May 23, 2026 (Kigali, Rwanda): Delegations from IGAD Member States have concluded a five-day Regional Learning Visit to Rwanda, aimed at learning from one of the continent’s most progressive refugee management systems and exploring practical pathways for advancing refugee protection and durable solutions across the IGAD region.
The exchange brought together representatives from refugee commissions and ministries responsible for interior, health, education and labour from each of the member states, alongside officials from the Government of Rwanda’s Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET), UNHCR, the IGAD Secretariat as well as partners. Supported by the Governments of Sweden and the European Union, the visit combined high-level policy exchanges with field visits to the refugee-hosting area districts of Kirehe specifically Mahama Refugee Camp as well as the Emergency Transit Mechanism Centre in Gashora to observe the implementation of Rwanda’s refugee response model.
While officially opening the exchange program, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management of the Government of Rwanda, Hon. Ngoga Aristarque, underscored the significant evolution of Rwanda’s refugee management model, from a primarily humanitarian response to a more integrated, development-oriented approach. He noted that current policy places strong emphasis on inclusion, self-reliance, and resilience, with a particular focus on integrating refugees into national systems and development programmes.
“Through this visit, we look forward to sharing our experiences on policy evolution, governance structures, innovative programming, and coordination mechanisms contributing to stronger collaboration, fostering innovation, and advancing practical solutions that improve the lives of refugees, returnees, and host communities across the region,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Charles Obila, Coordinator of the IGAD Support Platform on Forced Displacement, commended Rwanda’s inclusive approach to displacement management. “Rwanda’s approach demonstrates that refugees can be integrated into national systems and empowered to contribute positively to host communities and national development. The experiences shared during this visit provide important lessons for IGAD Member States as we continue advancing regional solutions for forced displacement,” he noted.
A key takeaway from the exchange was Rwanda’s shift from a traditional care-and-maintenance approach toward a model centred on inclusion, self-reliance and shared prosperity. Rather than treating refugees solely as beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance, Rwanda recognizes them as economic actors capable of contributing to local economies and national development when provided with the right policy and legal environment. This approach has underpinned by the progressive legal and policies that anchors refugee response within national development systems.
One of the key transformative policies in Rwanda’s refugee response is the National Strategy for Sustainable Graduation (NSSG) under MINALOC. The Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for enabling poor and vulnerable households, including refugees, to transition from dependence on social assistance to resilient and sustainable livelihoods. Member States delegations learnt how the Strategy has provided a practical model for moving refugees beyond aid dependency toward economic inclusion and resilience, by promoting access to livelihoods, financial services, skills development, savings groups, and integration into national service delivery systems, the strategy has provided a practical model for moving refugees beyond aid dependency toward economic inclusion and resilience.
At Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District, which hosts more than half of Rwanda’s refugee population, delegates observed how refugees are integrated into national systems and local development processes. Through access to legal identity documents, refugees can open bank and mobile money accounts, seek formal employment, establish businesses and cooperatives, and access essential public services such as education and healthcare.
Participants also learned how Rwanda has embedded refugee response within national and district development frameworks, ensuring strong government ownership and coordination. Local governments, development partners, humanitarian agencies and host communities work collaboratively to deliver services and create economic opportunities that benefit both refugees and surrounding populations, strengthening social cohesion and reducing the risk of tensions.
Delegates visited a range of refugee-led livelihood initiatives, including a dairy cooperative as well as a culinary and textile training school, all of which support women, youth, and persons with disabilities from both refugee and host communities. Supported by the Government of Rwanda, UNHCR, and development partners through extension services, market linkages, and business development support, the cooperative has emerged as a successful example of refugee entrepreneurship and a pathway to self-reliance.
The exchange also included a visit to the Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) Centre in Gashora Sector, Bugesera District of Rwanda, established through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda, the African Union Commission and UNHCR. The facility has provided temporary protection to nearly 3,000 most vulnerable migrants evacuated from Libya and facilitated their access to durable solutions, including third-country resettlement. Delegates identified the ETM as an innovative model for addressing immediate protection needs while expanding safe and regular migration pathways.
For IGAD and its Member States, the learning visit highlighted the importance of progressive legal frameworks, anchored in strong government commitment and leadership. It emphasized the value of integrating refugees into national systems, fostering robust partnerships, and promoting community-based approaches that deliver shared benefits for both refugees and host communities. Participants noted that these lessons are particularly timely as the region works toward sustainable responses to protracted displacement, irregular migration, conflict, and climate-induced mobility, while advancing durable solutions that contribute to the well-being of refugees, host communities, and national economies alike.
At the end of the visit and exchange, IGAD Member States made commitments in areas they identified as beneficial to strengthening their respective models, with a view to improving protection outcomes and advancing durable solutions.
