Dakar — The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in partnership with the Government of Japan, has concluded the 2024 eCentre for Africa program, a significant initiative aimed at strengthening local emergency preparedness and response across the continent. This program brought together participants from 23 countries, fostering resilience and enhancing humanitarian action.
Over the course of 2024, the eCentre for Africa conducted a comprehensive program comprising four in-person workshops, four online webinars, 40 facilitated peer coaching sessions, and three online check-ins. These activities combined hands-on training, virtual support, and collaborative opportunities. Two workshops were held for the English-speaking cohort in Nairobi, Kenya, in May and November, while the French-speaking cohort participated in two workshops in Dakar, Senegal, in August and December. Sessions focused on critical themes such as Leadership in Emergencies, Humanitarian Negotiations, and Emergency Preparedness and Response.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Japan, whose generous support has been crucial in providing the opportunity to strengthen the emergency preparedness and response capabilities of both humanitarian and governmental partners" said Abdouraouf Gnon-Konde, Director for UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa "We are confident that this support will continue, to sustain this initiative and scall it up to benefit to a greater number of partners" He added.
The success of the eCentre for Africa program was made possible through the generous support of the Government of Japan, a long-standing partner of UNHCR in advancing humanitarian priorities. The program trained 64 local emergency practitioners--43% of whom were women--who will now disseminate on their knowledge and skills to over 600 responders in their home countries.
"I would like to congratulate the participants and commend this contribution to strengthening the capacities of humanitarian workers in Africa," said Mr. Shinichi Hirose, Adviser, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Japan in Senegal
The French-speaking cohort, representing eleven countries, benefited significantly from the program. The workshops in Dakar were tailored to address the specific challenges faced by francophone countries in managing crises. Participants engaged in capacity-building activities, interactive simulations, and collaborative discussions, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies effectively.
This initiative also fosters the creation of a "Community of Practice" among participants, ensuring continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration among local emergency responders. Participants will remain engaged through online platforms and periodic follow-ups, maintaining a network of skilled practitioners across the continent.
"This training has strengthened my skills in emergency preparedness and response, particularly in complex security contexts, while upholding humanitarian principles and prioritizing human lives," said Ms. Anuarite Kabuo Kalunga, Deputy Program Coordinator of the local NGOs MIDEFEHOPS. "I am grateful for this opportunity to improve coordination, advocacy, and assistance for the communities we serve."
Looking ahead, UNHCR plans to deepen its partnerships with African regional organizations, including the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS. The presence of AU Commissioner at the Nairobi workshop in May highlighted the importance of aligning the program's objectives with regional priorities. Building on this momentum, UNHCR is committed to expanding collaboration with ECOWAS and other local institutions to further strengthen humanitarian response mechanisms.
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"For 2025, we plan to organize at least two new cohorts and continue engagement with the two 2024 alumni cohorts." said Shoko Shimozawa, UNHCR's Director for the Division of Emergency, Security and Supply.
The 2024 eCentre for Africa program has demonstrated the power of collaboration and capacity-building in addressing the unique challenges of humanitarian emergencies in Africa. By equipping local actors with critical skills and fostering a strong network of practitioners, UNHCR, with the support of Japan, is paving the way for more effective and localized humanitarian action across the continent.
