularly in light manufacturing and agro-processing.

A Chinese entrepreneur from Guangdong Province who moved to Uganda after his furniture business faced challenges during the pandemic already  has 300 local workers, and the company is now on a normal track. 

O-Farms Accelerates Circular Agribusiness in East Africa

 O-Farms, one of the pioneering East African SME accelerators dedicated entirely to circular agribusiness, is embarking on its next phase with an ambitious goal: to make circular principles mainstream in the region's agriculture and food sector. 

Launched in January 2021 under the leadership of Bopinc, O-Farms has been championing innovative business solutions in Kenya and Uganda that reintegrate food losses and by-products back into the food system. 

This initiative is critical as East Africa grapples with the dual challenges of producing enough safe and nutritious food while minimizing environmental impact.

The initial phase of O-Farms has already showcased the program's transformative potential. Participating enterprises have successfully created value from previously wasted food and organic material, benefiting from enhanced business circularity, investment readiness support, funding, and networking opportunities. 

These enterprises have reported increased sales due to better marketing support, cost savings from improved circular practices, new partnerships, and additional funding facilitated by O-Farms.

Building on this success, the second phase of O-Farms will scale up its accelerator activities, targeting another 100 circular enterprises in Kenya and Uganda. This phase aims to grow SMEs that enhance the viability and impact of existing circular business activities and nurture Start-ups by supporting smaller SMEs and start-ups in launching their circular business ideas. As well as to bolster Support Capacity  to strengthen in-country entrepreneurial support tailored to circular SMEs, with a greater emphasis on advocacy to influence policy change for the sector.

To amplify its efforts, O-Farms has partnered with Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT) for advocacy and Unconventional Capital to manage a revenue-based financing facility for participating SMEs. These collaborations will enhance O-Farms' capacity to support circular agribusinesses on a larger scale.

“The O-Farms program fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the agriculture and food sector in East Africa,” says Priya Motupalli, Programme Manager at the IKEA Foundation. 

“As a supporter of O-Farms since its inauguration in 2021, we’re proud to continue working together to advance circular agribusiness in the region and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

With these initiatives, O-Farms is poised to make significant strides in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, driving economic growth, and addressing environmental challenges in East Africa.

New Electronic Recruitment Hub Brings Relief to West Nile Health Workers

Health workers in the West Nile region are experiencing newfound relief with the commissioning of an electronic recruitment system hub dedicated to the sub-region. 

Located at the Out Patients Department (OPD) of Arua Regional Referral Hospital in Arua city, the facility is well-equipped with six computers, a printer, and a Wi-Fi router, ensuring a seamless application process for health sector opportunities.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, highlighted the hub's broader purpose: to serve not just the staff of Arua Regional Referral Hospital but all health workers across the West Nile sub-region. The Health Service Commission has already trained four staff members to manage and operate the electronic recruitment system, ensuring smooth and efficient functionality.

One of the significant advantages of this new system is the elimination of the need for health workers to travel to Kampala to submit their job applications, which previously incurred considerable costs and time. This regional hub in Arua now allows health workers to apply conveniently from their own city, saving them both time and resources.

Employees' Engagement and Wellbeing Across Various Nations in the Sub-Saharan Region

Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace report reveals a stagnation in global employee engagement and a decline in employee wellbeing in 2023, reversing multiple years of steady gains. 

These findings indicate that a majority of the world's employees continue to struggle both at work and in life, impacting organizational productivity.

The report highlights a diverse and intricate picture of employee engagement and wellbeing across various nations in the Sub-Saharan region. One in five employees in this region are engaged at work, slightly below the global average of 23%. 

However, there are significant variations within the region: South Africa shows 29% engagement, Tanzania 31%, Kenya 18%, and Senegal a notably high 40%.

The Impact of Work on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Work is a critical factor in overall life experiences and mental health, with engagement at work playing a significant role. Nearly half of all employees in Sub-Saharan Africa (48%) report experiencing stress frequently, a two-percentage-point increase from 2022, and higher than the global rate of 41%. 

Stress levels also vary widely: 32% in South Africa, 34% in Kenya, 46% in Senegal, 40% in Zambia, and a much lower 25% in Zimbabwe.

Sadness is another metric where the region exceeds global rates, with 28% of employees reporting frequent sadness compared to 22% globally. Again, the variation is striking: South Africa and Senegal each report 20%, Kenya 23%, Tanzania 24%, Zambia 28%, Gambia 36%, and Togo 37%. Mauritius and Namibia report significantly lower sadness at 15% and 16%, respectively, while Guinea is much higher at 49%.

Loneliness is a critical issue, with 20% of the world's employees feeling lonely frequently. Sub-Saharan Africa has the second-highest regional percentage, with 28% feeling lonely compared to the global 22%.

When it comes to overall life evaluation, only 17% of employees in Sub-Saharan Africa are thriving, compared to the global rate of 34%. South Africa and Senegal are significantly higher than the regional average, with 32% and 27% respectively, while Kenya and Tanzania are at 16% and 14%. Sierra Leone has the lowest rate at just 8%.

Confidence in the job market is waning, with 49% of employees in the region believing it is a good time to find a job, a slight decrease from last year. However, a striking 75% are actively seeking new job opportunities, far exceeding the global rate of 52%. In South Africa, 56% of employees are looking for new opportunities, compared to 81% in Kenya, 88% in Sierra Leone, 68% in Senegal, 63% in Namibia, and 71% in Ghana.

The Changing Workplace

Since 2020, the global workplace has seen significant shifts, particularly with the rise in hybrid work. This has complicated people management but also highlighted the potential benefits of increasing employee engagement.

 The findings suggest that there is vast potential for workplaces in Africa to improve employee engagement and wellbeing. However, the diversity in the data underscores that underlying factors can vary significantly from one country to another, necessitating tailored approaches for different regions.

Gallup's report underscores the need for focused efforts to improve employee engagement and wellbeing, which are crucial for enhancing productivity and overall life satisfaction. The varying metrics across the Sub-Saharan region highlight the complexities and opportunities in addressing these issues effectively.