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 one 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.   

“Through this partnership with KOICA and national authorities in Somalia, we will strengthen economic resilience and empower marginalized communities in conflict- and climate-affected regions, through innovative solutions.” said Prestage Murima, IOM Somalia Deputy Chief of Mission, during the launch of the project. 

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