Economic inclusion programs have become one of the most effective and scalable approaches for reducing extreme poverty and expanding opportunity. By combining income support, skills training, coaching, and access to finance and markets, economic inclusion programs help people build sustainable livelihoods that deliver lasting gains in income, resilience, and agency, even in the most challenging contexts. Today, these programs reach more than 70 million people across nearly 90 countries, with strong and growing evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness. As poverty reduction has stalled and climate, demographic, and economic pressures intensify, governments are increasingly turning to economic inclusion to reach those left furthest behind, especially women and young people.

This report reflects on five years of progress by the Partnership for Economic Inclusion (PEI) and a dedicated community of practice worldwide that has successfully supported governments in adopting and scaling up economic inclusion programs that are uplifting millions of vulnerable households. By bridging NGO innovation, rigorous evidence, and government delivery, PEI has supported more than 100 countries through financing, technical assistance, peer learning, and global knowledge platforms that are helping turn global evidence and good practices into sustained action at scale. The results are clear: economic inclusion programs work, governments can deliver them cost-effectively, and systems-level investments can reach millions. Looking ahead, PEI is focused on accelerating progress toward reaching 100 million people through economic inclusion programs as part of the World Bank’s commitment to extend social protection and employment support to 500 million people by 2030. At a time of constrained resources and rising need, economic inclusion programs stand out as catalytic investments that not only strengthen government systems but promote shared prosperity, restore dignity, and deliver lasting impact at scale.