Education as an alternative in the fight against poverty in sub-Saharan Africa

Poverty is one of the main challenges to development in sub-Saharan Africa, despite the economic and social policies implemented over recent decades. It manifests itself in deprivation of essential resources and services such as food, health care, employment and education. In this context, education emerges as a strategic lever for transforming living conditions through the development of skills, autonomy and productivity. This study aims to analyse the extent to which education can constitute an effective alternative in combating poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, identifying the mechanisms through which investment in education contributes to improving the socio-economic conditions of individuals and communities. Methodologically, a qualitative approach was adopted, based on documentary analysis of reports by international organisations, scholarly articles and specialised works on education and development. The data were analysed using content analysis, with a view to understanding the relationship between education and poverty reduction. The findings show that education contributes to poverty reduction, above all by increasing employability, income, productivity and the capacity for innovation. Its impact is, however, constrained by inequalities in access, the low quality of education systems and the mismatch between training and the requirements of the labour market. The study concludes that education is a relevant alternative for combating poverty, provided that it is articulated with structural reforms and appropriate investment. Keywords: education; poverty; development; human capital; sub-Saharan Africa English translation of the article "A educação como alternativa para a luta contra a pobreza na África Subsaariana", originally published in Portuguese in the Revista Científica Chinhamapere, 7.ª edição (2026), pp. 90–101. Translated into British English and editorially harmonised by Prof. Doutor Agripah Laissone Kandiero (Editor and Translation Editor). Original authorship and rights preserved.