On 24th February 2026, RefugeeLINK and African Youth Action Network (AYAN) formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of an MOU reinforcing their shared commitment to coordinated, evidence-driven refugee response. The agreement establishes a structured framework for collaboration centred on research, economic empowerment, joint programming, and accountability.
A central outcome of the meeting was the recognition of a major data gap: Refugee-led enterprises and their economic contributions remain largely unquantified. The partnership will prioritize the development of a centralized information and research hub to document refugee business activity, tax compliance, licensing, and overall contribution to local and national economies. By consolidating verified data and producing evidence-based publications, RefugeeLINK aims to position itself as a credible source of research to inform policy, advocacy, and program design.
The collaboration will also strengthen practical economic empowerment initiatives. Building on previous engagement with Stanbic Bank Uganda under the 10X Programme, the partners are proposing quarterly SME showcases and multi-day exhibitions to expand market access for refugee-led businesses. These platforms will create structured linkages between entrepreneurs, buyers, and strategic partners, fostering visibility, trade opportunities, and sustainable business growth.
The discussion further emphasized the need to improve coordination within UN cluster platforms to reduce duplication and enhance shared documentation of impact. Stronger accountability mechanisms were highlighted, particularly ensuring that humanitarian financing results in visible infrastructure and service delivery .
With clear action steps—including phased seed funding, monitoring benchmarks, and an annual events calendar—the partnership signals a shift toward measurable, sustainable outcomes that elevate refugee agency and economic contribution.
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