TGI Group, a leading Nigerian conglomerate, has championed the role of the private sector in addressing the growing challenge of internal displacement in Africa. At the recently concluded 2024 Africa Roundtable on Private Sector Solutions to Internal Displacement, held in Lagos, TGI Group emphasized the transformative power of private sector interventions in helping displaced persons rebuild their lives.
The Roundtable, co-hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Nigerian government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to the displacement crisis.
Farouk Gumel, Vice Chairman of TGI Group, stressed the importance of inclusivity in sustainable development. “The private sector must play a proactive role in ensuring self-reliance and dignity for internally displaced persons. At TGI, we aim to bridge the gap between displaced persons and long-term opportunities by incorporating them into our agricultural and industrial value chains.”
TGI Group has already implemented several initiatives to empower displaced communities, including skills acquisition programs in agriculture, financial inclusion projects, and local enterprise development. These programs are designed to foster resilience and reduce dependency on humanitarian aid.
Habiba Sulieman, TGI Group’s Head of Strategic Partnerships, who moderated a roundtable discussion, reiterated the need for collaborative action. “This issue is not one any single entity can solve alone,” Sulieman noted. “At TGI, we are creating pathways for displaced individuals to integrate into sustainable livelihoods. However, this necessitates coordinated action from all sectors – government, private enterprise, and civil society.”
Sulieman highlighted the potential of scalable community projects, citing examples from TGI’s existing operations that provide employment and skills to vulnerable populations. “When businesses align profitability with social impact,” she said, “the results are transformative – not only for the communities we serve but for society as a whole.”
The 2024 Africa Roundtable marked a significant step towards fostering partnerships to address the challenges of internal displacement in Africa. TGI Group’s active participation underscored its commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth and demonstrated how private sector initiatives can drive meaningful change.