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RefugeeLINK representative Kevin Kusiima and Clinton Murungi, representing Storeguy, a partner of RefugeeLINK, attended the Digital Africa – Refugee & Startup Investment Challenge Networking Event held at the Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz on 10 March 2026. The event, hosted by Digital Africa in partnership with Proparco, UNHCR, and Hive Colab, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners to strengthen support for innovative and refugee-led startups across Africa. The gathering created an opportunity for key actors in the startup and innovation ecosystem to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore ways of expanding access to financing and support for emerging ventures. It also highlighted the growing recognition of refugee entrepreneurs as important contributors to local and regional economies. Key remarks were delivered by H.E. Virginie Leroy, Ambassador of France to Uganda, Jean Guyonnet-Dupérat, Regional Director for East Africa at Proparco, and representatives from UNHCR Uganda and Hive Colab. Their contributions emphasized the importance of collaboration between development institutions, investors, and innovation hubs in supporting startups that address real social and economic challenges. Discussions during the event also highlighted the growth of Digital Africa’s investment portfolio, which has supported around 70 startups across the continent. Through early-stage financing and ecosystem support, the initiative is helping entrepreneurs develop innovative solutions, scale their businesses, and access additional capital. A strong focus was placed on refugee entrepreneurship, recognizing refugees not only as beneficiaries of support programs but also as innovators and drivers of economic growth. The partnership between Digital Africa, UNHCR, and Proparco aims to provide mentorship, technical assistance, and access to sustainable financing for refugee-led ventures, helping create pathways for displaced entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses. RefugeeLINK looks forward to continued collaboration with partners across the innovation ecosystem to unlock opportunities for refugee entrepreneurs and support inclusive startup growth across Africa.

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.  

Over 70 refugee entrepreneurs gathered in Kampala on February 17, 2026, for a transformative moment in Uganda’s economic inclusion landscape. RefugeeLINK, in partnership with Stanbic Business Incubator, hosted an outreach event for the 10X Foundational Program at our Balintuma Road offices, bringing together owners and staff of refugee-led micro, small, and medium enterprises for an immersive half-day session. This was not merely an introduction to training resources but the launch of structured digital and business skills development, complete with live platform onboarding. The event addressed four critical objectives: expanding access to practical digital entrepreneurship training, strengthening refugee-led enterprises through structured incubation, promoting financial readiness and long-term sustainability, and demonstrating a scalable private-sector partnership model for refugee economic inclusion. Leon Kalonda of RefugeeLINK moderated the proceedings, with Corinne Chance providing interpretation to ensure meaningful participation across linguistic and cultural backgrounds. DAPHINE KWARISIIMA from Stanbic delivered a compelling session on the imperative of dual-channel operations, emphasizing how digital visibility, expanded customer reach, and online payment systems have become non-negotiable elements of modern marketplace participation. The discussion moved beyond theory into immediate practical application, with participants recognizing the concrete steps required to remain competitive. A particularly resonant moment emerged during the recognition of formally registered refugee businesses. This acknowledgment carried profound significance, representing not just administrative compliance but a declaration of economic legitimacy, willingness to contribute to Uganda’s formal economy, and the dismantling of barriers that have historically excluded displaced populations from productive participation. The session culminated in live onboarding onto the 10X Foundational Course, providing these 70-plus enterprises with structured pathways toward growth, operational resilience, and market competitiveness. The energy in the room reflected something deeper than training enthusiasm, it signaled a collective recognition that refugee entrepreneurship in Uganda is transitioning from survivalist necessity to strategic business development. Partnerships between community-based organizations and established financial institutions can create genuine economic mobility when designed with dignity and scalability at their core.  

What does economic inclusion truly mean for urban refugees? On January 27th 2026, RefugeeLINK sought answers directly from the source. We hosted Focus Group Discussions with over 40 urban refugees at our Mengo office in Kampala, creating a space to listen to their daily realities as individuals and as entrepreneurs. The conversations revealed a clear portrait of resilience meeting systemic barriers. A central insight was that entrepreneurship is a necessity, not a choice. The micro-businesses they operate are vital lifelines, yet they struggle in informal economies, often excluded from formal financial systems and stable markets. Furthermore, while participants demonstrated impressive skills and determination, these assets are stifled by systems that do not respond. Critical gaps in tailored business support, documentation, and market access continue to limit their potential. Finally, we saw how current gaps in economic integration hold back shared prosperity. These refugees are eager to contribute to their host community’s economy, but they face policies and programs that rarely account for their unique circumstances. For RefugeeLINK, this dialogue is essential. It ensures our advocacy and livelihood programs are informed by evidence and lived experience, steering us toward solutions that promote genuine dignity and self-reliance. The conclusion is clear: empowering refugee entrepreneurs is not merely a humanitarian effort, but a critical development imperative. The challenge now is for all actors—humanitarian, development, and private sector—to collaborate on designing solutions that recognize and invest in the economic potential of urban refugees.

