In a groundbreaking initiative, skilled refugees hosted in Uganda are embarking on new careers in Italy’s thriving tech sector, thanks to a collaborative program by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and local partners.
Uganda, home to Africa’s largest refugee population—approximately 1.8 million people—has long provided sanctuary to those fleeing conflict in neighboring countries. Yet, even highly skilled refugees often struggle to secure stable employment. Now, a new pathway is opening doors for tech professionals seeking to rebuild their lives abroad.
The first group of ten refugees has arrived in Naples and Turin after completing intensive training under ITC’s ReadyForIT – Labor Pathways for Refugees initiative. The program, which prepared 21 candidates, included technical training in Java and SQL, interview coaching, Italian language lessons, and workplace integration support.
Participants came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. Many had professional backgrounds but faced barriers—whether living in remote settlements with limited connectivity or struggling to find work in Kampala.
From Refugee Settlements to Italy’s Tech Industry
Alpha Ntihinduka, a former refugee from Rwanda, is among the success stories. After training with ITC, he secured a position at Accenture in Italy. “ITC equipped me with programming skills and prepared me for interviews. Now, I’m a tech professional with renewed confidence and financial stability,” he shared.
The program partnered with Refactory Uganda, a local tech academy, to provide hands-on coaching and upskilling. Additionally, Italian firm DevelHope contributed expertise, bridging international best practices with Uganda’s context.
A Win for Refugees and Employers Alike
Of the 16 refugees placed in Italy so far, eight joined Accenture in Naples, while others secured roles at Aubay, Btinkeeng, Dedagroup, OverIT, Reale ITES, and ValueTech. This initiative, part of ITC’s Refugees & Trade Programme, not only offers refugees a fresh start but also addresses Italy’s demand for skilled IT workers.
“This labor mobility pathway proves that refugees bring valuable talent to global markets,” said an ITC representative. “By collaborating with governments, businesses, and training providers, we’re turning displacement into opportunity.”
Expanding Opportunities for Women and Youth
Buoyed by this success, Refactory is scaling up efforts, launching a project to train 9,000 women—including refugees—in Uganda by 2027, with a goal of creating 6,000 tech jobs locally.
The ReadyForIT initiative highlights how strategic partnerships can transform lives, offering refugees not just survival but a chance to thrive in high-demand industries. As more candidates prepare for overseas roles, Uganda’s role as a hub for talent development continues to grow.
