Global Scans · Poverty · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Due to a deteriorating global economic outlook, more than 130 out of 189 countries will experience reduced income growth, with the average global GDP growth rate falling from 4.1 percent to 3.1 percent between 2011 and 2030. Almost all of the countries with large numbers remaining in extreme poverty in 2030 will be in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.

• [New] 2026 identifies cybersecurity as India's biggest risk and geoeconomic confrontation as the most severe global threat, with rising inequality, weak public services, and strategic instability amplifying the impact of external shocks on India's governance and economy. Drishti IAS
• [New] 2026 makes clear that India's vulnerability lies in the convergence of cyber insecurity, inequality, geoeconomic shocks, and security threats, where external disruptions can rapidly spill over into domestic instability without stronger resilience and governance capacity. Drishti IAS
• [New] Income and wealth inequality is the second biggest risk for India, highlighting social and regional disparities. Drishti IAS
• [New] The International Rescue Committee, a humanitarian organization, has warned that the intense El Nino conditions threaten to unleash severe flooding and drought across East Africa and Asia, hitting some of the most vulnerable communities. Live Science
• [New] In much of the global south, we could see human catastrophes as dangerous heat collides with unreliable electricity, overcrowded housing, limited access to air conditioning, weak public health systems and widespread poverty. The Guardian
• [New] Approximately 825,000 children under five will experience severe acute malnutrition during 2026 unless access to food, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance improves. Middle East Monitor
• [New] AI could deepen inequality between nations, with wealthier economies reaping early gains, while poorer countries risk being left behind. Al Jazeera
• [New] More than 1.6 billion people are at poverty risk, owing to out-of-pocket expenditure. Research Nester
• [New] The worsening humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa comes against a backdrop of high political tension, which analysts say will only hamper efforts to help displaced Somalis. The Guardian
• [New] By 2030, climate-related disasters could push more than 100 million people into poverty in the Global South. BRICS Chain
• [New] Recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran have further disrupted regional humanitarian corridors and driven up the cost of programs, threatening imminent shortages of critical medical supplies. Center for Strategic and International Studies
• [New] CRS will provide multi-sectoral support, including food, nutrition, health, water and sanitation, and shelter assistance in countries with significant humanitarian needs such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Nigeria, and Sudan. George W. Bush Presidential Center
• [New] Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan were among the countries most at risk, some of which have already been struggling with ongoing humanitarian emergencies. Al Jazeera
• While Nigeria stands to benefit from higher crude oil prices, rising costs of essential goods are expected to worsen poverty and food insecurity, partly offsetting the gains from improved terms of trade. The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
• Nigeria is supported by improved macroeconomic stability and favourable terms-of-trade effects, though higher prices for essentials are expected to further aggravate poverty and food insecurity. Peoples Gazette Nigeria
• Many South Africans struggling with poverty, limited economic opportunities, and failing public services have increasingly blamed migrants for their hardships. Pan African Visions
• The Commission similarly links increased risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment to the humanitarian conditions in Gaza, attributing them to Israel's alleged destruction of the international aid delivery system. Mirage News
• Over one million remain as refugees in Bangladesh, where poor camp security and shrinking humanitarian funding heighten risks of dangerous onward migration, criminal exploitation and recruitment by Rohingya armed groups. International Crisis Group
• The US-Israel war on Iran and its ripple effect throughout the Middle East have had a devastating impact on Arab countries, with millions expected to slide into poverty. Al Jazeera

Last updated: 24 July 2026