What's Happening?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is calling for expressions of interest from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international NGOs (INGOs) to implement livelihoods and economic inclusion interventions in Sudan. This initiative
aims to support forcibly displaced populations (FDPs) and host communities, particularly in North Kordofan, which has been significantly affected by ongoing conflict. The program seeks to reduce economic vulnerability and dependency by fostering sustainable income opportunities, promoting climate-smart agriculture, encouraging entrepreneurship, enhancing financial inclusion, and supporting local economic development. Key activities include business skills training, market-oriented livelihood support, and assistance for microenterprises. The UNHCR emphasizes a market-based approach to ensure long-term economic self-reliance and strengthen local businesses and agricultural systems. The conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted markets, employment, and access to financial services, making such interventions crucial for the survival and stability of affected communities.
Why It's Important?
This UNHCR initiative is critical for addressing the severe economic disruption and increased poverty among displaced populations and host communities in Sudan due to ongoing conflict. By focusing on sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion, the program aims to shift beneficiaries from humanitarian assistance dependency towards self-reliance. The emphasis on climate-smart agriculture is particularly vital in a region heavily reliant on natural resources and vulnerable to climate and conflict-related shocks, promoting resilience and food security. Strengthening local markets and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can stimulate economic recovery and create employment opportunities, benefiting both displaced individuals and their host communities. Furthermore, improving access to financial services will empower entrepreneurs and households to invest in productive activities, fostering long-term economic stability and peaceful coexistence through shared economic opportunities.
What's Next?
NGOs and INGOs interested in participating must submit expressions of interest by September 15, 2026. The UNHCR will then select implementing partners based on their capacity to work with forcibly displaced populations, engage host communities, and deliver effective livelihoods programming. The selected partners will be expected to coordinate with government authorities, financial institutions, private-sector businesses, and other humanitarian and development actors to create an enabling economic environment. The program will focus on identifying vulnerable populations, assessing market opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening climate resilience, and providing targeted start-up support through micro-grants and cash-based interventions. The long-term goal is to ensure that interventions contribute to sustained economic participation rather than temporary assistance, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation to track progress and adapt strategies as needed.
Beyond the Headlines
The UNHCR's focus on economic inclusion and self-reliance in Sudan highlights a broader shift in humanitarian aid strategies, moving beyond immediate relief to address the root causes of vulnerability and foster long-term development. This approach recognizes that protracted displacement requires sustainable solutions that empower affected communities to rebuild their lives and contribute to local economies. The integration of climate-smart agriculture underscores the interconnectedness of humanitarian crises, climate change, and economic stability, advocating for holistic interventions that build resilience against multiple threats. By supporting local businesses and FDP-led organizations, the initiative also promotes dignity and agency among displaced populations, enabling them to shape their own futures. This model could serve as a blueprint for other conflict-affected regions, demonstrating how strategic partnerships and market-based solutions can transform humanitarian responses into pathways for sustainable development and peacebuilding.