On December 12, 2025, RefugeeLink was present at a historic gathering at Motiv Bugolobi: Uganda’s inaugural national trade exhibition dedicated to refugee entrepreneurs. Organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and key partners, the event powerfully reframed the narrative around refugees—recognizing them not as passive aid recipients, but as dynamic, vital contributors to the national economy. Our team witnessed firsthand the strong governmental commitment. The Prime Minister’s representative announced concrete policy advancements, including efforts to streamline access to Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and work permits for refugees. Key initiatives like the World Bank-funded GROW Project and the multi-ministry Jobs and Livelihoods Integrated Response Plan were detailed, highlighting a growing support ecosystem focused on market-relevant skills training, financial access, and business development for refugees and host communities alike. Most importantly, attending allowed us to listen directly to refugee entrepreneurs. Leaders from the community articulated the ongoing challenges that stall potential: a pervasive information gap, significant language barriers, and the daunting complexity of business certification and documentation. For RefugeeLink, being at this event was both inspiring and clarifying. It reinforced our core role as a connector and enabler within this evolving landscape. We are committed to bridging the critical gap between these promising national programs and the refugee communities they aim to serve. By facilitating information flow, amplifying community-led solutions, and advocating for the implementation of supportive policies, we will work to ensure the powerful vision of economic inclusion launched at Motiv becomes a tangible reality for all.

On 19th November 2025, RefugeeLink held a structured Client Listening and Feedback Session at its premises on Balintuma Road, bringing together urban refugees to help refine and shape the organisation’s evolving service offerings. The session, moderated by Leon Kalonda of RefugeeLink, opened with an overview of RefugeeLink’s mission and the services soon to be rolled out. He emphasized the importance of the survey responses collected from participants, noting that the insights will directly guide the development and prioritization of RefugeeLink’s support programs. Representing RefugeeLink, Kevin Kusiima shared a brief introduction of the RefugeeLink initiative. He highlighted practical examples of incubation and capacity-building, citing HortiFresh Association as a successful case of an entity that has been nurtured and supported to stability. Kevin also underscored the expertise behind the initiative, noting that RefugeeLink’s consultants have extensive experience implementing refugee-focused projects with UNHCR, GIZ, and JICA. A key highlight of the event was an inspiring exhibition of hand-crafted products by Sandra Kubuya, a refugee originally from DR Congo. Participants admired her collection of both hand-knitted and machine-knitted African and Western-inspired pieces, including sweaters, bags, beachwear, headbands, and scarves—an illustration of the talent and potential within refugee communities. To close the session, Flavia restated the range of services RefugeeLink plans to offer and led participants on a guided tour of the facility. She welcomed attendees to visit the premises anytime for inquiries, support, or further engagement with RefugeeLink’s programs. The event not only fostered dialogue but also reaffirmed RefugeeLink’s commitment to co-creating solutions with the communities it serves—ensuring that future services are responsive, inclusive, and anchored in real needs.  

  A quiet revolution is reshaping the landscape of refugee support across East Africa, and Uganda stands as a pioneering leader in this transformative movement. While nations across the region are increasingly moving beyond the traditional, isolated camp model, Uganda’s long-standing, progressive policies have created a powerful blueprint for how to build integrated communities where refugees and host populations can thrive together. For years, Uganda has championed a approach that allows refugees freedom of movement, the right to work, and access to land. This foundation has made Uganda a living example of how fostering self-reliance and shared prosperity leads to more resilient societies. The nation’s model demonstrates that true support means viewing refugees not as a burden, but as potential contributors to the local economy and social fabric. This Ugandan-inspired vision is now gaining powerful momentum across the region. Kenya, for instance, has launched its groundbreaking Shirika Plan, a transformative initiative to transition camps into integrated settlements, directly echoing the principles Uganda has long upheld. Similarly, Ethiopia has announced plans for integrated settlements, and Burundi has begun establishing settlements where refugees share schools, health centres, and markets with their neighbours. While this integrated model requires significant initial investment, the return is a stronger foundation for healthy socio-economic development. By following Uganda’s lead, these nations are unlocking livelihood opportunities, fostering social cohesion, and turning humanitarian challenges into opportunities for inclusive growth. The move away from isolated camps towards integrated communities represents the future of refugee support, a future that Uganda helped to define. It is a future built on dignity, opportunity, and the powerful idea that by investing in the well-being of all people, we build more prosperous societies for generations to come.  

