Empowering Refugees Through Digital Jobs: AYAN and SafeBoda Onboard 20 Riders

The African Youth Action Network (AYAN), in partnership with SafeBoda, successfully onboarded 20 refugee riders onto the SafeBoda digital platform, during a vetting and onboarding exercise held on the 14th–15th August 2025, at the SafeBoda Academy in Kyebando. This milestone highlights AYAN’s ongoing commitment, to equipping young people and refugees with tools for sustainable livelihoods, in the digital economy.

Breaking Barriers to Opportunity

The activity provided more than just orientation and training. It offered access to digital jobs—a pathway for refugees and host community members to improve their income, while ensuring safe and reliable transport services, for thousands of urban residents.

During the exercise:

• 30 riders were vetted, with motorcycles and smartphones checked for compatibility with the SafeBoda app.

• 20 riders were successfully onboarded and began earning immediately.

• 10 riders are pending onboarding, awaiting smartphones that are being procured.

AYAN ensured that even small barriers, such as faulty indicator lights or footrests, were swiftly resolved through partnerships with local garages. This practical, hands-on approach ensured no rider was left behind.

Driving Inclusive Digital Transformation

This initiative embodies AYAN’s mission, to empower youth and displaced persons, by creating access to dignified work opportunities. Refugee riders, once excluded from mainstream employment, now have equal access to the same digital marketplace as Ugandan nationals.

“Everyone—refugee or national—can join the SafeBoda platform provided they meet the requirements. This inclusivity creates equal opportunities and transforms lives,” said Eunice Acen, AYAN Project Lead for JobTech.

Why It Matters

For many refugee families, income opportunities are limited. Onboarding onto a platform like SafeBoda offers:

• Economic empowerment through flexible, sustainable income.

• Digital inclusion by equipping riders with app navigation skills.

• Community resilience, as refugees actively contribute to local economies.

This reflects AYAN’s vision of a society where young people and refugees are not left on the margins, but are active players in building thriving and innovative communities.

Lessons and Next Steps

While the activity was a success, challenges remain—such as ensuring timely access to smartphones for all riders. Looking ahead, AYAN sees opportunities to:

• Partner with more refugee-led organizations and INGOs to scale the initiative.

• Advocate for policy frameworks that further integrate refugees into Uganda’s digital economy.

• Expand onboarding programs across different settlements and urban centers.

A Story of Change

One refugee rider, after receiving his SafeBoda gear, shared:

“This is more than a job. It is a chance to provide for my family and to be part of something bigger. I feel included and empowered.”

Such stories illustrate how small interventions can spark transformational change, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

Join the Movement

At AYAN, we believe that youth are the heartbeat of Africa’s future. Through digital skilling, economic empowerment, and partnerships with innovators like SafeBoda, we are opening doors for refugees and host communities to thrive.

Be part of this impact. Support AYAN’s initiatives, partner with us, or share this story to inspire others.

 Contact us at: +256758307115
 Website: www.ayanafrica.org
 Follow us on social media: @AYANAfrica (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)

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