Deadline: 23-Mar-2026
The World Food Programme (WFP) seeks a partner organization to manage community connectivity centers and implement digital inclusion initiatives in the M’bera refugee camp, Mauritania. The project focuses on providing internet access, digital skills training, community engagement, and sustainable management of connectivity services, prioritizing women, youth, and refugee-led participation.
Program Overview
The Connectivity as Aid Phase 2 project builds on WFP’s 2024 pilot initiative to address digital and energy gaps in the M’bera refugee camp. The program aims to:
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Provide free internet connectivity and solar-powered device charging
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Promote digital literacy, functional literacy, and entrepreneurship
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Enhance community participation, particularly among women and youth
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Strengthen local capacity for sustainable management of digital services
The M’bera camp hosts Malian refugees, many of whom are women and young people, living primarily between the municipalities of Bassikounou and Fassala in Hodh El Chargui, Mauritania. Limited internet and electricity access have hindered refugees from obtaining humanitarian information, connecting with family, and participating in digital learning opportunities.
Objectives of Phase 2
The second phase focuses on sustainable, community-centered digital access and engagement:
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Daily Operation of Connectivity Centers: Ensure consistent internet access and device charging at the two existing centers in Zones 2 and 3
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Community Engagement: Conduct digital skills workshops, literacy programs, entrepreneurship support for women, and awareness campaigns on responsible connectivity use
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Capacity Building: Train refugees to gradually assume responsibilities for running and maintaining the centers
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Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels for refugees to share experiences, needs, and suggestions regarding connectivity services
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Collaboration: Work with coordination bodies and humanitarian actors to integrate services within broader camp support systems
Key Components
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Digital Inclusion
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Wi-Fi access points, computers, and solar energy systems already installed
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Free access for refugees to connect, communicate, and learn
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Community-Led Management
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Skill transfer to refugees for long-term center management
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Refugee ownership ensures sustainability beyond direct WFP support
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Capacity Development and Training
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Functional literacy and digital skills programs
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Entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment initiatives
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Youth leadership and participation activities
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Sustainability and Monitoring
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Gradual handover of responsibilities to community members
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Regular community feedback and reporting mechanisms
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Eligibility & Selection Criteria
WFP seeks a competent partner organization with experience in:
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Managing community centers or digital access programs
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Delivering digital literacy and capacity-building initiatives
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Engaging refugee or displaced populations, especially women and youth
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Facilitating sustainable, community-led project management
The organization must coordinate closely with WFP, camp authorities, and humanitarian actors to ensure integration with existing services and long-term project impact.
Why This Project Matters
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Bridges the digital divide: Provides internet access in a low-connectivity region
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Empowers refugees: Offers skills development, entrepreneurship support, and community leadership opportunities
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Promotes sustainability: Ensures local ownership of digital resources and continued service beyond WFP’s direct involvement
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Supports vulnerable groups: Prioritizes women, youth, and other marginalized populations within the refugee camp
How to Apply / Express Interest
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Confirm organizational capacity to manage and operate digital centers
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Demonstrate experience in digital inclusion, literacy, and community engagement
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Submit a detailed proposal addressing management, training, sustainability, and community participation
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Outline collaboration plans with WFP, camp coordination bodies, and humanitarian partners
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Include plans for monitoring, feedback, and long-term skills transfer to refugees
FAQs
1. Who can apply for this opportunity?
Organizations experienced in community digital access, refugee engagement, and capacity-building projects.
2. How many connectivity centers are included in this project?
Two existing centers located in Zones 2 and 3 of the M’bera refugee camp.
3. What populations are prioritized?
Women, youth, and other vulnerable groups within the refugee community.
4. What types of activities are expected?
Digital skills training, functional literacy programs, entrepreneurship support, awareness campaigns, community engagement, and sustainable center management.
5. What is the main goal of Phase 2?
To ensure sustainable, community-led management of connectivity centers while enhancing digital access, learning, and empowerment opportunities.
6. Is collaboration with other actors required?
Yes, close coordination with WFP, camp authorities, and humanitarian organizations is required.
7. How will sustainability be ensured?
Through skills transfer to refugees, community ownership, and ongoing monitoring and feedback mechanisms.
Conclusion
The Connectivity as Aid Phase 2 initiative strengthens digital access and community engagement for Malian refugees in M’bera camp. By providing internet services, digital literacy programs, and sustainable community-led management, WFP aims to empower women, youth, and other vulnerable groups while ensuring long-term impact and resilience within the camp.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.