Thirty young entrepreneurs from both refugee and host communities in Nakivale Settlement have completed a three-day training aimed at equipping them with digital business skills. The programme, which ended on November 9, 2026, was organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and held at the settlement's Base Camp in Isingiro district.
A Focus on Digital Growth
The training introduced participants to the Digitalise Your Business (DYB) module, an initiative under the ILO's global Start and Improve Your Business framework. The module is designed to help small business owners adapt to an increasingly digital economy by teaching them how to build an online presence, trade through digital marketplaces, and streamline their internal operations using mobile technology.
Local trainers, including Rose Mashimbo and David Katenderi, guided the entrepreneurs through practical sessions on marketing their businesses online and using digital tools to reach wider audiences. The hands-on approach allowed participants to explore applications and platforms that can help them grow their ventures despite the challenges of operating in a settlement setting.
Bridging the Digital Divide
For many refugees and members of the host community in Nakivale, access to digital skills remains limited. The ILO's initiative seeks to close that gap by providing training that is tailored to the local context. By focusing on mobile technology, which is widely accessible, the programme aims to make digital tools practical and relevant for everyday business use.
The training is part of a broader effort to support economic self-reliance among displaced communities and their neighbours. Equipping entrepreneurs with digital skills can open up new markets, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to job creation and resilience in the region.
Looking Ahead
Participants expressed optimism about applying what they learned to their businesses. The skills gained are expected to help them compete more effectively and adapt to changing market conditions. The ILO has indicated that such programmes will continue to be rolled out to support more entrepreneurs in refugee settlements and host communities.
As digitalisation reshapes economies worldwide, initiatives like the DYB module offer a pathway for marginalised communities to participate in the digital economy and build sustainable livelihoods.
