Humanitarian crises are intensifying in Africa, whilst traditional sources of funding are struggling to meet ever-increasing needs. With 44 million people forcibly displaced by the end of 2024, according to the UNHCR, the continent is facing a situation that is prompting private sector actors to step up their commitment. Companies, banks, foundations and investors are now being called upon not only to provide funding, but also to create jobs, develop services and support the self-reliance of vulnerable communities.
Africa is facing a humanitarian emergency that continues to spread. At the end of 2024, 44 million people were forcibly displaced across the continent, according to UNHCR. Sub-Saharan Africa is also home to nearly half of the world’s 63 million internally displaced people. Against this backdrop, traditional funding is struggling to keep pace.
“In Africa, where most of the population is employed in the private sector – even if it is an informal private sector – I would say that the private sector is not standing on the sidelines whilst the crisis unfolds.”
Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice-President, AfDB – Cameroon
The private sector is therefore emerging as an essential partner. Companies, banks, telecommunications operators, foundations and investors have financial, technological and human resources capable of complementing humanitarian efforts. Early results point to growing momentum. In 2024, UNHCR worked with more than 50 private-sector partners in Africa, enabling 200,132 people to benefit from programmes in education, employment and agriculture.
“The role of telecommunications companies is to restore communications quickly so that support agencies can better coordinate their efforts and provide more effective assistance to those affected. Everyone therefore has a part to play in the response to a crisis.”
Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice-President, AfDB – Cameroon
Financial commitments are also gaining momentum. The Mastercard Foundation allocated 25 million dollars to initiatives supporting Sudanese refugees, particularly in education, livelihoods and economic inclusion.
“I’ll start with the local private sector, as that is where stakeholders should prioritise their support and commitment. Anne-Laure, as you mentioned, there are several SMEs and co-operatives with which the private sector can collaborate.”
Laurent Matile, Development Expert at Alliance Sud – Switzerland
For the African Development Bank and its partners, the challenge now is to attract more private investment to areas affected by displacement. Agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy and telecommunications are seen as priority sectors for turning emergency aid into sustainable economic solutions.
