Inclusion Matters in Africa - Vol. 2 of 2 - Main Report

Jul 19, 2026

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This World Bank report examines social inclusion in Africa and explains why inclusion matters now for reducing poverty and expanding human opportunity. It connects social exclusion to concrete cost channels, outlines an analytic approach, and highlights who is left behind through demographic, economic, technological, climate, conflict, and civic participation dynamics. The report also presents pathways toward greater inclusion via programs, policies, and partnerships, including reflections across chapters and appendixes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages184

Reading Time7 h 44 min

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

Overview

Main Messages

Why Social Inclusion? Why Now?

Social Inclusion: A Primer

What Does Social Inclusion Add to Poverty Reduction?

Africa Is Striding: Who’s Left Behind?

How Does Social Exclusion Play Out in Africa?

Social Inclusion Can Be Achieved If It Is a Conscious Choice for Societies

Change toward Social Inclusion Is within Reach

Chapter 1 Motivation and Conceptual Clarity

Chapter 2 Africa Is Striding: Who’s Left Behind?

Chapter 3 How Does Social Exclusion Play Out in Africa?

Chapter 4 Toward Greater Inclusion in Africa

Chapter 5 Final Reflections

Appendixes

References

Boxes

ub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized Pub lic Disclosure Authorized INCLUSION MATTERS IN AFRICA Maitreyi Bordia Das Sabina Anne Espinoza INCLUSION MATTERS IN AFRICA Maitreyi Bordia Das Sabina Anne Espinoza © 2020 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; [Internet: www.worldbank.org](Internet: www.worldbank.org)[ ](Internet: www.worldbank.org)Some rights reserved This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The fndings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily refect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifcally reserved. Rights and Permissions This work is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO license (CC BY 3.0 IGO) [http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under](http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/igo. Under) the Creative Commons Attribution license, you are free to copy, distribute, transmit, and adapt this work, including for commercial purposes, under the following conditions: Attribution—Please cite the work as follows: Das, Maitreyi Bordia and Sabina Anne Espinoza. 2020.“Inclusion Matters in Africa.” World Bank, Washington, DC. License: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO. Translations—If you create a translation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This translation was not created by The World Bank and should not be considered an offcial World Bank translation. The World Bank shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation. Adaptations—If you create an adaptation of this work, please add the following disclaimer along with the attribution: This is an adaptation of an original work by The World Bank. Views and opinions expressed in the adaptation are the sole responsibility of the author or authors of the adaptation and are not endorsed by The World Bank. Third-party content—The World Bank does not necessarily own each component of the content contained within the work. The World Bank therefore does not warrant that the use of any third-party-owned individual component or part contained in the work will not infringe on the rights of those third parties. The risk of claims resulting from such infringement rests solely with you. If you wish to re-use a component of the work, it is your responsibility to determine whether permission is needed for that re-use and to obtain permission from the copyright owner. Examples of components can include, but are not limited to, tables, fgures, or images. All queries on rights and licenses should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). Cover photograph: Geoffrey Ernest Katantazi Mukasa, Red Face A, 21st century, mixed-media collage on paper. Artist from Uganda. Image courtesy of the World Bank Group Art Program. Cover design: Takayo Muroga Fredericks. CONTENTS Foreword vi Acknowledgments viii Abbreviations x Overview 1 Main Messages 1 Why Social Inclusion? Why Now? 2 Social Inclusion: A Primer 4 What Does Social Inclusion Add to Poverty Reduction? 6 Africa Is Striding: Who’s Left Behind? 8 How Does Social Exclusion Play Out in Africa? 18 Social Inclusion Can

FAQs

Why does social inclusion matter for poverty reduction in Africa?

The report explains that social inclusion adds to poverty reduction by reducing exclusion-linked barriers and channeling opportunities more broadly. It links exclusion to costs that emerge across multiple systems.

Who is left behind, according to the report’s Africa-wide overview?

The report identifies those marginalized through demographic and human capital patterns, economic transitions, technology gaps, climate-related trends, and challenges from conflict and fragility. It also addresses constraints on political and civic participation.

How can greater social inclusion be achieved?

The report argues that inclusion requires a conscious societal choice and presents pathways through programs and policies. It also discusses how change can be driven and supported by evidence-informed approaches and World Bank engagement.

Jul 19, 2026

Upload by Miles