Nairobi, Kenya - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have officially launched a multi-country project designed to facilitate economic recovery, enhance community resilience and promote peace in Kenya, Guinea and Somalia.

Since 2023, more than 1 million people have been displaced in Kenya, Guinea, and Somalia due to conflicts and climate disasters. This 3-year partnership, through the Empowering Livelihoods and Economic Vitality in Fragile and Conflict Zones (ELEVATE) project, will contribute to rebuilding fragile communities affected by displacement -- including vulnerable groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities. 

“With this partnership, IOM, in collaboration with the national authorities, will drive the economic empowerment of people in displacement contexts in three countries with comprehensive and innovative solutions. This will include short and longer-term alternative livelihoods support, as well as strengthening local economy and peace structures,” said Dimanche Sharon, IOM Kenya, Chief of Mission.

Project activities will include rehabilitation of essential public and economic infrastructure, creation of job opportunities through support for small to medium-sized enterprises, enhancing income generation capacity of vulnerable people with Individual Livelihoods Assistance, and building social cohesion.

The project aims to directly support 6,000 people in Kenya, 4,600 people in Guinea, and 3,550 people in Somalia.

“The launch of this multi-country project reaffirms both organizations’ commitment to fostering peace and stability for conflict-affected and fragile communities, anchored on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus,” said Ms. Songi Han, KOICA, Acting Country Director for Kenya, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Somalia

IOM and KOICA are committed to working collaboratively with the authorities at the national and local levels to rebuild and strengthen communities in these fragile areas.

For more information, please contact:

IOM Kenya Communications, Email: iomkenyacommunications@iom.int

IOM Guinea Communications, Email: lchandellier@iom.int

IOM Somalia Communications, Email: somaliacomms@iom.int