Cash Assistance Empowers Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Botswana

Mkeyo*, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, expressed his joy upon receiving cash assistance: “We have been waiting for this for a long time. With cash, we can buy anything we want.” 

As the sun rose over the plains of eastern Botswana, refugees, and asylum-seekers in the remote village of Dukwi eagerly awaited their cash assistance at the local post office. This distribution was part of a Cash-Based Intervention (CBI) programme recently launched by UNHCR, in collaboration with the Government of Botswana, to provide critical financial support to vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers at the Dukwi refugee camp, replacing the previous system of distributing food and non-food items.

Since its launch in Botswana, the CBI programme has benefited approximately 855 refugees and asylum-seekers from 249 households. With cash in hand, Mkeyo plans to invest in his bakery business by purchasing additional baking trays. “I have already purchased additional baking trays and plan to bake more. This will allow me to offer credit to customers, knowing that they will pay back once they receive their monthly CBI transfers. He noted that cash assistance has also created a market for local vegetable vendors.

During the annual engagement with refugees at Dukwi camp, Botswana’s Justice Minister, Machana Ronald Samukuni, applauded the CBI initiative: “This intervention empowers refugees to determine their own needs and promotes peaceful co-existence with host communities, benefiting the local economy.” The minister highlighted Botswana’s efforts to protect refugees, including overhauling its Refugee Act as part of its Global Refugee Forum pledges, appointing members of the Refugee Advisory Committee in April 2024, and planning to grant more citizenships to enhance integration and social cohesion.

Yusuf*, an 18-year-old refugee from Somalia, shared his excitement about receiving cash assistance: “it feels great going to the post office like everyone else. Now I can buy additional items like toiletries and access my money outside the camp.”

Graca*, a 54-year-old widow and asylum-seeker from Angola, hopes to become a citizen and saves a portion of her CBI each month to start a new life outside the camp. One of her five children has already received an identity document, a little but significant step towards their new life.  

“I am happy because I am currently in the process of becoming a citizen’ she says, “Once I get my citizenship, I will be able to use my savings to start a new life outside the camp,” said Graca.
“The rollout of CBI in Botswana marks a significant milestone, improving business processes and operational efficiencies, and ensuring timely provision of basic needs assistance” explained UNHCR’s CBI Officer, Gloria Ekuyoa, in appreciation to the government’s support.

In 2023, UNHCR provided over USD 700 million in cash assistance to 7 million people across 100 countries, with 95% of this cash being unrestricted. As for Mkeyo, Graca, Yusuf, and other UNHCR persons of concern at Dukwi camp, they remain optimistic about their future. “I cannot wait to finally become a Motswana,” said Graca.

*Only first names have been used for protection reasons.