RFPs: AMI004 – Promoting Entrepreneurship and Access to Financial Services Program (Central African Republic)

Deadline: 27-Sep-2026

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting partner organisations to support entrepreneurship, livelihoods and access to financial services for refugees, returnees, repatriated people and host communities in Ombella-Mpoko, Central African Republic. The programme will help vulnerable populations establish or strengthen small businesses, improve financial literacy, access savings and credit, and build sustainable self-reliance.

About the UNHCR Programme

The initiative aims to strengthen the economic inclusion and self-reliance of displaced and host populations through entrepreneurship development and improved access to formal and community-based financial services. The programme will identify and assess potential and existing micro-entrepreneurs and provide tailored support to help them establish, improve or expand viable businesses.

Key objectives include:

- Strengthening entrepreneurship and self-employment. - Improving access to financial education and business management skills. - Supporting sustainable micro and small enterprises. - Connecting beneficiaries with savings and credit mechanisms. - Expanding access to formal banking and microfinance services. - Strengthening links with village savings and loan associations. - Promoting livelihoods and economic inclusion among displaced and host populations. Target Location The activities will be implemented in Ombella-Mpoko, Central African Republic.

The programme will target:

- Refugees. - Returnees. - Repatriated people. - Members of host communities. - Forcibly displaced and stateless people where relevant. The approach is intended to strengthen economic opportunities while supporting coexistence and social inclusion between displaced populations and host communities. Focus Areas

The main thematic areas include:

- Livelihoods and self-reliance. - Entrepreneurship and microenterprise development. - Microfinance and microcredit. - Financial literacy and financial inclusion. - Fisheries and aquaculture. - Forestry production. - Smallholder agricultural market support. - Business development and marketing. - Savings and community finance mechanisms. - Access to formal financial services. Types of Businesses Supported The programme may support entrepreneurs operating or seeking to establish businesses in a wide range of legal economic activities.

Potential sectors include:

- Agriculture. - Livestock. - Fisheries. - Fish farming. - Poultry. - Food processing. - Beekeeping. - Baking. - Soap making. - Catering. - Tailoring. - Mechanics. - Carpentry. - Brickmaking. - Equipment and household repairs. - Retail businesses. - Other legally permitted micro and small enterprises. Business support should be based on local market opportunities, beneficiary capacity and the potential for sustainable income generation. What Support Will Be Provided? Selected partner organisations will be expected to provide a combination of business development, financial inclusion and follow-up services. Entrepreneurship Development

Support may include:

- Identification and assessment of potential entrepreneurs. - Business development assistance. - Entrepreneurship training. - Marketing and sales training. - Financial education. - Business management skills. - Assistance with business planning. - Regular coaching and mentoring. - Follow-up during business implementation. The objective is to ensure that beneficiaries receive practical support rather than one-time assistance. Equipment and Financial Assistance Depending on the programme arrangements, selected beneficiaries may receive access to: - Business equipment. - Productive assets. - Financial assistance. - Start-up support. - Savings mechanisms. - Credit opportunities. Support should be connected to viable economic activities and appropriate market opportunities. Access to Financial Services A major component of the programme is improving beneficiaries’ access to formal and community-based financial services. Partner organisations are expected to work with relevant financial institutions, including microfinance institutions, to facilitate: - Financial literacy. - Formal banking accounts. - Microfinance services. - Microcredit. - Savings. - Access to appropriate financial products. - Connections with village savings and loan associations. This approach is intended to help beneficiaries gradually move from initial livelihood support towards sustainable financial inclusion. Why It Matters Displaced and returning populations often face significant barriers to employment, capital, markets and formal financial services. Entrepreneurship support can help address these barriers by enabling people to establish income-generating activities and develop sustainable sources of livelihood. The programme is particularly important because it combines business development with financial inclusion. Beneficiaries can receive training and coaching while also being connected to savings, banking, microfinance and credit opportunities. The programme also promotes economic opportunities for host communities, helping strengthen social cohesion and coexistence between displaced and local populations. Who Is Eligible? The opportunity is intended for partner organisations with the expertise and operational capacity required to implement entrepreneurship and financial inclusion activities in Ombella-Mpoko.

Applicants should demonstrate:

- Relevant experience in livelihoods, entrepreneurship, agriculture, fisheries, microfinance or related sectors. - Technical expertise in the proposed activities. - Experience working with refugees, returnees, internally displaced or other vulnerable populations where relevant. - Knowledge of protection principles. - Application of the Age, Gender and Diversity approach. - Participation of forcibly displaced and stateless people in the programme cycle. - Sound project management systems. - Strong financial management and accountability systems. - Local experience