Exploring the potential and challenges of refugee entrepreneurship in Kiziba camp

Exploring the potential and challenges of refugee entrepreneurship in Kiziba camp

Warwick Business School

Baraka Muhoza

2025

Baraka Muhoza

Entrepreneurship has become crucial in building self-reliance. This study aimed to examine the role of entrepreneurship in moving beyond survival, challenges faced, and the influence of humanitarian aid on entrepreneurship. I conducted a mixed-methods study that included a survey of 86 refugees both entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs living inside and outside the camp, as well as interviews with 20 refugees. The findings indicated that 29% of refugee businesses depend on humanitarian assistance. However, over half of those surveyed (52%) reported that humanitarian assistance is insufficient, making it difficult for them to focus on entrepreneurship. Additionally, many are not receiving cash assistance (25%), which hinders refugee entrepreneurship in Kiziba Camp. In terms of current livelihoods, for most refugees in Kiziba Camp, humanitarian assistance remains the single most important source of income, and the majority are not engaged in any business activities (77%). Regarding their current experience with entrepreneurship, most refugees considered it because they want to become financially independent (35%). The challenges highlighted range from limited income in the camp and a lack of business knowledge to inadequate access to startup capital. The study recommended improving infrastructure, maintaining humanitarian aid, and establishing a dedicated entrepreneurship hub in the camp that focuses on offering tailored training on a permanent basis. These findings highlight the importance of long-term and organised support in transforming refugee entrepreneurship from a survival technique to a reliable and sustainable livelihood strategy.

#Refugees # Refugees Entrepreneurship# Entrepreneurship# Kiziba camp# challenges#Potential