UNHCR, ASKY Partner to Expand Refugee Access to Jobs

UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, and ASKY airline have teamed up for a three-year initiative to increase refugees' access to skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship in West and Central Africa. The agreement involves ASKY's aviation expertise and regional network alongside UNHCR's mandate for protection and solutions. In the initial phase, the partnership will cover six countries: Senegal, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire.

UNHCR Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Abdouraouf Gnon Konde, emphasized the importance of skills, markets, and decent work in restoring choice and dignity for displaced individuals. His goal is to help half of refugees in protracted situations across the region transition from long-term aid dependency to self-reliance and lasting solutions by 2035.

Konde highlighted that partnerships with African businesses like ASKY can transform this ambition into practical opportunities, particularly for women and young people, while bolstering the communities and economies that host them.

Esayas Hailu, Chief Executive Officer of ASKY airline, explained that as a pan-African airline, their business directly correlates with Africa's development. Refugees play an integral role in the communities they serve. Through this collaboration, ASKY aims to connect refugees' talent and enterprise with opportunities in the aviation industry, while also encouraging other African companies to incorporate refugee inclusion into their business practices.

Following the signing of the partnership, UNHCR and ASKY will jointly determine specific arrangements for training, scholarships, internships, employment, and, where applicable, humanitarian transport.