World Bank Warns of Surging Poverty in Conflict Zones

World Bank Warns of Surging Poverty in Conflict Zones
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Conflicts and related deaths have more than tripled since the early 2000s, pushing millions deeper into poverty, the World Bank warned in a new report released Friday. The report highlights that fragile and conflict-affected regions have become the epicenter of global poverty and food insecurity. According to the study, conflict now plays an increasing role in trapping people in extreme poverty.

This year, an estimated 421 million people are living on less than $3 a day in conflict-affected or unstable regions — a figure projected to rise to 435 million by 2030 if trends continue. World Bank Group chief economist Indermit Gill noted that while global attention has focused on Ukraine and the Middle East, half of the countries facing conflict have endured instability for over 15 years.

Currently, 39 economies are classified as conflict-affected, with 21 experiencing active fighting. These include Ukraine, Somalia, South Sudan, Iraq, and the West Bank and Gaza. The report emphasized that preventing conflict is more cost-effective than responding after violence erupts. It added that some nations, such as Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo, hold valuable minerals vital for clean technologies, offering a potential path for future growth despite prolonged instability.