In a clear demonstration of growing private sector engagement, business leaders convened today for a high-level, closed-door CEO Leadership Roundtable co-hosted by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Amahoro Coalition. The event served as a powerful prelude to the upcoming African Private Sector Forum on Forced Displacement, set to take place in Nairobi on April 29, 2025.
With over 45 million forcibly displaced people living in Africa, participants called for urgent and collaborative action to unlock economic opportunities for refugees and their host communities.
The roundtable marked a shift in how businesses approach displacement: not as a crisis to be managed but as an opportunity to drive inclusive growth.
Under the 2025 Forum’s theme – “All In” – leaders committed to advancing inclusion, investment, and innovation while directly addressing systemic inequality. Discussions focused on breaking down barriers that prevent displaced people from accessing dignified work, starting businesses, and participating in the financial system.
“This roundtable is part of a growing and deliberate movement across the continent,” said Nancy Aburi, Chief of Private Sector Partnerships Africa, UNHCR. “More and more businesses are recognizing that inclusion is not just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic advantage. When companies go ‘all in,’ they help create markets that are stronger, more resilient, and reflective of Africa’s full potential.”
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr., Founder and Curator of the Amahoro Coalition, added: “Africa’s displaced communities are rich in talent and economic potential. Integrating this talent into supply chains, teams, and strategies isn’t about charity – it’s sound business. When refugees and displaced persons are part of economic ecosystems, companies gain new insights, markets expand, and industries grow stronger.”
Among the private sector leaders in the room were representatives from Equity Bank and Safaricom. During the roundtable, Saralyn Wairumi, Associate Director at Equity Bank Ltd, reflected: “Equity Bank’s operating model lies at the intersection of commercial success, social impact, and sustainability goals. For over a decade, we’ve supported cash transfers, opened branches in refugee-hosting areas, and extended loans to both refugees and host communities – proving that inclusive finance can transform lives and communities.”
Also attending the event, Karen Basiye, Director of Sustainable Business and Social Development at Safaricom PLC, noted: “True transformation happens when businesses see refugees not just as beneficiaries, but as partners in economic growth. Refugees are seeking opportunities to contribute, build businesses, and become part of thriving economies. The private sector has a unique role in unlocking this potential by creating partnerships that are both profitable and impactful.”
During the session, private sector leaders affirmed their commitment to a sustainable impact for forcibly displaced communities in Africa:
- Financial institutions committed to expanding financial accessibility for refugee entrepreneurs across Kenya, Uganda, and other operational regions.
- Telecommunication companies confirmed continued efforts to promote digital and financial inclusion, particularly in East Africa, and to develop cross-border solutions for refugee access to financial services.
- Finance corporations urged a shift in perspective—viewing refugees as economic contributors—and advocated for policies that improve business and financial access.
- Mid-size organizations emphasized holistic support, including infrastructure development, literacy programs, and telecom-driven microfinance.
As the countdown begins for the African Private Sector Forum on Forced Displacement, today’s commitments reflect growing momentum toward market-based, community-driven solutions — led with ambition, innovation, and long-term investment.
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