Sharjah Honours Konexio Africa at SIARA 2025 for Transformative Refugee Empowerment
In a prestigious ceremony held on 12th November, 2025, at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, honoured Konexio Africa as the winner of the ninth edition of the Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support (SIARA).
The event was graced by the presence of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Humanitarian Envoy for The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Sharjah Ruler, Chairperson of Sharjah Family and Community Council and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Refugee Children, alongside numerous senior officials and humanitarian leaders.
Konexio Africa’s win of the AED 500,000 award will empower it to expand its life-changing operations in vulnerable communities. Renowned for pioneering a humanitarian model based on education for employment, the organization aims to uplift refugees from poverty in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda.
The ceremony opened with the UAE’s national anthem and a short film that reflected on SIARA’s legacy in recognizing innovative global efforts in refugee empowerment and underscored the award’s profound humanitarian impact.
Delivering the opening keynote, Alya Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, reflected on the essence of the programme:
“From the outset, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi built a humanitarian vision centred on people, with dignity as the basic standard for achieving success,” she stated.
“Under H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi’s leadership, the emirate has translated these values into systems that enable humanitarian work to transition from care to empowerment, from aid to partnership.”
She concluded that each year’s award goes to excellence, but the true winner is the incremental global impact driving lasting change. She also voiced pride in Sharjah’s role in restoring balance amid global challenges and pledged to continue striving for justice and humanity.
This year’s award attracted 790 nominations from organizations worldwide. The jury scrutinised each entry for humanitarian impact, sustainability, positive changes in refugees’ lives, adherence to humanitarian principles, and transparency.
After a documentary tracing Konexio Africa’s journey since its foundation in 2019, Fabien de Castilla, Director of Konexio Africaec, said:
“At Konexio, we believe standing by the vulnerable is a duty, not a choice. To make this duty sustainable, we must build bridges between the social and business sectors, between marginalised communities and the global economy, and between refugees’ skills and companies’ opportunities. In the digital world, borders disappear, and with them come new paths to inclusion, dignity, and hope.”
“To better engage refugees in shaping solutions, we have set an ambitious plan for the coming years. In 2026, we will expand our digital training programmes in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, and beyond, and launch a new curriculum focused on future skills. We are also creating a social enterprise arm to employ our graduates in areas such as AI, data management, and customer support.”
“Receiving this award in Sharjah holds special meaning. The emirate is known not only for its culture and learning but for its humanity, embodying the compassion and cooperation that guide our work each day.”
A dialogue moderated by radio presenter Abdul Karim Hanif featured insights from Seth Mathias Sunya, Development Manager at Konexio Africa, and Fidel Mutuku, Operations Manager. Sunya highlighted the importance of forging partnerships and using technology for empowerment, emphasizing the persistent focus on achieving refugees’ self-reliance. Mutuku outlined Konexio’s integrated approach, citing operational management and numerous success stories as key to programme sustainability.
The evening also premiered the trailer of The Big Heart Foundation’s second documentary, produced with Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Sharjah Media City (Shams). The film chronicles Tumaini Letu, SIARA 2020 laureate, tracing the continuing ripple effect alumni have in restoring dignity and hope worldwide.
Konexio Africa was recognized for integrating technology into humanitarian action, linking education directly with income generation. The organization has trained over 8,000 refugees and vulnerable persons across Kenya, Malawi, and Uganda. Results are tangible: average monthly income has increased from a mere US$1 to around US$200, and employment rates among graduates reach 90%. Notably, women constitute 66% of beneficiaries, thanks to additional supports such as childcare at digital centres equipped with reliable Starlink internet.
The event concluded with TBHF’s call for nominations for the tenth SIARA edition in 2026, seeking continued support for practical, impactful humanitarian work.
The Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy and Support highlights that investment in digital skills and economic integration offers refugees a path to self-sufficiency and dignity.
Dignitaries in attendance included Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Charity International; Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director-General of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators; Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority, alongside senior officials, charitable organization representatives, and humanitarian supporters.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
