Programme
Active
Entrepreneurship for young refugees
Country
Kenya
Running since
2022
Target reach
105
Key focus areas
Boost youth employment
Increase access to finance
Support businesses
Farm Africa and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) are addressing the challenges faced by small businesses in Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps in northern Kenya, where the arid environment makes agricultural production difficult, the local population has effectively prohibited refugees from keeping livestock and there is poor access to markets and minimal employment opportunities. The project’s main focus is to stimulate innovation and strengthen economic opportunities for refugee and host community entrepreneurs.​
The project is providing financing and business development services to micro and small enterprises (MSEs), including tailored mentorship, ensuring they gain the expertise and financial support they need to generate both revenue and local jobs.
70%
of the participating entrepreneurs have expanded their businesses through the addition of new products or services and increasing the range of stock.
Within 18 months of joining the programme, the average annual revenue of the participating businesses increased by 44%. Feedback from participants attributed these gains to their improved marketing skills, financial management and ability to track sales, revenue and profits.
For example, a hotel started selling fresh juice, an early childhood education facility built a new classroom to increase their capacity and a retail shop opened a new branch.
This project aimed to mentor at least 70 aspiring entrepreneurs. By the end of 2023, we had reached 105, with 82 new jobs created and counting.
