In February 2025, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Brazil, in collaboration with the Besouro Social Development Agency, will launch an “Entrepreneurship by Necessity” program in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp. This initiative aims to empower 250 women from both Christian and Islamic faiths, providing them with the tools and knowledge to establish sustainable businesses within the camp.
The program employs the ByNecessity® methodology, which condenses traditional business planning into an 11-step process over 15 hours of training. Participants will delve into topics such as networking, entrepreneurial mindset, innovation, strategic business planning, marketing, market research, financial management, and overcoming challenges. Upon completing the course, attendees will receive a 90-day coaching period to support the successful launch and sustainability of their businesses.
Over the past three years, GPF Brazil and Besouro have implemented this entrepreneurship program in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, training thousands of young individuals. The upcoming initiative in Kakuma marks the seventh entrepreneurship program in Africa, emphasizing GPF’s commitment to fostering economic self-reliance among vulnerable populations.
Established in 1992, Kakuma Refugee Camp is located in northwest Kenya and was initially set up to house Sudanese children fleeing civil war. Today, it accommodates thousands of refugees from various countries, including South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The camp is divided into four areas: Kakuma 1, 2, 3, and 4. In 2016, the Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement was established to decongest the camp and promote socio-economic integration with the host community.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between GPF Brazil, Besouro Social Development Agency, and Rescue Wing NGO. Rescue Wing is a global project dedicated to supporting women and children, aligning seamlessly with the program’s objectives in Kakuma. The Kakuma entrepreneurship program is poised to make a significant impact by equipping women with the skills and confidence to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. By fostering economic independence, the initiative aims to enhance the quality of life within the refugee camp and contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development in the region.
The Global Peace Foundation has been at the forefront of youth empowerment initiatives worldwide, equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to become leaders and changemakers in their communities. Through programs focused on entrepreneurship, leadership development, education, and peacebuilding, GPF fosters a culture of innovation and social responsibility among youth. In countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, GPF has launched initiatives such as the Character and Creativity Initiative, which enhances youth employability through values-based education, and the Leap Hub program, which provides mentorship and business incubation for young entrepreneurs. By emphasizing moral and innovative leadership, GPF empowers youth to drive sustainable solutions to social and economic challenges, helping build more resilient and peaceful societies globally. For more information about the entrepreneurship by necessity project, please visit the GPF Brazil website.
