Equity Bank and IFC Partner to Launch $20 million Facility for Refugees and Host Communities in Kenya: Equity Bank Kenya, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has launched a $20 million Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) to enhance financial inclusion within underserved regions in Kenya, including refugees and host communities. This initiative aims to empower refugees and host communities to become economically stable and self-reliant making them active participants in the local economy, contributing to sustainable development and long-term prosperity. The program, unveiled in Kakuma, Turkana County will be implemented in 14 marginalized counties across Kenya, among them Turkana and Garissa which host Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, with the goal of supporting refugees and their host communities towards social economic empowerment that ultimately lead to self-reliance.

UNHCR publishes socioeconomic profiles of Sudanese refugees, including their levels of education and skills. Country briefs provide additional insights on the socioeconomic characteristics of displacement and displaced populations in Sudan and countries of asylum, as well as summaries of recent data collection, surveys and analytical work replaced to displacement.

Ethiopia - Aisha: an inclusive financial product brings hope for host and refugee entrepreneurs: ILO and Shabelle Bank's innovative "Aisha" program provides Sharia-compliant financial solutions and education to refugees and host communities in Ethiopia, empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Read more here: https://www.ilo.org/resource/article/aisha-inclusive-financial-product-brings-hope-host-and-refugee

Partnership for Economic Inclusion, World Bank launched an enhanced Data Portal—your go-to resource for insights into economic inclusion programs. Now, you can explore the data behind the recent State of Economic Inclusion Report 2024: Pathways to Scale. With a brand-new searchable program database, the latest 2023 Landscape Survey data, and new country-level factsheets, finding detailed information on over 400 programs has never been easier. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or practitioner, the portal offers powerful tools to inform your work and drive impact: https://www.peiglobal.org/tools-resources/data-portal?deliveryName=DM244430

The updated Education Brief presents a critical analysis of the education needs of Afghan refugees and host communities in Iran, emphasizing the need for greater international support. With millions of forcibly displaced persons in Iran, including many Afghan children, the country’s national education system is under significant strain. Overcrowded classrooms and limited school infrastructure have led to reduced enrolment capacity, particularly affecting undocumented children and girls. This Brief outlines how Iran’s inclusive policies have provided educational opportunities aligned with international human rights standards, yet more assistance is needed. It calls on donors to scale up responsibility-sharing to avoid a lost generation. Anchored in the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) and the Global Refugee Forum commitments, the Brief also details a $119.3 million appeal by seven humanitarian organizations to improve education access, quality, and life-long learning pathways. By showcasing Iran as a viable alternative for continued education, especially for Afghan girls and youth, the Brief positions education as a catalyst for resilience, co-existence, and durable solutions. It highlights how investment in education contributes to well-being, economic empowerment, and the voluntary return of refugees, while strengthening community ties between Afghans and Iranians.

UNHCR and the European Union have signed a new agreement to continue to support displaced Afghans and host communities in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and countries in Central Asia. With substantial EU funding of EUR 36 million, hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees, returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) will benefit from essential protection, access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, and other basic services from 2025 to 2027.

The G²LM|LIC and STEG programmes are excited to announce a joint call for research proposals, inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs). This initiative seeks to deepen our understanding of the evolving nature of work and women’s roles in these transformations, with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Projects with a focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, or Nigeria will be prioritised. Read more here: https://g2lm-lic.iza.org/

Displaced Livelihoods Initiative: The IPA and J-PAL Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) supports rigorous impact evaluations, pilots, exploratory studies, infrastructure and public goods projects, and scaling work to inform policies and programs on sustainable livelihoods for displaced populations and host communities. Funding for DLI comes from the IKEA Foundation. DLI's fourth Call for Proposals is now open. Full proposals are due January 17, 2025, learn more here: https://poverty-action.org/displaced-livelihoods-initiative

A new contribution of USD 500,000 from the Government and the People of Japan enhances access to essential primary healthcare for Afghan refugees and their host communities in Iran. Through continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, UNHCR aims to support health posts across 27 refugee-hosting provinces with vital medicines, medical equipment, and personnel costs. This initiative will ensure the continued provision of free, quality health services, particularly benefiting women and girls who make up 60% of the beneficiaries. Over 3.2 million health consultations are expected during the 10-month period. The initiative demonstrates Japan’s continuous, strong commitment to refugee protection and shared international responsibility, helping Iran maintain its long-standing inclusive approach despite economic challenges.

UNHCR and the Government of Zambia begin the second phase of refugee repatriation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo LUSAKA, ZAMBIA - The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in collaboration with the Zambian government and partners, organized the voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees living in northern Zambia to their homes in Pweto in the Haut Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On Friday, November 15, 2024, a convoy carrying 169 Congolese refugees (60 families) departed from Mantapala settlement in Nchelenge District, Luapula province, heading to Pweto in the DRC.