Expanding economic opportunity

A world where everyone has a chance to shape their own future

Everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, productive life—and have access to the tools and resources to shape their own future. But for many people—especially women and girls—access to basic needs like nutritious food, quality education, and jobs is still out of reach. That’s why we’re focusing on areas with the greatest potential to improve lives, like agriculture and education.

$196 T
Universal foundational learning could unlock $196 trillion in GDP over 20 years

Source: What Works Hub for Global Education

Why economic opportunity matters:

  • 700 million people around the world live on less than US $2.15 a day
  • Smallholder farmers help produce a third of the global food supply
  • Smallholder farming provides livelihoods for 2.5 billion people worldwide

Our goal is to help build inclusive, resilient economic systems that expand access to food, quality education, and opportunity—so people thrive and communities grow stronger.

How we work on economic opportunity

Agriculture Agricultural Development
For hundreds of millions of people, especially in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is one of the most powerful paths out of poverty. Supporting smallholder farmers helps families feed themselves and their communities, grow their income, and strengthen local economies.
Digital Public Infrastructure Education
Education unlocks potential and builds resilient futures. We believe education is one of the most powerful drivers of economic opportunity—but while every child has potential, not every child has the chance to achieve it. Improving education helps children build reading and math skills, opening pathways to higher education, better jobs, and the chance to pursue their dreams.
Technology Digital Public Infrastructure
Digital public infrastructure makes it possible to build the tools and services people need to improve their lives. When systems like digital ID and payments are designed for everyone, they expand access to healthcare, financial services, and jobs—driving economic opportunity and growth.

Stories and insights from the field