Sub-Saharan Africa

Blue bus

Senegal launches all-electric bus network powered by renewable energy

By / / Good News For Humankind

Senegal has successfully launched a transformative Bus Rapid Transit system in Dakar, featuring a fleet of 121 fully electric buses. As the first network in Sub-Saharan Africa to operate entirely on renewable energy, the initiative utilizes local solar power to transport up to 300,000 passengers daily. By utilizing dedicated lanes, the clean energy fleet cuts cross-city commute times in half while preventing nearly 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This monumental project dramatically improves urban air quality and establishes Senegal as a pioneering leader in sustainable, green public infrastructure.

African baby and mother

Sierra Leone opens its first-ever NICU in historic milestone for maternal health

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a historic milestone for global health, Sierra Leone has opened its first-ever neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the new Maternal Center of Excellence in Kono District. This state-of-the-art facility, built by Partners In Health and the local government, was largely funded by the “Nerdfighteria” community led by Hank and John Green, who raised over $50 million. The center aims to drastically reduce maternal and infant mortality by providing advanced care, including piped oxygen and surgical suites, while serving as a teaching hospital for the next generation of local clinicians.

African children

Guinea worm disease on the brink of being eradicated worldwide

By / / Good News For Humankind

The global campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease has achieved a record low, with only 10 human cases reported worldwide in 2025. This historic milestone brings humanity to the brink of wiping out its second-ever human disease. The success is driven by the Carter Center’s grassroots strategy, which relies on water filtration and community education rather than vaccines. Despite challenges with animal infections, key endemic regions like Chad have seen significant reductions, proving that persistent, low-tech interventions can defeat even the most debilitating ancient parasites.

Mauritius pioneers heat-resistant coral with 98% survival rates

By / / Good News For Humankind

Scientists in Mauritius have achieved a major conservation breakthrough, recording a 98% survival rate for transplanted heat-resistant corals. The project, led by the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, identifies resilient strains to rebuild reefs capable of withstanding rising ocean temperatures. With plans to transplant 100,000 fragments by 2030, this initiative secures vital coastal protection and food security for the island nation. The success offers a scalable, science-based model for climate adaptation that can be replicated by vulnerable island communities worldwide.

Bird in Ghanaian forest

Ghana repeals legislation that opened forest reserves to mining

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a historic win for conservation, the Parliament of Ghana has repealed L.I. 2462, effectively banning mining activities in the country’s protected forest reserves. This decision follows months of intense advocacy from a coalition of labor unions, religious groups, and environmental organizations. The repeal safeguards critical watersheds that provide drinking water to millions and protects vital habitats for endangered species. This legislative reversal marks a decisive shift toward sustainable development and restores the legal sanctity of Ghana’s natural heritage.

Mogadishu, Somalia

Somalis vote in the first one-person, one-vote local election since 1969

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a historic stride toward democracy, citizens in Mogadishu have cast direct ballots in local elections for the first time in over five decades. This one-person-one-vote process marks a major departure from the traditional clan-based system, restoring the fundamental right of individuals to choose their representatives. The peaceful turnout, particularly among women and youth, demonstrates a powerful resilience and a demand for accountable governance. This milestone in the capital is seen as a vital precursor to future national elections, signaling a new era of stability and civic engagement for Somalia.

Leopard in a tree

West Coast region of South Africa sees leopard return after 170 years

By / / Good News For Humankind

In a stunning conservation milestone, a Cape leopard has been spotted on South Africa’s West Coast for the first time in over 170 years. The historic sighting, confirmed by camera trap footage, signals a major recovery of the local ecosystem. The return of this apex predator suggests that natural wildlife corridors are reopening and prey populations are rebounding. This event is a powerful testament to the resilience of nature and the success of long-term habitat protection efforts in the region.

People walking through young forest

Congo Basin nations launch historic community payments for forest care initiative

By / / Good News For Humankind

A groundbreaking initiative has launched across the Congo Basin to pay local communities directly for protecting their forests. Supported by the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), the program uses mobile technology to transfer funds to farmers who engage in sustainable practices like agroforestry and reforestation. With over $100 million in new funding, this effort aims to scale up conservation across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. This model empowers local people as the primary guardians of the world’s second-largest rainforest.

Uruguay flag

Uruguay achieves near 100% renewable energy grid

By / / Good News For Humankind

Uruguay has achieved a major energy milestone, generating over 97% of its electricity from renewable sources. This success is built on a strategic mix of wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass, ensuring a reliable and clean grid without reliance on fossil fuel imports. This pragmatic economic policy has stabilized energy costs and created thousands of jobs. Uruguay’s rapid transition provides a powerful, scalable blueprint for other nations seeking energy independence and environmental sustainability.

Syringe extracting from a vaccine vial

Malaria vaccine price cut set to protect 7 million more children by 2030

By / / Good News For Humankind

A landmark agreement between Gavi and UNICEF has secured a major price reduction for the R21 malaria vaccine, lowering the cost from $3.90 to under $3 per dose. This 25% price cut is expected to save $90 million, allowing for the purchase of 30 million additional doses. This financial breakthrough accelerates the goal of vaccinating 50 million children across Africa by 2030, providing a critical new tool to save lives and reduce the burden of this deadly disease.