By Peter Ochieng
Equity Bank Group has announced partnership with the World Food Program (WFP) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), to implement projects aimed at stimulating sustainable development.
As part of the private sector partners mission, Equity Group Managing Director, Dr. James Mwangi visited the Kakuma Refugee camp in Turkana County for a new refugee integration initiative dubbed ‘Shirika Plan.’
According to a Wednesday, May 22, 2024 press releases, ‘Shirika Plan’ is a five-year transition initiative designed to foster socio-economic inclusion for both refugees and host communities in the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps.
Speaking of the partnership Dr Mwangi said: “We chose to collaborate with UNHCR as their programs align seamlessly with our mission at Equity Group Foundation. After engaging in discussions with authorities, including a session with the state department for immigration, we are confident about our areas of collaboration. The integration process is gradual, and we are proud to be an integral part of it.”
He noted that over the years, they have significantly focused on health, and that they are contemplating extending the Equity Afia franchise network within the refugee camps.
The UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner, Kelly Clements who led the mission to Kakuma expressed gratitude to Equity Group for its willingness to help accelerate the integration of refugees and host communities.
“Our strategic partners, Equity Group, have been big supporters of what we do. These kinds of partnerships and missions mean a lot,” she said.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equity Bank and the World Food Program are collaborating on a project, titled the “Promotion of Sustainable Food Security.’
Peter Musoko, Representative and Country Director of WFP in the DRC, commenting on the partnership said, “Innovative finance has the power to turn challenges into opportunities, driving sustainable development and growth in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with women and youth at the forefront.”
This project is set to create impact in the lives of local community members by bolstering food security, generating employment, and enhancing living conditions.
The project is expected to create impact in the lives of local community members by bolstering food security, generating employment, and enhancing living conditions.