Entrepreneurship against the odds: How microloans are helping displaced women in DRC

It’s a painfully familiar story. Driven by conflict, poverty, and climate change, millions across the Global South are trapped in an escalating cycle of displacement. As a result, those crossing borders in search of safety find themselves in even more challenging conditions.

One region most scarred in 2025 by ongoing conflict is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With more than 100 armed groups reportedly operating in the area, the war has displaced more than 7.1 million people. Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province with a population of 1.5 million, has seen an influx of 700,000 individuals seeking refuge in the past two years.

In recent weeks, UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the “special appeal for peace” calling for “an active and constructive role of all players -- namely neighboring countries, subregional organizations, the African Union and the United Nations” to end the crisis.

In these critical scenarios, children, women, and the elderly are the most impacted with consequences such as economic hardship, discrimination, health issues, and gender-based human rights violations. 

Vulnerable communities in the war-torn areas of the DRC

Humanitarian aid can provide temporary respite, but what about longer-term solutions?

Bridging Gaps has been active in three refugee camps in the Goma area, partnering with local agencies such as Remember Youth for Change and international funders like The Athari Group, to help female refugees rebuild their lives. We provide interest-free microloans for displaced women to access much-needed capital to set up small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. Our focus on training and business mentoring helps borrowers better understand and manage their finances, resulting in more sustainable economic practices and better long-term financial health. To create a positive ripple effect, we operate a unique pay-it-forward model that keeps funds in the community.

Bridging Gaps has provided entrepreneurs in the DRC with training and business mentoring.

We’re proud of our success stories that enable women to make use of local resources. Take 18-year-old Furaha in the Bulengo camp, who before the war used to work on her family farm. Using start-up capital of $65, she has established a small business selling local cooking spices, giving her the means to feed her four children regularly. Or Vumiliya in the Mudja camp, whose own small businesses were wiped out by the conflict. Having borrowed $40, she is now selling sweet potato flour and feeding her family of seven.

Microloans not only provide nutritious and essential products for communities but also valuable social support networks and a sense of hope. Kahambu, 40 years old from the Mudja camp summed up the situation for many women:

Kahambu Kasemengo, one of our inspiring entrepreneurs from Goma, DRC

“It’s not easy to live with nine children. It’s a dream when we are receiving food from humanitarian aid suppliers, but daily, it is my small business that helps me to take care of my family.”

These are just a few examples of women flourishing against all odds. Microloans are not a silver bullet, but they can play a significant role in helping individuals lift themselves out of poverty and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

Bridging Gaps is committed to driving lasting impact. We support a variety of ways to help us work in war-torn communities, such as through corporate initiatives or by individuals. To learn more, reach out to us at info@bridging-gaps.org.