DEMAC awarded new grant to boost Congolese diaspora-led humanitarian aid in DR Congo
02 June 2025
The global initiative DEMAC has been awarded an activation fund by the H2H Network to bolster diaspora-led humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
This project seeks to enhance collaboration between diaspora and local actors in North and South Kivu, focusing on strengthening fundraising capacities and supporting collaborative emergency relief efforts. Running until November 2025, the project will be implemented in close partnership with the Danish Refugee Council’s Country Office in DR Congo. Key objectives include:
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Conducting a comprehensive real-time review of current diaspora-led humanitarian initiatives to improve understanding of Congolese diaspora humanitarian contributions and their collaboration with local actors.
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Organizing online workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange, develop strategies, and boost collaboration between diaspora and local actors.
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Delivering crowdfunding training for diaspora and local actors to jointly create fundraising strategies, ultimately strengthening resource mobilization efforts.
"This project builds on DEMAC’s decade-long experience in supporting diaspora humanitarian collaboration and coordination,” highlights Adrien Bory, Head of DEMAC. “Diaspora efforts are still too often overlooked in the broader humanitarian response. This grant enables us to address gaps in coordination, fostering a more effective and sustainable approach to aid in DR Congo."
This project comes at a critical time, as the escalation of armed conflict in Goma in January 2025 has led to a significant deterioration of the humanitarian situation in eastern DR Congo. Intense conflict involving multiple national and regional actors has caused mass displacement, widespread insecurity, and soaring humanitarian needs on an already underfunded response. Over half a million people have been newly displaced, adding to an already staggering 6.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and over 21 million in need of humanitarian assistance.
As a member of the H2H Network, DEMAC joins 10 other organizations in this activation fund initiative, which is supported by UK Aid. H2H Network mobilized 1.3 million CHF to reinforce response capacity. H2H members’ service will fill critical gaps, supporting local responders and improving the overall quality and efficiency of humanitarian response. Through this project, DEMAC reaffirms its commitment to recognizing and supporting diaspora humanitarians, ensuring their vital role in meeting the needs of crisis-affected communities.
Photo Credits: DRC Congo, Unsplash
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