Konexio Africa Recognised With Sharjah International Award For Innovative Refugee Advocacy And Support

The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) has recognised Konexio Africa with the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA 2025). This award honours Konexio Africa's innovative model that transforms digital skills into sustainable income for refugees in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. The organisation was chosen from 790 global nominations for its impactful approach to empowering refugees.

Konexio Africa bridges education and income generation by offering hands-on training in advanced digital skills. This training leads directly to freelance and long-term employment opportunities. Since its inception in 2019, the organisation has become a leading example of how digital education can transform lives by empowering refugees with knowledge, productivity, and dignity.

Konexio Africa's efforts have significantly increased employment rates to 90 percent and boosted monthly incomes from less than one dollar a day to around 200 dollars. Women constitute 66 percent of participants, highlighting the organisation's commitment to gender equality and community progress. By focusing on in-demand digital skills, Konexio helps overcome legal barriers that limit refugees' access to job markets.

The organisation operates modern digital centres in refugee camps equipped with Starlink high-speed internet and solar energy. These centres provide childcare facilities so mothers can study and work safely. A hybrid learning system allows remote learning when necessary. Konexio also uses databases and corporate partnerships to recruit talent while involving refugees in teaching and mentoring roles.

Konexio Africa offers various programmes tailored to different needs. The Digital Empowerment Programme provides practical training for women and youth in basic technical skills. It partners with local organisations inside camps and connects graduates with global platforms like Upwork and Appen, opening new freelance opportunities internationally.

The Advanced Digital Skills Programme develops professional-level expertise through collaborations with Africa Career Networks and companies such as TotalEnergies. It offers training, mentoring, and work opportunities in technology and renewable energy sectors.

Global Business Services Programme

The Global Business Services Programme links trained participants with international employers through secure hubs equipped with advanced infrastructure. Refugees work under two-year contracts earning around 250 dollars per month, providing digital services for major companies like SEB, Teleperformance, and TotalEnergies.

Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, stated: "The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support was created to guide humanitarian work towards lasting outcomes. It prioritises dignity, self-reliance, sustainable development and economic participation. We recognise scalable and locally rooted models that can create positive system-level change."

Investment in Sustainable Solutions

Al Musaiebi added that SIARA encourages investment in solutions that build capabilities, strengthen markets, and make communities more resilient over time. Konexio Africa will receive AED500,000 (US$136,000) to expand its operations further within vulnerable communities.

The Sharjah International Award promotes practical humanitarian solutions proven effective. It highlights digital skills as a powerful tool for empowering refugees while confirming that investment in education is key to creating dignified futures for displaced people.

With inputs from WAM