The global landscape of the 21st century has been profoundly shaped by a surge in refugee numbers, a reality felt with particular intensity in the East and Horn of Africa. These regions, long familiar with political instability, now face the immense challenge of supporting millions of displaced people. The scale is staggering: as of October 2024, the region hosts 5.5 million refugees and asylum-seekers and an overwhelming 21.4 million internally displaced persons. This is not a temporary emergency; for many, displacement has become a multi-generational reality, with entire families knowing no other home than a refugee camp.
This protracted crisis is further complicated by the growing threat of climate change, which fuels competition for scarce resources and drives further instability. At the same time, global attention and resources are stretched thin, making it increasingly difficult for host nations—often developing countries themselves—to secure the support they need.
For the countries in the region, the challenge is a delicate balancing act. They must navigate the risks of importing violence and instability, address their own citizens’ economic and employment struggles, and uphold their international commitments to provide humane conditions for refugees. Government responses have varied widely. Some have moved toward integrating refugees into the local economy and society, while others maintain policies that restrict refugees to camps, limiting their chances for work or self-sufficiency.
Yet, a crucial shift in perspective is taking hold. There is a growing recognition that refugees are not merely a burden but can be active contributors to local economies. By developing skills and engaging in work, they can build self-reliance, which is increasingly seen as integral to the long-term economic development of the entire region. This belief is being put into action through partnerships like the one between the African Development Bank, the UNHCR, and regional bodies, all focusing on activities that promote the economic empowerment of refugees, returnees, and the communities that host them.
Central to this effort is a focus on women. Acknowledging that the majority of refugees are women and the children they support, we must pay particular attention to the barriers they face. While all refugees encounter obstacles like work permit requirements and high local unemployment, women face a unique set of challenges. These include the heavy burden of caregiving responsibilities, a lack of affordable childcare, and gender-based restrictions that limit their access to education and certain types of jobs. The threat of gender-based violence in communities where traditional social structures have been disrupted creates another layer of danger and difficulty.
Addressing these specific challenges is not just a matter of fairness; it is a matter of unlocking immense potential. Women represent a significant portion of the potential labour force in refugee settings. When we create an investment climate that works for them—when we ensure their safety, provide childcare, and dismantle barriers to education and employment—we create opportunities that benefit everyone. By empowering refugee women economically, we take a vital step toward building more resilient, self-reliant, and prosperous communities for all.