In a collaborative effort to bolster socio-economic inclusion and educational opportunities for refugees and displaced communities, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), IHS Cameroon, and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) have launched a new partnership in Cameroon’s Far North Region.
This initiative is designed to foster improved access to connectivity, skills, and economic opportunities, aligning with Cameroon’s National Development Strategy (NDS 2030).
The Far North Region hosts nearly two million displaced individuals—about 500,000 refugees from the Central African Republic and Nigeria—facing significant humanitarian and developmental challenges.
In response, the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets the framework for implementing socio-economic and educational programs to enhance the quality of life for displaced individuals and their host communities.
Under the agreement, IHS Cameroon will introduce digital kiosks to improve internet access and provide a safe, connected environment in Minawao Camp and its surrounding communities. This initiative includes the refurbishment of the camp’s ICT center, allowing more community members to improve their digital literacy and access educational resources.
“This collaboration is pivotal,” remarked Yvette Muhimpundu, UNHCR Representative, “Empowering forcibly displaced and stateless people, and helping them foster self-reliance, will ease their participation in the local economy, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Olufemi Arosanyin, CEO of IHS Cameroon, highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable development, saying, “We hope the digital kiosks and the refurbished ICT center will create pathways for refugees to engage in public life, access education, and foster community cohesion.”
Ousmane N’Gaide, Country Director of JRS, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, “This initiative provides opportunities for refugees and the host population to exchange ideas, build skills, and engage with the global community.”
The partnership represents a model for coordinated efforts between humanitarian organizations, the private sector, and local stakeholders to create inclusive, long-term solutions for displaced populations in Cameroon.
