Refugees and Asylum-Seekers Livelihood Empowerment Initiative in Botswana

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) in Botswana to submit concept notes for projects that improve livelihoods, self-reliance, and economic inclusion among refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons. The programme supports community-led solutions focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, income generation, agriculture, digital inclusion, and sustainable economic opportunities.

About the UNHCR Botswana Livelihoods Support Programme

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a funding opportunity for eligible Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) in Botswana.

The initiative aims to strengthen economic opportunities for forcibly displaced communities by supporting organizations that are already working with refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons.

The programme promotes:

Refugee community leadership.
Local ownership of solutions.
Sustainable livelihoods.
Economic empowerment.
Self-reliance among displaced populations.
Stronger integration into national development systems.

Through this initiative, UNHCR seeks to partner with organizations that understand community needs and can deliver practical, inclusive, and sustainable livelihood interventions.

Objectives of the Programme

The main objectives of the UNHCR Botswana initiative are:

Expanding livelihood opportunities for refugees and displaced populations.
Strengthening self-reliance and reducing dependency.
Supporting refugee-led solutions.
Promoting entrepreneurship and income generation.
Improving access to skills, markets, and financial opportunities.
Building resilience among vulnerable communities.
Supporting economic inclusion of women and youth.

Key Focus Areas Supported

Eligible projects may focus on several livelihood and economic empowerment areas.

Skills Development and Vocational Training

Projects can support:

Technical and vocational skills training.
Employment-oriented learning programmes.
Professional skills development.
Training linked to market demand.
Youth and women’s skills enhancement.

These activities aim to improve participants’ ability to access employment or start sustainable businesses.

Micro-Enterprise Development and Entrepreneurship

Supported initiatives may include:

Small business development.
Entrepreneurship training.
Business mentoring.
Start-up support.
Income-generating activities.

Projects should help refugees develop sustainable sources of income.

Market Access and Value Chain Development

Organizations may support:

Connecting entrepreneurs with markets.
Strengthening local value chains.
Improving business networks.
Supporting product development.
Increasing economic participation.

Agriculture and Food Security

Projects may focus on:

Agricultural livelihoods.
Food production.
Sustainable farming practices.
Community food security.
Small-scale agricultural enterprises.

Agriculture-based solutions can help communities improve income and access to nutritious food.

Digital and Financial Inclusion

The programme encourages activities that improve:

Digital skills.
Access to financial services.
Digital entrepreneurship.
Financial literacy.
Technology-based livelihood opportunities.

Women and Youth Economic Empowerment

Special attention may be given to projects supporting:

Refugee women entrepreneurs.
Young refugees seeking employment.
Youth-led businesses.
Inclusive economic participation.

Project Implementation Locations

Projects will be implemented across Botswana, including:

Central District.
Kgalagadi.
North West District.
Ghanzi.
Dukwi Settlement.

The programme aims to reach refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons living in these areas.

Expected Outcomes of the Programme

Supported projects are expected to contribute to:

Increased access to livelihood opportunities.
Improved economic independence.
Stronger refugee community resilience.
Greater participation in local economies.
Better integration into national development systems.
Sustainable income opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants are:

Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) based in Botswana.
Organizations currently implementing livelihood or self-reliance activities.
Community organizations with experience supporting refugees or displaced populations.

Applicants should demonstrate:

Experience delivering livelihood initiatives.
Ability to expand existing activities.
Strong community connections.
Capacity to implement sustainable projects.
Commitment to UNHCR protection principles.

What Are Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs)?

Refugee-Led Organizations are community organizations that are created, managed, or significantly led by refugees or displaced people.

These organizations play an important role because they:

Understand community challenges directly.
Provide culturally appropriate solutions.
Build trust among refugee communities.
Strengthen local participation.
Promote community ownership.

Why This Programme Matters

Refugees and displaced populations often face barriers including:

Limited employment opportunities.
Restricted access to markets.
Lack of skills training.
Financial exclusion.
Dependence on humanitarian assistance.

Supporting refugee-led livelihood initiatives helps communities move from dependency toward self-reliance by creating opportunities for:

Employment.
Entrepreneurship.
Skills development.
Economic participation.
Long-term resilience.

Funding Information

The programme has an indicative budget of:

Total available funding: US$49,504

Funding will support selected projects that demonstrate strong community impact, feasibility, and sustainability.

How to Apply

Eligible Refugee-Led Organizations should follow these steps:

Step 1: Develop a Concept Note

Applicants should prepare a concept note explaining:

Organization background.
Community needs being addressed.
Proposed livelihood activities.
Target beneficiaries.
Expected outcomes.
Implementation approach.
Budget requirements.

Step 2: Demonstrate Organizational Capacity

Applicants should provide information showing:

Previous livelihood project experience.
Community engagement capacity.
Technical skills.
Financial management ability.
Experience working with refugee communities.

Step 3: Ensure Project Alignment

Projects should clearly connect with UNHCR priorities, including:

Protection of vulnerable populations.
Community-based approaches.
Inclusion.
Sustainability.
Economic empowerment.

Step 4: Submit the Concept Note

Applicants must submit their concept notes according to UNHCR requirements and procedures.

Selected organizations will be expected to follow UNHCR standards for:

Protection.
Accountability.
Inclusion.
Community participation.

Tips for Strong Applications

Applicants should:

Clearly explain the community problem.
Highlight refugee leadership and participation.
Provide realistic livelihood solutions.
Include measurable results.
Show how activities will continue after funding ends.
Focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups where relevant.
Demonstrate existing community partnerships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Organizations should avoid:

Submitting projects unrelated to livelihoods.
Providing unclear budgets.
Failing to explain community impact.
Applying without evidence of previous experience.
Designing activities without sustainability plans.
Ignoring protection and inclusion principles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UNHCR Botswana Refugee Livelihoods Grant Programme?

The programme supports Refugee-Led Organizations in Botswana to implement projects that improve livelihoods, self-reliance, and economic inclusion for refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons.

Who can apply for this funding opportunity?

Refugee-Led Organizations based in Botswana that are already implementing livelihood or self-reliance initiatives can apply.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects may support vocational training, entrepreneurship, micro-enterprises, agriculture, market access, digital inclusion, financial inclusion, and women and youth empowerment.

How much funding is available?

The programme has an indicative budget of US$49,504 for selected projects.

Where will projects be implemented?

Projects will be implemented across Botswana, including Central, Kgalagadi, North West, Ghanzi, and Dukwi Settlement.

Why does UNHCR support Refugee-Led Organizations?

Refugee-Led Organizations understand community needs directly and can provide locally relevant solutions that strengthen participation, resilience, and self-reliance.

What outcomes should funded projects achieve?

Projects should increase economic opportunities, improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and support the integration of displaced populations into national systems.

Conclusion

The UNHCR Botswana Refugee-Led Organizations Grant Programme provides an important opportunity for refugee communities to lead their own economic empowerment initiatives. By supporting skills development, entrepreneurship, agriculture, digital inclusion, and income-generating activities, the programme aims to strengthen self-reliance and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons across Botswana.