Fatshimetrie, August 9, 2024 – The prospects for economic empowerment of young refugees were at the heart of the discussions during a unique workshop in Fatshimetrie, the bustling metropolis of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Organized by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in partnership with the Association for Social Development and Environmental Preservation (ADSSE), this event highlighted the crucial importance of entrepreneurship as a lever for development for these young people in search of stability and autonomy.
During this workshop, seasoned experts strongly encouraged young refugees from diverse backgrounds – Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan – to turn to entrepreneurship as a vector of economic empowerment. Makolo Olivier, an entrepreneurship expert, made a vibrant call to move beyond the status of job seekers to embrace the spirit of innovation and opportunity creation.
“I urge you to invest in promising projects that will not only allow you to flourish individually, but also to actively contribute to the dynamism of the Congolese economy,” Mr. Olivier stressed. He stressed the need for young refugees to free themselves from traditional constraints and to demonstrate courage and perseverance to face the challenges inherent in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship, according to Mr. Olivier, is not only a means of subsistence, but a real catalyst for change and innovation. By valuing talents and promoting personal development, entrepreneurs contribute to creating a better, more inclusive and more prosperous world for all.
In a context where uncertainty and obstacles are commonplace, entrepreneurship appears to be a path full of risks but also opportunities. By encouraging young refugees to step out of their comfort zone and explore new perspectives, this workshop highlighted the transformative potential of entrepreneurship for individual and collective development.
Ultimately, entrepreneurship presents itself as a driver of economic and social development, offering young refugees the opportunity to become not only actors of their own future, but also active contributors to building a more inclusive and resilient society. Through the creation of businesses and innovative projects, these young refugees can not only find a sustainable livelihood, but also become actively involved in building a better future for all.