Consultancy for Regional Workshop on Socio-Economic Reintegration and public-private partnerships

The Lake Chad Basin (LCB), encompassing Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, has been profoundly affected by protracted conflict, insecurity, and the activities of non-state armed groups (NSAGs). In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with regional and national partners, has spearheaded a series of regional workshops since 2020 to advance Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) programming. These workshops have become a platforms for dialogue, experience sharing, and coordination among senior governmental stakeholders, facilitating the harmonization of approaches and strengthening regional cooperation. 

Despite progress in DDRR, socio-economic reintegration remains a critical and complex challenge. Former associates of NSAGs face significant barriers to sustainable economic inclusion, such as limited access to livelihoods, vocational skills development, financial services, and employment opportunities. These obstacles are compounded by persistent stigma and fragile local economies. 

The reintegration process is further complicated by the need to address not only the needs of former associates but also those of host communities, to promote acceptance, reduce tensions, and foster social cohesion. Supporting both individuals and communities is essential for stabilization, resilience, and long-term peacebuilding in conflict-affected areas. 

Recognizing these challenges, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) adopted the Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration Policy (CBRRP) in January 2025. This policy provides a comprehensive framework for stakeholders and practitioners to harmonize national approaches and enhance the implementation of reintegration programming across the region. However, for the CBRRP to achieve its full potential, it must be effectively integrated into national strategies and operationalized at the community level. 

A key opportunity identified in recent years is the expansion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) within DDRR frameworks. Engaging the private sector can unlock new avenues for vocational training, job creation, and financial inclusion, while fostering innovation and sustainability in reintegration programming. By leveraging the expertise and resources of private sector actors, DDRR initiatives can become more responsive to market realities and better equipped to support the economic empowerment of former associates and their communities. 

This regional workshop will bring together senior DDRR government counterparts, IOM program managers, representatives from the LCBC, development partners, private sector entities, and civil society to develop harmonized regional approaches that promote inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven reintegration pathways. 

Through this initiative, the LCB region seeks to strengthen regional coordination, improve programmatic design for socio-economic assistance, expand PPPs, and ensure that reintegration programming is gender-sensitive and inclusive. The workshop's outcomes are expected to inform future DDRR programming, donor engagement, and regional policy alignment, contributing to lasting peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin.

1. Workshop Objectives:

Following the workshop concept note included in Annex 1, the objective of the workshop is to: 

• Discuss socio-economic (SEC) assistance in DDRR programming across the LCB, focusing on how PPPs can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of rehabilitation, reintegration, and reconciliation efforts.
• Identify strategies and practices to strengthen the sustainability of SEC assistance, including diversification of support, private sector engagement, market linkages, job matching, and gender considerations.
• Foster high-level engagement and commitment from senior government officials to integrate SEC assistance improvements, encourage cross-border collaboration, and ensure gender-responsive and inclusive programming.