Innovating mobile solutions for refugees in East Africa: Policy brief

Policy brief from Samuel Hall’s project exploring mobile technology solutions for refugees in East Africa

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Mobile technology provides solutions that address challenges associated with forced migration and can improve the well-being and socioeconomic status of refugees living in protracted displacement. Access to digital services, especially through smartphones, has become a vital tool for many refugees as they journey from their home and as they begin to settle in host countries.

Based on research conducted by Samuel Hall, this paper highlights the importance of mobile technology to refugees in East Africa and the barriers associated with smartphone access and ownership within refugee communities. The paper also offers policy advice to improve access to support services that can be delivered using mobile technology and the internet in similar refugee settings.