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Open Call: Refugee Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment in Namibia

Deadline: 05-Jun-2026

The UNHCR Community-Based Livelihoods Initiative in Namibia supports refugee-led and community-based organisations to promote self-reliance and economic inclusion for refugees and asylum-seekers. The programme focuses on skills development, entrepreneurship, climate-smart agriculture, and financial inclusion in regions such as Osire Refugee Settlement. The indicative budget is approximately USD 60,473.

Overview of the Programme

The initiative is launched by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to strengthen livelihoods and economic resilience among forcibly displaced populations in Namibia.

The programme is designed to:

  • Promote self-reliance among refugees and asylum-seekers
  • Strengthen community-led livelihood systems
  • Support income-generating activities and entrepreneurship
  • Improve access to skills training and financial systems
  • Enhance long-term economic integration and resilience

It focuses on inclusive, locally driven development approaches in refugee-hosting communities.

Geographic Focus

The programme is implemented in Namibia, particularly in:

  • Otjozondjupa Region
  • Khomas Region
  • Osire Refugee Settlement

The Osire settlement hosts refugees primarily from:

  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Burundi
  • Rwanda
  • Other countries affected by displacement

Many residents face:

  • Limited livelihood opportunities
  • Food insecurity
  • Economic vulnerability
  • Restricted access to markets and training

Key Focus Areas

Skills Development and Education

  • Vocational and technical training (TVET programmes)
  • Business administration training
  • English literacy programmes
  • Capacity-building for employability

Entrepreneurship and Business Development

  • Micro and small enterprise development
  • Business incubation and startup support
  • Income-generating activities
  • Market access and value chain development

Agriculture and Climate-Smart Livelihoods

Financial and Digital Inclusion

  • Financial literacy training
  • Access to digital tools and services
  • Digital skills development
  • Economic inclusion through technology

Social and Economic Empowerment

  • Women’s economic empowerment
  • Youth employment and entrepreneurship
  • Support for refugee-led organizations
  • Community-based economic participation

Objectives of the Programme

The initiative aims to:

  • Strengthen economic self-reliance of refugees and asylum-seekers
  • Expand access to sustainable livelihood opportunities
  • Build entrepreneurial and vocational skills
  • Improve financial and digital inclusion
  • Support community-led development models
  • Enhance resilience in refugee-hosting regions

Expected Outcomes

The programme is expected to deliver:

  • Increased self-reliance among displaced populations
  • Improved income generation and employment opportunities
  • Stronger refugee-led livelihood systems
  • Enhanced participation in local markets and value chains
  • Greater economic inclusion of women and youth
  • Improved food security and resilience

Funding Details

  • Implementing agency: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Estimated budget: USD 60,473
  • Funding type: Community-based livelihoods support
  • Focus: Scalable, inclusive, locally driven interventions

Eligible Applicants

The programme is designed for:

  • Refugee-led organizations (RLOs)
  • Local community-based organizations
  • NGOs working with displaced populations
  • Grassroots actors supporting livelihoods in Namibia

Eligibility focus:

  • Must operate in refugee or host communities
  • Must demonstrate capacity for livelihood programming
  • Must align with UNHCR inclusion and protection objectives

Priority Beneficiaries

  • Refugees and asylum-seekers
  • Stateless persons
  • Women and girls
  • Youth populations
  • Vulnerable households in settlement areas

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Proposal submission

  • Community-based organisations submit livelihood project proposals
  • Projects must align with self-reliance objectives

Step 2: Selection process

  • Evaluation based on impact, feasibility, and inclusion
  • Preference for refugee-led initiatives

Step 3: Funding allocation

  • Selected projects receive financial support
  • Funds used for training, tools, and livelihood activities

Step 4: Implementation

  • Delivery of vocational training and enterprise support
  • Agricultural and income-generation activities executed locally

Step 5: Monitoring and reporting

  • Progress tracking and outcome evaluation
  • Reporting on livelihood improvements and participation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting projects outside Namibia or target regions
  • Weak focus on refugee or asylum-seeker inclusion
  • Lack of livelihood or income-generation component
  • Missing sustainability or scalability plan
  • Overly theoretical proposals without community implementation
  • Ignoring women and youth inclusion priorities

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is the implementing agency
    • The programme is implemented by
      • United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • What is the main goal of the programme
    • To promote self-reliance and economic inclusion for
      • Refugees
      • Asylum-seekers
      • Stateless persons in Namibia
  • Where is the programme implemented
    • Namibia
    • Key regions include
      • Otjozondjupa
      • Khomas
    • Especially Osire Refugee Settlement
  • What activities are supported
    • Vocational training (TVET)
    • Entrepreneurship development
    • Climate-smart agriculture
    • Financial literacy programmes
    • Digital skills training
    • Market access initiatives
  • Who can apply
    • Refugee-led organisations
    • Local NGOs and community-based organisations
    • Groups working with displaced populations in Namibia
  • What is the funding amount
    • Approximately USD 60,473 total budget

Conclusion

The UNHCR Community-Based Livelihoods Initiative in Namibia is designed to strengthen economic resilience and self-reliance among refugees and asylum-seekers through inclusive, community-led development. By supporting skills training, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agriculture, the programme aims to improve livelihoods, enhance dignity, and promote long-term economic integration in refugee-hosting communities.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.