Displaced Refugees and Women Entrepreneurs Gain Access to Sh582m Business Funding

Women entrepreneurs and displaced business leaders across Africa are set to access growth financing of up to $160,000 (approximately Sh582 million) following their selection into the fourth cohort of the Amahoro Fellowship Programme.

The pan-African initiative, which supports refugee and displaced entrepreneurs, has unveiled a new cohort of 41 business leaders drawn from across Africa and the Middle East, with women accounting for the majority of participants.

The fellowship, run by the Amahoro Coalition, aims to equip entrepreneurs who have been forced to flee their homes with the skills, networks and financial resources needed to expand their businesses, create jobs and access new markets.

Among the selected participants are several women entrepreneurs operating businesses in Uganda and other African countries. Their inclusion in the programme opens doors to mentorship, leadership development and access to investors, enabling them to scale their enterprises and strengthen their contribution to local economies.

The newly announced cohort comprises 24 women and 17 men from 15 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda and Syria. Many of the entrepreneurs currently run businesses in host countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa and Egypt.

The entrepreneurs represent a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, technology, climate action and the creative industries. Through their ventures, they are tackling social and economic challenges while creating employment opportunities in the communities where they operate.

Speaking during the announcement of the fourth cohort, Julia Oduol, Principal Strategy Custodian of the Amahoro Fellowship Programme, said the selected fellows represent a new generation of entrepreneurs driving change through innovation and enterprise.

“Cohort Four represents exceptional leaders who are generating jobs, building ventures and addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges from within their communities,” Oduol said.

She noted that the programme continues to challenge common perceptions about refugees and displaced persons by demonstrating their potential as entrepreneurs, employers and contributors to economic growth.

A key attraction of the fellowship is its funding component. Successful fellows become eligible for investment capital of up to $160,000 to support business expansion, increase employment and facilitate entry into new markets.

The 12-month programme combines business development training, leadership coaching, mentorship and peer-learning opportunities. Participants also gain direct exposure to investors, private sector leaders and strategic partners who can help accelerate business growth.

According to the Amahoro Coalition, the fellowship has supported 88 refugee and displaced entrepreneurs across 15 African countries since its inception. The programme has enabled participating businesses to scale operations and significantly expand their workforce.

Data from the coalition shows that enterprises supported through the first three cohorts increased their combined workforce from 428 employees before joining the fellowship to more than 2,240 jobs after receiving support.

In addition, businesses that have participated in the programme have collectively secured more than $2.4 million in direct funding through the fellowship while attracting an additional $4.1 million from external investors.

The initiative is supported by development partners, including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Mastercard Foundation. Global logistics firm PSA BDP also contributes mentorship and industry expertise to help entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and improve competitiveness.

As Africa continues to host millions of refugees and displaced persons, programmes such as the Amahoro Fellowship are increasingly highlighting entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-reliance, economic inclusion and resilience.

For the women entrepreneurs and displaced business leaders selected for the latest cohort, the fellowship offers more than just funding. It provides a platform to build sustainable businesses, create jobs and demonstrate the vital role that entrepreneurship can play in transforming lives and communities across the continent.