Equity Group has joined forces with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), to champion sustainable development in Africa. This collaborative effort will involve implementing projects aimed at tackling challenges faced by refugees. Equity has been leading the effort to promote financial inclusion and social integration for refugees in Kenya.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees invited Equity Group to act as a private sector catalyst for a new refugee integration initiative called the “Shirika Plan” as part of the Private Sector Partners Mission.
This five-year initiative, designed in collaboration with the State Department for Immigration, aims to empower both refugees and host communities residing in the Kakuma and Dadaab Refugee Camps. Dr. James Mwangi, Equity Group MD and CEO, visited the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County in support of the initiative.
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Dr. James Mwangi, also the Executive Chairman of Equity Group Foundation (EGF), highlighted the organization’s alignment with UNHCR’s mission. He emphasized Equity’s role as a catalyst for gradual integration and expressed their intent to expand the “Equity Afia” healthcare network within the camps, ensuring access to high-quality affordable healthcare for a wider refugee population. This planned expansion seeks to offer high-quality, affordable healthcare to a larger number of refugees.
“We chose to collaborate with UNHCR as their programs align seamlessly with our mission at Equity Group Foundation. After engaging in discussions with authorities, including a session with the State Department for Immigration, we are confident about our areas of collaboration. The integration process is gradual, and we are proud to be an integral part of it.” he said.
UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner, Kelly Clements, commended Equity for its willingness to accelerate refugee integration. She acknowledged Equity’s pledges made at the Second Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees and host communities.
“Our strategic partners, Equity Group, have been big supporters of what we do. These kinds of partnerships and missions mean a lot. Thank you for the pledges you made on behalf of Equity last December,” said Clements.
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Beyond Kenya, Equity’s partnership with the WFP extends to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their collaborative project, “Promotion of Sustainable Food Security in the DRC,” aims to foster a thriving agro-industrial sector. This ambitious initiative seeks to diversify the DRC’s economy, guarantee food and nutritional security, generate employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods. The pilot phase is currently underway in two provinces, Kongo Central and Kasai Oriental, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Peter Musoko, WFP Representative and Country Director in the DRC, emphasized the transformative power of innovative finance in tackling challenges and driving sustainable development. He highlighted the project’s focus on empowering women and youth to secure dignified jobs within the agro-industries.
“Innovative finance has the power to turn challenges into opportunities, driving sustainable development and growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with women and youth at the forefront.” he said.