Zambia and World Bank Launch $30 Million Project to Advance Refugee and Host Community Integration

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – In a significant step towards improving the welfare of refugees and host communities through better integration into national systems, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), through Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security (MoHAIS), has launched the Zambia Refugee and Host Communities Project (ZRHCP). A key focus of the project is harmonizing legal and administrative frameworks with the National Refugee Policy and the issuance of biometric national registration cards to refugees and former refugees, fully integrating them into Zambia’s digital civil registration system. MoHAIS Minister, Honourable Jack Mwiimbu, inaugurated the project at Meheba Settlement in Kalumbila District, Northwestern Province on 30 September. Speaking at the launch, Minister Mwiimbu emphasized the project’s significance, as “a transformative initiative with a clear goal to improve access to socio-economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities. Through this project, we seek to unlock the potential for self-reliance, economic development, and social inclusion by addressing long-standing challenges.”

With over 112,000 refugees and other forcibly displaced individuals residing primarily in settlements alongside host communities, Minister Mwiimbu emphasized that, the project represents more than just the beginning of a development initiative; it is a testament to Zambia’s steadfast commitment to inclusive development, social cohesion, and firm belief in “leaving no one behind.”

The project also enhances access to essential services, such as, upgrading schools, healthcare facilities, water systems, and roads- while expanding economic opportunities through climate-smart agriculture, market linkages, and support for small businesses. By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and livelihood programs, ZRHCP seeks to promote self-reliance, resilience, and social cohesion, helping both refugees and host communities transition from humanitarian assistance toward sustainable development.

Developed jointly by the Government and the World Bank (WB), with technical support from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the ZRHCP represents the first WB-financed grant in Zambia aimed at integrating refugees into national systems in line with the National Refugee Policy. The project, funded with US $30 million under the IDA20 Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR), became effective on 23 December 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on 31 October 2028.

Ms. Helen Mebrahtu, Officer-in-Charge of UNHCR Representation in Zambia, welcomed the launch. She said, “We are encouraged by the support from the World Bank and the Government of the Republic of Zambia’s commitment to implementing this initiative for the benefit of both refugees and host communities. This project is a significant step forward in supporting vulnerable populations.” She also called on MoHAIS to ensure the project is effectively implemented to achieve its intended objectives.

“This project will strengthen the enabling environment, climate-resilient community infrastructure, and support to agribusiness and livelihoods,” said Achim Fock, World Bank Country Manager for Zambia.

The launch was attended by senior government officials, representatives from the World Bank and UNHCR, refugees, former refugees, and members of the host community, highlighting a shared commitment to inclusive growth and development.

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For more information contact:

MoHAIS: Mwala Kalaluka (Lusaka) [email protected] +260 975 238 937

Carlyn Hambuba (Lusaka) [email protected] +260 966 167 007

UNHCR: Stephanie Perham (Lusaka) [email protected] +260 777 229 957