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.  

Across the East and Horn of Africa, a transformative approach to refugee support is taking root, moving beyond immediate aid to foster long-term economic inclusion and self-reliance. Nowhere is this potential more evident than in Uganda, a nation that has consistently pioneered progressive refugee policies. For a new refugee-focused enterprise, Uganda presents a uniquely fertile environment, not just as a host country, but as a strategic base for innovation and regional impact. The foundation of this transformation lies in improving the business environment. While common hurdles like complex registration processes exist, Uganda’s context is ripe for applying the successful models of its neighbours, such as Rwanda’s streamlined business registration and Kenya’s digital systems. Furthermore, Uganda stands to benefit immensely from regional tools like the East African Community’s Simplified Trade Regime. This framework is a key opportunity for a Uganda-based company, offering a powerful mechanism to boost the cross-border trade that aligns perfectly with refugee communities’ own transnational networks. Critically, Uganda has demonstrated a national commitment to sustainable infrastructure development in refugee-hosting areas. The government’s approach in its refugee-hosting districts mirrors the innovative, integrated planning seen in settlements like Kalobeyei. This existing national strategy to build infrastructure that benefits both refugees and Ugandan citizens creates a stable, supportive physical foundation for a new business to operate and grow. At the individual level, financial inclusion is the bridge to economic participation, and Uganda is a leader in this field. The widespread adoption of mobile money solutions across the country provides a ready-made platform for innovative financial services. A company based in Uganda can build on this robust digital finance ecosystem to develop tailored financial products, particularly for refugee women entrepreneurs who have been historically excluded. Most importantly, Uganda’s policy landscape is actively conducive to empowerment. The country’s specific provisions for refugees, particularly in agriculture where women are granted access to land for cultivation, offer a practical, gender-responsive blueprint. This established practice of enabling self-reliance through asset ownership and market participation is not just a policy—it’s a living ecosystem that a new enterprise can directly plug into and amplify.

Across Africa, the approach to refugee management has evolved significantly over the years. Rather than isolating refugees in camps, several countries are now embracing integrated community models that promote inclusion, dignity, and self-reliance. Among these nations, Uganda stands out as a global leader, widely recognized for its progressive refugee policies and inclusive approach to hosting displaced populations. Uganda’s refugee model is often celebrated as one of the most forward-thinking in the world. Guided by the Refugees Act of 2006 and the Refugee Regulations of 2010, Uganda grants refugees the right to work, move freely, and access public services such as education and healthcare. These provisions ensure that refugees are not confined to camps but instead become active members of the communities in which they live. In Uganda, refugees share communities, schools, health centers, and marketplaces with their Ugandan hosts. This approach promotes peaceful coexistence and mutual economic growth. As a result, refugee-hosting districts such as Arua, Yumbe, Adjumani, and Kiryandongo have witnessed the emergence of vibrant local economies where both groups benefit from trade, cultural exchange, and shared development initiatives. Uganda’s success has inspired similar efforts across the region. Countries such as Rwanda, Somalia, and Djibouti have also implemented policies aimed at integrating refugees within their local communities. These initiatives emphasize inclusion over isolation, recognizing that integrated communities foster resilience, stability, and long-term sustainability. Kenya, for instance, has taken significant strides through the creation of the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement in the Kakuma region—a community designed to provide the full range of services typically found in a regional town. Building on this progress, Kenya has unveiled the Shirika Plan, a transformative framework developed in partnership with UNHCR to transition traditional refugee camps into integrated settlements. This plan, grounded in the Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021, strengthens refugee rights to employment, education, and essential services—paving the way for genuine socio-economic inclusion. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Burundi have begun exploring similar models. Ethiopia’s plans for an integrated settlement in Kebribeyah and Burundi’s community-based approach in Giharo reflect growing continental recognition that refugee inclusion benefits both displaced populations and host communities. While developing integrated communities requires substantial investment, Uganda’s experience demonstrates that the rewards far outweigh the costs. Inclusive policies promote self-reliance, reduce dependency on humanitarian aid, and strengthen local economies. They also enhance social cohesion, ensuring that refugees and hosts work together toward shared goals of stability and prosperity. As the global community grapples with growing displacement, Uganda offers a blueprint for transformative refugee management—one that values human dignity, economic inclusion, and local empowerment. By investing in integrated settlements, Uganda and its neighbours are not only reshaping the future of refugee protection in Africa but also redefining what it means to build shared futures for all.