Call for Economic Opportunities for Refugees and Returnees (Congo DR)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting expressions of interest from partners to promote sustainable livelihoods, economic inclusion, self-reliance, and peaceful coexistence for refugees and returnees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The initiative forms part of UNHCR’s strategic efforts to advance durable solutions for refugees and returnees by improving access to economic opportunities, strengthening resilience, and supporting sustainable reintegration into communities. By 2030, the programme aims to help refugees and returnees gain equitable access to sustainable livelihoods and economic systems, with a target of at least 25% of beneficiaries achieving economic autonomy and significantly reducing their dependence on humanitarian assistance.

About the UNHCR Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Initiative

The initiative focuses on creating pathways toward economic autonomy and durable solutions for refugees and returnees. Rather than concentrating only on short-term assistance, the programme seeks to strengthen skills, improve access to economic and financial systems, develop sustainable income opportunities, and promote stronger connections between displaced populations and local economies. It also recognises that economic inclusion can contribute to peaceful coexistence and stronger social cohesion between refugees, returnees, and host communities. 2030 Programme Goal The initiative aims to ensure that by 2030, refugees and returnees have: - Equitable access to sustainable livelihoods. - Improved economic resilience. - Greater opportunities for self-reliance. - Progress toward durable reintegration. - Better access to economic and financial systems. - Increased opportunities for employment and self-employment. - Reduced dependence on humanitarian aid. A key programme target is for at least 25% of beneficiaries to achieve economic autonomy. Strengthening Technical and Professional Skills Partners are expected to strengthen the technical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills of refugees and returnees. Skills development should respond to actual economic opportunities rather than being based solely on generic training needs. Interventions should therefore take into account: - Local labour-market needs. - Emerging market opportunities. - Employer requirements. - Opportunities for self-employment. - Entrepreneurial potential. - Relevant vocational skills. The objective is to improve the ability of refugees and returnees to access sustainable income opportunities. Supporting Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship is an important component of the initiative. Partners can support refugees and returnees in developing entrepreneurial competencies and accessing opportunities that can contribute to sustainable income generation. Entrepreneurship interventions should be linked to documented market demand and realistic income potential. Access to Economic and Financial Systems The initiative seeks to improve equitable access to economic and financial systems.

This includes opportunities related to:

- Savings. - Credit. - Productive cash transfers. - Financial services. - Market opportunities. Improved access to these systems can help refugees and returnees establish, strengthen, and sustain productive economic activities. Inclusive Economic Opportunities Partners are expected to support inclusive economic opportunities that contribute to self-reliance, sustainable reintegration, and social cohesion. The programme seeks approaches that connect refugees and returnees with broader economic systems rather than creating isolated opportunities. Economic inclusion should contribute to stronger relationships between displaced populations, host communities, employers, businesses, and public institutions. Market-Based Approach Proposed interventions must be based on recent and documented market analyses. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the economic environment in each intervention area, including: - Market demand. - Relevant value chains. - Access barriers. - Income potential. - Employment opportunities. - Opportunities for self-employment. - Access to financial services. This market-based approach is intended to ensure that supported livelihoods have realistic prospects for sustainability. Value Chain Development Applicants should consider relevant value chains when designing livelihood interventions. Understanding where economic opportunities exist within a value chain can help partners identify appropriate skills, businesses, buyers, employers, financial services, and other actors that can support sustainable income generation.

Partnerships With the Private Sector

Concrete partnerships are expected to form an important part of proposed interventions. Applicants should demonstrate relevant collaboration with actors such as: - Private-sector companies. - Employers. - Financial institutions. - Vocational training structures. - Cooperatives. - Buyers. - Relevant public services. These partnerships should have a clear connection to the economic inclusion objectives of the proposed intervention. Engagement With Employers Links with employers can help refugees and returnees transition from skills development to actual employment. Partners should identify opportunities to connect trained beneficiaries with employers and labour-market opportunities where relevant. The focus should be on measurable economic outcomes rather than simply counting the number of people participating in training. Financial Institutions and Access to Finance Financial institutions can play an important role in improving access to savings, credit, and other financial services. Applicants should consider concrete mechanisms through which refugees and returnees can overcome barriers to accessing appropriate financial products and services. Vocational Training Structures Partnerships with vocational training structures are encouraged to ensure that skills develop