Introduction:

When people think about innovation, they think Silicon Valley. But I’ve seen some of the most brilliant, resilient innovation happen in the middle of refugee camps — where resources are few, but imagination is endless.

1. Constraint Breeds Creativity

In Kakuma, we don’t build with abundance — we build with intent. Every tool is repurposed, every network is real, every problem we solve has a name and a face. From creating offline-first education models to launching remote freelance platforms, we innovate because we must.

2. Systems Before Scale

What we’re building with Opengates, Pixart, and Reemar isn’t just about apps or logos. It’s about systems. We’re designing workflows that function in unstable power conditions, payment routes that navigate digital exclusion, and interfaces that welcome first-time tech users.

3. The World Should Be Watching

Innovation doesn’t trickle down — it can rise up. What we build in displacement today can inform how the world designs for inclusion, access, and equity tomorrow. Refugee-led ventures aren’t edge cases — they are test cases for the future.

Conclusion:

I’m not asking the world to feel sorry for refugee innovators. I’m asking the world to invest in us, collaborate with us, and learn from us. The margins have something to teach — if you’re listening.