Private Sector Engagement

Uganda. One year on from the outbreak of violence in South Sudan and Nyumanzi refugee settlement in northern Uganda has become a dense and dynamic community. With the settlement now more established the needs have changed from life-saving concerns like water and shelter to the longer term worries.

The private sector plays a pivotal role in providing opportunities for refugees. From employment and business opportunities, to providing critical goods and services, refugees' livelihoods are very closely linked to private enterprise.

Companies can benefit from working with refugees who provide a source of skills, knowledge and expertise, as well as markets for products and services. Private-sector engagement with refugees creates shared value for all stakeholders – from the refugees and companies concerned, to the host communities, local economy and wider society in which refugees live.

We engage directly with companies and other actors to jointly design and implement innovative concepts and programmes that contribute to refugees' livelihoods. For example:

Working with financial institutions to develop financial products that suit refugees’ needs
Developing distance and teleworking initiatives through the Community Technology Access programme
Establishing links with global supply chains for products made by refugees.

We are involved in a number of leading platforms, including the Solutions Alliance Private Sector Thematic Group to gather evidence, conduct research, and promote the business case and best practice for private sector engagement with refugees.