Rory Stewart: To end extreme poverty, give cash — not advice

To end extreme poverty, give cash — not advice

Are traditional philanthropy efforts actually taking money from the poor? Former UK Member of Parliament Rory Stewart breaks down why many global development projects waste money on programs that don't work. He advocates for a radical reversal rooted in evidence: giving unconditional cash transfers directly to those in need, a method that could unlock the secret of addressing extreme poverty worldwide.

Professor, former Member of Parliament, UK

Traditional aid projects often waste resources on bureaucracy and fail to meet basic needs, leaving nearly half a billion people in Africa unable to afford essentials. In contrast, direct cash transfers have transformed entire communities, boosting education, health, and incomes without complex interventions. Evidence shows that people use this money wisely, resulting in a multiplier effect that benefits surrounding villages. Technology now makes it possible to reach those in need efficiently and at scale.