Did you know that around 30 million internally displaced persons, refugees and asylum-seekers live in Africa, representing almost one-third of the world’s refugee population? That’s according to the latest UNHCR data. Behind these numbers are countless talented individuals, many of them young people, eager to contribute their skills and experiences to our workforce. But they face unique challenges in finding employment, while African employers often struggle to find the right talent. Let’s explore how we can bridge this gap and create opportunities for everyone.
The Refugee Reality in Africa
Political unrest, conflicts, and displacement have forced millions to flee their homes across our continent. Some cross borders, becoming refugees, while others are internally displaced due to tribal clashes or other factors. We often refer to this group as “Refugees and Displaced Persons” (RDP). Despite their circumstances, many RDPs possess valuable skills and a strong drive to succeed.
Challenges and Opportunities
For young refugees, finding work can be particularly tough. They may lack proper documentation, face language barriers, or struggle to have their qualifications recognized. On the flip side, African employers often complain about skills shortages in various sectors. By tapping into the refugee talent pool, companies can fill these gaps while giving deserving individuals a chance to rebuild their lives.
Mary Maker’s Story
Take Mary Maker, for example. A South Sudanese refugee, Mary didn’t let her circumstances hold her back. After graduating from the African Leadership Academy, she has been actively supporting fellow refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked with the United Nations Refugees Agency (UNHCR) to organize outreach efforts to deliver essential supplies to refugee camps in Kenya. She is creating positive impact in people lives. You can read more about Mary’s inspiring journey here: https://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/2020/04/22/mary-maker-19-supports-south-sudanese-refugees-with-covid-19-outreach/
How African Career Network (ACN) is Making a Difference
At ACN, we’re committed to connecting refugee talent with employment opportunities across Africa by partnering with companies open to hiring refugees, providing guidance on work permit processes, offering mentorship to help refugees navigate the job market and crafting skills assessment and training programs
Employment Opportunities for Refugees
More and more organizations are stepping up to help refugees find work. Some run training programs right in the refugee camps, teaching useful job skills. With remote work becoming common, refugees can now work for companies far from where they live. Some businesses even have special internships for young refugees. There’s also support for refugees who want to start their own businesses, with people offering money, training, and advice to help them get going.
Your Role in Making a Difference
Want to make a difference? If you’re hiring, think about hiring refugees. They bring fresh ideas and a strong work ethic. You can also speak up for better laws to help refugees work legally. If you want to help one-on-one, consider being a mentor to a refugee in your field. Your know-how could really help someone trying to restart their career. And if you can, support groups that train refugees for jobs. Every little bit helps!
Remember, every skilled refugee hired is a step towards a more prosperous Africa for all. Let’s make it happen!
