Mahama (Rwanda) : World Vision supports refugee entrepreneurship

The international NGO World Vision has obtained funding to implement the second phase of its “Fight against poverty” project in the Mahama refugee camp and its surroundings. This program primarily targets the most vulnerable people, encouraging them to submit income-generating activity projects.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The registration of candidates for this new phase is currently taking place in village 6, Mahama 1 zone, in a multipurpose hall usually used for festivities and ceremonies. This operation attracts a large crowd, and incidents have already been reported. Last week, two refugees were seriously injured in a stampede. Trampled by the crowd, they were taken to hospital where their lives were saved.

World Vision pays special attention to women, people with disabilities, widows, orphans, unaccompanied children, victims of sexual violence, and single mothers, among others. The aim is to support promising initiatives that can contribute to improving the living conditions of beneficiaries.

Funding details

The allocated funding extends over three years, from August 2024 to July 2027. Each selected project may receive up to 800,000 Rwanda francs. During the first phase of the project, several refugees benefited from this program, with various activities such as small business, agriculture and husbandry (livestock, poultry, etc.).

These initiatives were carried out both inside the camp and in the surrounding communities, particularly in the Mahama and Nyamugali sectors, located in the Kirehe district, Eastern province.

Challenges and lessons from Phase I

Although the results were generally positive, several challenges emerged. Some projects suffered from climate hazards, compromising their profitability, while other beneficiaries returned to Burundi without repaying the funds or disappeared.

A livestock project supported by World Vision in Mahama, January 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)

“These behaviors weaken credibility and trust in refugees,” regrets a community leader.

Natural disasters also constitute a factor of unpredictability. A recent example is that of a cow killed by a hippopotamus near village 13, in the Mahama II zone. Fortunately, its owner had taken out environmental insurance, which will allow him to receive compensation of 400,000 Rwanda francs.

A welcomed initiative

These efforts by World Vision, UNHCR’s main partner in this initiative, are widely appreciated by the refugees.

Mahama, the largest refugee camp in Rwanda, is home to more than 63,000 people, including 40,000 Burundians and Congolese. The support provided by these programs contributes significantly to improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations while promoting their autonomy.

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A trade project supported by World Vision in Mahama camp in Rwanda (SOS Médias Burundi)