The Digital Lives of Refugees

This research produced by GSMA with UNHCR, looks at the ways in which refugees are using mobile phones to help guide digital interventions by humanitarian organisations and mobile network operators.  This research explores the ways in which mobile technology can improve access to financial services, utilities (notably energy) and identity services, as well as information to improve food security, with an overarching focus on gender and inclusivity in three refugee contexts: Kiziba (Rwanda), Bidi Bidi (Uganda) and urban areas in Jordan. It aims to provide humanitarian organisations and mobile network operators with unique insights and direction on how to work together to digitise humanitarian assistance and ensure the benefits of mobile technology are shared equally by all.

Jenny Casswell, Matthew Downer from the GSMA and John Warnes from UNHCR led a webinar for DFI discussing  this research for our alumni. You can watch the recording here.