Deadline: 05-Jun-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting grant applications to support livelihood and economic empowerment initiatives for refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons in Botswana.
The programme focuses on strengthening self-reliance, economic inclusion, and community-led livelihood solutions through support for Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs). The indicative budget for this call is 49,504.
Programme Focus Areas
The initiative supports:
- Livelihoods and self-reliance
- Skills development and vocational training
- Micro-enterprise development
- Entrepreneurship support
- Income-generating activities
- Market access and value chain development
- Agricultural and food security initiatives
- Digital and financial inclusion
- Women and youth economic empowerment
The programme promotes sustainable and community-driven economic solutions.
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Support Refugee-Led Organizations in Botswana
- Strengthen economic empowerment and resilience
- Improve livelihood opportunities
- Promote local ownership and inclusion
- Increase access to self-reliance opportunities
- Support durable solutions for displaced populations
The programme aligns with UNHCR’s community-based protection and localization strategies.
Expected Results
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved self-reliance among refugees and asylum-seekers
- Increased economic inclusion
- Better access to livelihood opportunities
- Stronger community-led economic initiatives
- Greater participation in national development opportunities
Eligible Activities
Supported activities may include:
- Vocational training programmes
- Small business and entrepreneurship support
- Agricultural and food security projects
- Financial literacy and inclusion programmes
- Market linkage and value chain activities
- Youth and women empowerment initiatives
- Digital inclusion programmes
Who is Eligible?
The programme mainly targets:
- Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs)
- Community-based refugee initiatives
- Organizations supporting displaced populations in Botswana
Applicants should demonstrate experience in:
- Livelihood programming
- Community mobilisation
- Economic empowerment
- Refugee support services
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Focus on sustainable livelihood outcomes
- Demonstrate community participation
- Prioritize women and youth inclusion
- Include realistic implementation plans
- Show clear economic impact
Projects with innovative and locally relevant approaches may have stronger potential.
FAQ
Who is funding the programme?
The programme is funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
What is the indicative budget?
The indicative budget for the call is 49,504.
Who can apply?
Refugee-Led Organizations and groups supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons in Botswana.
What activities are supported?
The programme supports vocational training, entrepreneurship, agriculture, income generation, digital inclusion, and financial empowerment activities.
Which groups are prioritized?
The initiative places special emphasis on women and youth economic empowerment.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Livelihood and Economic Empowerment Grant in Botswana supports refugee-led and community-based initiatives that strengthen self-reliance, economic inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods. Through skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic opportunities, the programme aims to improve long-term resilience and durable solutions for displaced populations in Botswana.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
