David Mwanje
Koboko Municipality has been selected as one of six inaugural grantees to receive catalytic investment and support from the Mayors Migration Council’s (MMC) Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees (GCF). The $3 million fund aims to help cities implement bold, locally-driven solutions that drive economic inclusion for migrants, refugees, and host communities.
Through the grant, Koboko is launching a Waste to Wealth project that creates green jobs for women and youth. The initiative focuses on producing and selling alternative energy and recycled products through briquette making, composting, and clean-energy kiosks. The program promotes a circular economy, reduces pollution, and expands access to sustainable livelihoods in displacement-affected communities.
Mayor Wilson Sanya of Koboko highlighted the project’s dual focus on climate resilience and economic opportunity. “Thanks to the support of the Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees, Koboko Municipality will accelerate climate resilience while opening new economic opportunities. Through our Waste to Wealth project, we will turn environmental challenges into livelihoods for young people, women, and displacement-affected communities,” said Sanya. “This initiative shows that mayors and cities must be at the center of solutions to both migration and climate crises—not on the sidelines.”
The other cities receiving funding include Boston (United States), Kanifing (The Gambia), Manta (Ecuador), Quezon City (Philippines), and Turin (Italy). Each city will receive up to $500,000 USD over two years, along with tailored technical assistance from the MMC and strategic partners including C40 Cities, Metropolis, UN-Habitat, IOM, UNHCR, and UCLG.
Economic Inclusion Matters
Cities generate over 80% of global GDP and offer unmatched opportunities for newcomers, from labor markets to entrepreneurial prospects. Migrants and refugees contribute to local economies by filling labor shortages, sustaining essential services, and driving innovation in sectors such as healthcare and climate resilience.
Yet, migrants often face barriers that limit their economic potential, including restricted access to work authorization and financial systems, vulnerability in informal or gig economies, and systemic discrimination. “Mayors continue to deliver solutions that include in their local economies those who are often overlooked. We’re proud to help cities turn migration into a competitive advantage—unlocking prosperity not just for newcomers, but for all,” said Vittoria Zanuso, Executive Director of the MMC.
A Growing Global Platform
The GCF builds on the MMC’s 2024 Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action, which pledged investment in economic inclusion solutions for urban migrants and refugees. Since its launch, the Fund has mobilized $28 million, surpassing its initial $25 million target. It has supported city-led migration solutions in 26 cities, improved the lives of over 100,000 migrants, refugees, and local community members, and enabled 90% of grantees to unlock additional resources to expand their projects. With rising demand and proven success, the MMC has set a new goal to raise $50 million by 2030 to expand the Fund’s reach and impact.
Expert-Led Selection and Partnerships
Grantees were selected by an independent steering committee of global experts, based on anticipated impact, community engagement, leadership commitment, and potential for replication. Committee members include Serena Guarnaschelli (KOIS), Nasra Ismail (Generative Connections), Annemieke de Jong (Stichting Kandidatennetwerk), Sana Mustafa (Equality Fund), and Fatima Shama (Bloomberg LP).
The Fund’s newest window is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and the IKEA Foundation, with ongoing technical guidance from MMC strategic partners. Koboko’s selection underlines the critical role of cities in fostering inclusive, sustainable economic opportunities for migrants, refugees, and local communities, turning social challenges into drivers of innovation and prosperity.
